FORECOMING SHOWS: JULY-AUGUST (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

In the next months (July and August), a large number of local and international shows will take place in Buenos Aires. If you love good music, Hostel Colonial suggests you some good alternatives for these winter nights.

ARTIST / DATE / PLACE

Pitbull (Reggaeton-Hip Hop), July 9th, Malvinas Argentinas Stadium (350 Gutenberg St.)

Pez (Argentine progressive rock), July 10th, Niceto Club (Niceto Vega and Humboldt St.)

Delinquents Habits (Hip Hop-Latin), July 17th, Teatro Colegiales (Federico Lacroze Ave. and Alvarez Thomas Ave.)

Tangoloco Trio (Electro Tango), July 17th and 18th, Velma Café (5520 Gorriti St.)

Fishbone (Ska-Punk-Reggae), July 20th, Teatro Colegiales (Federico Lacroze Ave. and Alvarez Thomas Ave.)

Petrona Martinez (Colombian Folklore), July 22nd, Trastienda Club (460 Balcarce St.)

Divididos (Argentine rock), July 30th and 31st, El Teatro (7800 Rivadavia Ave.)

Zeca Baleiro (Brazilian Popular Music), July 31st, Niceto Club (Niceto Vega and Humboldt St.)

Acontramano (Candombe), July 31st, Trastienda Club (460 Balcarce St.)

Lucas Santtana (Brazilian Popular Music), August 12th, Niceto Club (Niceto Vega and Humboldt St.)

Ricardo Montaner (Latin singer), August 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th, Luna Park (420 Madero Ave.)

Ismael Serrano (Spanish composer), August 13th, 14th and 15th de, Gran Rex Theater (857 Corrientes Ave.)

Willie Colón (Salsa), August 19th, Gran Rex Theater (857 Corrientes Ave.)

CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Today and tomorrow, you can enjoy the best exponents of Latin American contemporary art in the fair arteBA 10. This 19th edition of the most important modern art event of our city is in tune with the celebrations of the bicentenary. The gathering takes place in the Blue and Green pavilions of the greater exhibition center of Buenos Aires, La Rural (2704 Sarmiento Avenue), from 1PM to 10PM. The cost of the tickets is 30 Argentine pesos (7.5 American dollars).

arteBA is the largest-scale and longest-established event for Latin American art. Through the halls of arteBA transit the most outstanding art collectors and personalities of local culture. This fair is the moment in which galleries exhibit their best works of Latin American art, offering the assistance the chance to see collector pieces, as well as to discover the new art spaces blossoming in the region and the youngest avant-garde artists.

This must of the international art calendar has a special extra this year: a great participation of other countries. Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela, which celebrate their bicentenaries as well. This edition also presents the “Barrio Joven” (Young neighborhood) space, formed by young artists, potential stars of the contemporary art circuit. Barrio Joven is a chance for art collectors to acquire new original pieces.

Those who visit this great fair today or tomorrow (closing day) might see the “Petrobras prize” winning artwork, a prestigious prize that promotes emerging artists. The avant-garde art lands in Buenos Aires this week and contemporary art lovers can’t miss the appointment.

COMEÇOU A TEMPORADA DO SKI (Por Hostel Buenos Aires)

Mais temprano do esperado, e graças às chuvas antecipadas na alta montanha, começou a temprada do ski na Argentina. Desde meados de junho, os principais centros de neve de Los Andes se encontram em ótimas condições. Se visitar Buenos Aires e planeja ir alguns dias para desfrutar da neve nas nossas províncias da cordilheira, Hostel Colonial te recomenda alguns dos melhores lugares.

Os centros de ski mais famosos estão nas províncias da Patagonia e Mendoza. Falamos de Las Leñas e Los Penitentes (Mendoza), Chapelco, Cerro Bayo e Caviahue (Neuquén), Cerro Catedral (Río Negro), La Hoya (Chubut) e Cerro Castor (Tierra del Fuego), entre outros. A temporada começa tradicionalmente en julho, ainda que este ano tem se adiantado. Contudo, agosto costuma ser o melhor mês da temporada.

