That was one faboulous evening!
I read a few weeks ago this small insert in one of Barcelona’s numerous free magazines. It was referring to an evening of blues concert in a museum every friday from January to end of March. Intriguing…I did not act on it immediately but eventually invited friends to join in one evening.
The concert started at 6 pm so we had to leave the office (some of my friends are also my colleagues) at 5 pm. That is a tough one, I am the kind of office freak that stays in the office not being able to leave my desk early even when I have done my hours – but we make our way.
I have never heard of The Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM) before. I have actually passed in front of it but I never paid attention. The entrance is promising… the facade of an old renovated palace. I like the look of the staircase and I cannot wait to see inside. And waow…we enter bright rooms filled with colourful, expressive and beautiful paintings as well as sculptures. This is a feel good moment! Then I see my friends that have arrived earlier, a drink in hand and…a bar. Yay, you don’t always get to drink in a museum. This is so cool!
We get our drinks and can even sit. I am a bit disappointed not to see the band but we arrived late so we are already lucky to be seated. One friend Z and I walk around a bit looking at the paintings, listening to the music. I don’t remember having seen art like this before. I have visited several museums in my life: the Louvres, the MET, the two Guggeinhem museums, the Tate Modern (now that I think of it I am quite cultured ;)), Dali’s museum in Figueres and so on but I don’t have vivid memories of art like this.
For a moment, I wonder if some of these pictures are photomontages because they look like real photos. It is even confusing when the image depicts modern situations like two girls making faces taking a selfie. But these are paintings. Meet with Figurative Art. It seems like this art style is about representing things as they are in real life. Well, I am impressed by the art represented in this museum. And I am happy to discover and learn about something new.
And the music? What about the music?
Well, it is a swing band playing US standards: Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone all the good stuff America had to offer during the 50s. The singer has a powerful voice, the band is great and diffuses some strong positive energy and a lot of passion. They enjoy themselves a lot during this concert and so does the public. They watch the band fascinated. And we, my friend Z and I, we dance in our own corner of the museum and we have fun surrounded by beautiful art.
That was a fabulous evening. That was my kind of evening: great music, art, nice vibes, nice friends, one drink and good time….
This event repeats every year so check out the website for next year. I will definitely come back and have. Miquel Roldan Swingtet Trio @ Friday’s blues in the MEAM – http://www.meam.es.