We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Jazz series at CONGO Bar. This series, called “Congo Square,” pays tribute to an iconic and essential place in the history of jazz.
What is Congo Square?
During the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries, and the first half of the 20th century, Congo Square, located at the intersection of St. Peter and North Rampart Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, was the epicenter of spontaneous musical gatherings and folk dances. This vibrant and multicultural space, known today as Beauregard Square, is considered one of the key points in the development of traditional jazz. Here, African, Caribbean, and European rhythms fused, giving birth to a new sound that would revolutionize music forever.
Why “Congo Square”?
At CONGO Bar, we want to recreate that magical and creative atmosphere where music flows freely, and every performance is a celebration of the history and evolution of jazz. Our “Congo Square” series will be a space to discover new talents, enjoy great legends, and, above all, experience the passion and energy that only jazz can offer.
Jazz Series “Congo Square” at Club Congo
This July, Club Congo presents the “Congo Square” jazz series, a unique event that brings a variety of concerts to the local scene with prominent artists of the genre. Every Wednesday, the Club’s doors open at 7:00 PM, and the shows start promptly at 8:00 PM. The Club Congo stage will vibrate with performances by talented musicians who will explore different facets of jazz. Each night promises a unique and diverse musical experience, ensuring there is something for every jazz lover.
The series is presented by Blackie FM 89.1, the only jazz radio station in Buenos Aires. Don’t miss any of these nights at Honduras 5329, Palermo.
Here are the artists who will be performing:
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, August 7 – Delfina Oliver Quintet – Jazz Icons Accompanied by:
- Pablo Raposo on Keys
- Andrés Hayes on saxophone
- Mauricio Dawid on double bass
- Marco Scaravaglione on drums
The singer kicks off her performances of the year, accompanied by her group formed by prominent figures of the local jazz scene. Together, they will perform a repertoire of classic jazz standards, covering those made famous by iconic figures of the genre, from Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, or Frank Sinatra, to those less known to the general public like Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, or Nancy Wilson. The singer and her group will interpret classical composers ranging from Cole Porter and George Gershwin to Miles Davis, Oliver Nelson, Charles Mingus, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, and Leonard Bernstein, among others, in a night that promises a taste of the best jazz.
- Wednesday, August 14 – Melmac
- Andrés Hayes on tenor saxophone
- Patricio Carpossi on guitar
- Hernán Mandelman on drums
They present their first self-titled album, Melmac. Over 10 years ago, Melmac was formed, a trio made up of musicians who used to get together to play jazz standards and gradually began to develop original music. Standards remain an important part of their repertoire. They are now in the process of creating their second album, which will include both original compositions and pieces by Monk and Tristano.
- Special Edition Saturday, August 24, 9:00 PM
- Greta Kohan is a young jazz & blues singer, born in La Cumbre, Córdoba, on August 31, 1990. She has lived in Spain, Argentina, and currently in New York, where she develops her musical career and vocal studies. She studied with prominent singers such as Grace Cosceri, Guadalupe Gómez, Chany Suarez, Deborah Dixon, Jay Clayton (USA), and Darnell White (USA). She led her jazz and blues quartet for two years alongside Lucas Ferrari on piano, Fernando Montardit on guitar, Hernán Fridman on double bass, and various guest musicians. She has performed at Notorious, Sheldon, and other venues, paying tribute to the great Nat King Cole. She also joined the Boulevard Gospel Singers (traditional Gospel) led by Gabriel Gratzer, performing continuously in different churches and venues such as La Trastienda. Whether alone or accompanied, she has sung on important stages like Notorious, La Trastienda (Jam, Escuela de Blues), Sheldon, La Dama de Bollini, and Centro Cultural.
- Wednesday, August 28 – Joanna Maddox, singer and actress from Atlanta, USA, who has been living in Buenos Aires since 2014, presents a repertoire of Jazz, Blues, and Soul. She is accompanied by three excellent musicians from Buenos Aires. She pays tribute to Nina Simone, with Joanna Maddox on vocals. The singer recreates Nina Simone’s concerts from the late 60s/70s, focusing on the most Afrocentric aspect of the renowned African American singer and pianist.