Todos os complexos contam com pistas para principiantes, intermediária e avançada, e instrutores que podem acompanhar aos esquiadores em cada etapa. Também contam com alternativas como pistas de snowborad e outros esportes (e jogos) de neve. Não falta um bom restarante aonde poderá recuperar energias ou beber algo quente para seguir desfrutando do espectáculo branco.

Desde Buenos Aires pode chegar a estes centros de avião (desde o Aeroporto Metropolitano) ou de ônibus (desde a estação terminal de Retiro, só umas quadras do nosso Hostel). Os preços da maioria dos centros de ski são acessíveis, o mesmo ocorre com o alugel dos equipes necessários. Ademais, estes lugares ficam perto de cidades que também vale a pena recorrer como San Martín de los Andes, Bariloche, Mendoza ou San Rafael.

BICENTENARY CULTURAL CENTER (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Opened temporarily days before the Argentine Bicentenary (last May 25th), the Bicentenary Cultural Center is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the last years. Located in the former Mail Palace (339 Leandro N. Alem Avenue, in the corner with Sarmiento St.), the plan combines exhibition rooms, places dedicated to music and several auditorium for multiple purposes, in a building that will mix the classic Porteño architecture with avant-garde proposals.

The CCB Project, as it’s known, was chosen among 40 candidates and foresees a large restoration process in the building (one of the most stunning constructions in our city) and its extension as a space for culture. The project contemplates more that 110 thousand square meters (only the part dedicated to exhibitions has been completed) which should be opened by the end of the next year.

The idea of the architects is to open the different spaces that compose the new building progressively. By the end of 2010, all the exhibition rooms for visual arts will be ready. It’s also programmed to show the rest of the wide collection of our Fine Arts Museum that’s stored because of lack of space. Some great painters and sculptors as Rodin, Picasso or Van Gogh will finally return for the public enjoyment.

When finished, the Bicentenary Cultural Center will be one of the largest cultural spaces in the world. A new place which will enrich the traditional Porteño museums and cultural centers net, just four blocks away from Hostel Colonial. For more information, visit the BBC project website.

WINTER IN BUENOS AIRES (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Winter in Buenos Aires starts today and until the end of September -when spring arrives- you can enjoy the coldest season in our city. Winter is the perfect time for visiting some of the many great museums of Buenos Aires, to know the traditional Porteño cafés, to enjoy some of the thousands of shows in the city which counts with more theaters per square meter in the world, or just to wrap up warm and walk by the streets of Buenos Aires.

The first thing you have to consider if you are to visit our city in the winter season is sunlight. Today, June 21st., is the day with less sunlight in the whole year (sun rises at 8AM and sets at 6PM, aproximately). From this day on, sunlight will be gaining some minutes a day, but it's best to wake up early in the morning if you are planning to enjoy the day.

As mentioned before, it's also important to carry warm clothes. The best way to warm up is the "layer-system" that allows you to put on or take off your garments according to the temperature outside or indoors. The average temperatures throughout the winter are between 3ºC and 15ºC (35ºF and 60ºF). There's no heating in the public transportation, but you'll find it in cinemas, theaters, museums, pubs, restaurants and every indoor place.

Rains are common near the seasonal changes (end of June and September). During July and August, climate tends to stabilize in cold sunny or partially cloudy days. Cold wind is also something to be aware of. You might prefer to use a scarf to prevent yourself from respiratory ilnesses that have their own season during these months. Winter arrived to Buenos Aires and Hostel Colonial is ready to warmly receive you for an unforgettable journey.

MÚSICA SUL-AMERICANA (Por Hostel Buenos Aires)

Desde o 1 até o 13 de julho, se apresenta o ciclo “Rumbos, Músicas del Sur” (Rumos: Músicas Do Sul), que traz grandes artistas da Argentina, do Brasil e do Uruguai. O mesmo se desenvolverá no “Complejo Cultural 25 de Mayo” localizado na Avenida Triunvirato 4444, bairro de Villa Urquiza, na Cidade de Buenos Aires. O objetivo é mostrar a grande diversidade musical que realiza hoje a região sul do continente americano.

“Rumbos” traz um original circuito de artistas emergentes e auténticos referentes da nova cena da música popular da região. Pela Argentina, apresentam-se: a folclorista Liliana Herrero, o afamado pianista e compositor Carlos Aguirre, Verónica Condomí, o dueto Luna Monti-Juan Quintero, Manuel Onis, Pablo Dacal, Los Nuñez com Ruiz Guiñazú, e o ascendente Dueto Orozco-Barrientos.

As propostas que chegam do Brasil são: Rubi, Alessandra Leão, Luiz Felipe Gama & Ana Luiza e Alessandro Penezzi, destacados pela sua singular riqueza e o jeito no que conjugan a vanguarda e a tradição da música popular brasileira. Desde a República Oriental do Uruguai, se soma o cantor e compositor Martín Buscaglia, estrela da nova canção uruguaia. Pode ver o programa completo aquí (só disponível em espanhol).

Como artistas convidados se somam os shows da cantante Noelia Moncada, da Surdomundo Imposible Orchestra integrada por uma verdadeira seleção de grandes músicos dos três paises participantes no projeto (Osvaldo Fattorusso, Martín Buscaglia, Martín Sued, Ignacio Varchausky, Mauricio Pereira, Caito Marcondes e Arthur de Faria), Mauricio Pereira e a deliciosa cantante Ná Ozzetti, do Brasil.

HEALTHY PRECAUTIONS (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Next week the winter starts in Buenos Aires. Since the beginning of this month and until the end of August, Argentina is on the precaution period for the transmission of the AH1N1 flu (swine flu). Although this year the epidemic is much more under control comparing to last winter, is always helpful to take some healthy precautions to fully enjoy your visit. Hostel Colonial brings you some tips to be aware of.

The first thing is not to panic. The A flu is a curable and preventable illness. This year already circulates the vaccine that can be acquired in any Porteño drugstore or applied for free in any public hospital. Those who have the vaccine shouldn’t worry about the flu. Even if you don’t have it, many medicines have proved to be effective against the virus (Tamiflu is probably the best known).

It’s important to visit a doctor in case you suspect you are infected. Specialists suggest going to the doc if you have two or more of these symptoms: fever over 38°C (100°F), catarrh, mucus on the respiratory tract, difficulty to breathe, muscular pain, headache or lack of appetite.

On the side of prevention, is suggested to cover you mouth and nose with the back of your elbow in case somebody near you coughs or sneezes, to throw the tissues after using them, to wash your hands frequently with water and soap or any alcohol-based cleaner, to avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth if you haven’t washed your hands, among others. The Buenos Aires City Government has more information in its web page (available only in Spanish) to make your visit perfect and complications free.

TANGO AND JAZZ TOGETHER (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

The Centro Cultural Torquato Tasso presents a season combining the traditional Porteño music, the tango, with jazz. As in those mythical musical evenings of the 40’s and 50’s, when American jazzmen visited Buenos Aires and were invited to join the tango orchestras; nowadays this tradition relives with the best musicians of our local scene. For lovers of fine music, for those who want to tray something different, here’s the best choice.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the “Tasso” (as Porteños know this place in 1575 Defensa St.) the show is on. On the side of tango you can see true living legends as Leopoldo Federico and his orchestra, Julio Pane, Hugo Rivas, Susana Rinaldi, the Sexteto Mayor, Néstor Marconi, Lidia Borda and Ariel Ardit. The jazz will be represented by four heavyweights of this genre as Luis Salinas, Jorge Navarro, Walter Malosetti and Mariano Otero.

Although many people consider this genres to be pretty different, the major figures of these evenings speak of a fluent relation between jazz and tango. Both styles come from popular music, share black roots and are strongly associated to the development of metropolis. Who cares if they have had different evolutions? For a time now, they have been moving towards a similar direction: fusion, a place where they can meet today.

Tango-Jazz season will last until the last week of August. The cost of the tickets is 100 Argentine pesos (25 American dollars). An incredible chance to see the best performers of Argentine tango and jazz, combining their magic live.

Para una versión en español, haga click aquí.

BARES PARA ASSISTIR À COPA DO MUNDO (Por Hostel Buenos Aires)

Há lugares ideais para os amantes do futebol. São esses bares temáticos, dedicados ao esporte favorito dos argentinos, que transmitirão cada jogo da Copa do Mundo de Sul África 2010 e oferecerão o ambiente necessário pela discussão prévia e posterior de cada jogo. Bandeirolas e camisas de futebol pelas paredes, fotos de velhos e gloriosos times de futebol local e da seleção nacional. Todo o necessário e, ademais, boa comida.

Um dos mais famosos é “Locos por el fútbol”, localizado na rua Azcuénaga 1896 (entre Gral. Las Heras y Vicente López, Recoleta). Cheva mais de dez anos deleitando aos torcedores. O lugar têm monitores e telas especialmente situadas para que os clientes possam desfrutar dos jogos. Se sugere fazer reserva anticipada, já que há muitos escritórios na área e o pessoal aproveitará o lugar para assistir aos jogos.

Outro clássico é uma churrascaría localizada no bairro tanguero de Almagro: “La Popular”. Na rua Lavalle 3602 (esquina com Mario Bravo), este velho armazém reciclado é um lugar obrigado de reunião desde 1998. Valioso não só pelo seu eterno espírito esportivo mais também pela sua excelente carne à grelha. Uma combinação ideal para desfrutar a Copa do Mundo em família ou com amigos num ambiente que respira futebol.

Finalmente, um lugar para os amantes da história: “El banderín”, na esquina de Guardia Vieja e Billinghurst, Almagro. Declarado “Café Notável” da Cidade de Buenos Aires, encheia de futebol a esquina desde 1929. Seu dono, conhecido torcedor do River Plate, escolheu o nome do bar da decoração principal (está coberto de bandeirolas de todos os times do pais). Um ambiente tradicional e popular para desfrutar da Copa de Sul África 2010.

WORLD CUP FOOD (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 starts on Friday and Argentina is ready to enjoy it. As every sports loving country, the matches of the national team represent for Argentines more than just a game: they are rituals. First, we gather our football junkie friends. Second, we wear the official jersey and set the lucky charms. Finally, we think of food and beverage. This, food, is also a fundamental part of the World Cup.

Each World Cup has had its meal, according to the time of the day the matches are transmitted. Corea-Japan 2002 was ideal for nights out, heavy drinking and a snack. World Cups in the American continent are meant for supper/dinner and this World Cup, in almost the same time as the ones played in Europe, are ideal for breakfasts and lunches.

The matches are scheduled at 8.30AM, 11AM and 3.30PM (local time). The first one invites to the traditional Argentine breakfast: coffee and milk with croissants, which Argentines enjoy in cafes during the week or at home in the weekends. The 11AM matches are the more complex ones. A hybrid between breakfast and lunch will be the apparent choice. People will add different kinds of sandwiches to their breakfast and some will go for a “picada” (snacks, cheeses and cold meats) with beer.

The 3.30PM matches will be the most enjoyable ones. During the week, Argentines will prefer pizza and empanadas, with beer or red wine. In the weekend, this time and the 11AM matches will be accompanied by “asado” (the Argentine barbecue). Argentina’s debut (next Saturday, 11AM) will cover the city with the smoked smell of an asado with family or friends. This tradition will be repeated in the grill bars located in Downtown, close to Hostel Colonial that might recommend you which are the best ones to enjoy the World Cup with Argentine meat.

FOOTBALL/SOCCER WORLD CUP IN THE CINEMA (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Can you picture yourself joining the queue for the cinema with you football/soccer jersey on as if you were to enter the stadium? By the end of this week that will be possible. That, and much more. The traditionally respectful and quiet atmosphere of the cinema will become a great pub for football/soccer fans. To argue about a specific play with the person sitting next to you, to shout out loud and to chorus the name of the major figures is possible with the World Cup transmitted in the cinemas.

Last week, the FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) authorized the Argentine cinemas to transmit the South Africa 2010 World Cup matches. Starting with 10 matched -yet to define- (including the Argentina’s National Team matches), all with high definition sound and image. Although without the HD technology, the experience has a precedent in our country: the Argentina’s World Cup in 1978.

According to sources of the main cinema networks that count on this technology, the tickets will cost 100 Argentine pesos (25 American dollars) and will include some kind of free food and beverage. They estimate that tickets will be sold out very soon due to the high demand, especially in the City of Buenos Aires and its outskirts. Between today and tomorrow, tickets will be available. Don’t miss the chance to live a lifetime experience: the warmth of the crowd and the passion of football/soccer, now in the cinemas.

OPÇŌES PARA UM DIA DE CHUVA (Por Hostel Buenos Aires)

Os dias de chuva, tão comuns em Buenos Aires durante o outonho, são ideais para passar algumas horas refugiado no cinema. Claro que isso pode se voltar um problema se nosso idioma nativo é ddiferente do espanhol. Boa sorte então que a cidade oferece opções para (quasi) todos os requerimentos. Os millões de brasileiros que nos visitam, e os amantes do cinema brasileiro e sul-americano têm seu lugar provilegiado na Embaixada do Brasil em Buenos Aires.

Todas as terças-feiras de junho às 19 hs, com entrada livre, se organiza o ciclo de documentário “Cinema na Embaixada”. No auditório da Embaixada do Brasil (Cerrito 1350, 10 quadras desde o Hostel Colonial) se projetam quatro filmes em idioma original português e com legendas em espanhol para que possa desfrutá-los um público variado.

O programa começa na terça 8, com “Maria Bethânia: Música é perfume” (Dir.: Georges Gauchot, 82min). O filme é narrado pela cantante e compositora e da uma olhada intrspetiva da esfera intima do seu processo criativo, se concentrando também na história da música brasileira. Logo, na terça 15, apresenta-se “Oscar Niemeyer: A vida é um sopro” (Dir: Fabiano Maciel, 90min) que conta cómo o destacado arquiteto concebeu seus principais projetos. A forma em que revolucionou a arquitetura moderna com a introdução da linha curva e a exploração das novas possibilidades do cimento.

Na terça 22 poderá se assistir a “Noel Rosa: O poeta da vila” (Dir: Ricardo Van Steen, 96min), filme que refleta a intensa vida do compositor e cantante carioca, circulando pelas rádios e cabarés da zona bohêmia do Rio, até seu trágico final. Finalmente, na terça 29, se projeta “Cazuza: o tempo não para” (Dir: Sandra Werneck y Walter Carvalho, 98min) inspirado na emocionante e corajoso testemunho de Lucinha Araújo, a mãe do Cazuza. O filme narra um pouco mais de dez anos da breve e louca vida do cantor.

FOOTBALL/SOCCER WORLD CUP IS COMING (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

For a football/soccer loving country as Argentina, the World Cup isn’t just another game. South Africa 2010 will be a unique moment for millions of Argentines that will remember it for 4 years wile waiting for the next one. As football/soccer fans, Argentines will want to watch not only their national team’s matches but every game there’s on TV. They calculate every possible match that comes on the future and try to guess the luck of their long time rivals. The World Cup starts next week and Hostel Colonial tells you how to enjoy it in Argentina.

The first important thing is to know the dates and times of the matches in Argentine time zone. The World Cup starts on Friday June the 11th and ends on Sunday July the 11th. The three scheduled times are at 8.30 AM, 11 AM and 3.30 PM local time. A World Cup for extended breakfasts and lunches. Pubs and restaurants are the favorite places for Argentines to watch the games. Watch Out, they will be crowded.

During the matches (especially those that Argentina will play), the city will be –literally- stopped. People gathered round the TV’s in shops windows, listening to the radio in the public transportation or staring at the giant screen located in front of the Obelisco, anywhere. If you want to go to a pub, make sure you make a reservation before (and somewhere close to the main screen).

The experience won’t be complete until you see the sky-blue and white shirts, with the endless arguments in houses, pubs and streets about the games played and those to come, with predictions, tips and bets. During the month of the World Cup, media will transmit nothing but football/soccer and the social mood will be measured by the path of Argentina in the competition. To watch a World Cup is always special, but to live it in Buenos Aires, Argentina is even better.