Hi all, this is Jack
It occured to me that there were probably some members out there, who played instruments in bands, or enjoyed singing Karaoke, and have recordings that they could share with us. Perhaps even let us know where they perform so that if we were in the area, we could go along and enjoy the fun!
Anyway to start the ball rolling, this is a band called "Overdrive" that I jam with at the Rock Bar Frontera, Avd. Costa Blanca, San Juan, Alicante. If you are in the area, call in for a glass or two and some fun!

John.

OMG NO I have seen many 'singers' who enjoyed karaoke in the past but they were the ONLY ones who did enjoy it GBH of the ears to everyone else.

Nice advert by the way.

having been a part time DJ onboard ship, designed and installed professional sound systems from Govt Buildings to Disco's I can fully understand the metaphorical shudder in your post.

and there was me thinking Saxy was going to spend more time in the home of karaoke - Newport IOW

hi jack... i'm a musician/guitarist/guitar tech & i want to relocate to the spanish costa's..in the UK my life is guitars & playing/gigging in bands, & would like that to continue (as much as poss) where ever i end up..is there a good live music scene in the Alicante area? is there any demand for good acts? i'v had horror stories from agents on the costa del sol, but unlike them i'm not chasing big money..thanks in advance for your time.. ray.

There is a lively live music scene in the heavily populated expat areas of the Costa Blanca, especially to the south of it. It has taken a knock during the recession but is now making a comeback, anything from the lone entertainer to big bands and increasingly popular jazz.

The best way to find the scene is through the popular Costa Blanca News, they have a whole section devoted to live gigs.

I have to add that some of the smaller and cheaper karaoke venues are awful beyond description.

I also have to add that Benidorm still has wall to wall entertainment, and some of it isn't bad, not bad at all.

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

I wish it was the "Home of Karaoke", then I could sing my favorite song -
"High Noon". That empties a bar in seconds!!!

Hi Ray,
As HBG says, the music scene took a hit due to the recession, but brits abroad will always want their music! The area south of Alicante (Santa Pola - Torrevieja) is good, with some great bands (check out "The Red Tops").
The Denia - Javea area was thriving, but I don't know how things are now!
Although there are some fantastic Spanish guitarists in my area, they are playing more and more "Heavy Metal" (YUK). So I'm going to spend more time in the I.O.W, as the scene there is very vibrant (they have a dedicated music school there turning out some excellent musicians), and I can pursue my other hobbies.
I'm an "Old Git" now, I play for free, so I just chuck the sax in the back of the car, turn up at gigs and get invited to "sit in". As was the case in the opening post. Great Fun!!!

John.

One of the better things about life in the sun is the availability of quality live music.
Even in our small Algarve resort we can listen to a different band, duo, soloist every night of the week in season.
Except in mosts of the expats owned bars where for some reason they think that " KARAOKE " ( song murderers ) is the best form of entertainment.
There is a distinct relationship between the quality and volume of those who sing ??? Karaoke and their intake of alcohol.
Which of course is good for the bars but not for all the listeners.

So if they don't like it, why do they go there.
They can vote with their feet!

Probably because we have a local restriction due to noise that prohibits many places offering live music after midnight.
Plus of course by then many on holiday are " relaxed " enough not to be too bothered about what noise is assaulting their ears.

Of course they do - its cheap and when pissed most people lose their inhibitions and make fools of themselves.
I would call it "entertainment" but that would be doing a disservice to most professional entertainers, such as those found in the bars round the corner.

Surely we have moved on from the fool dressed in motley, bells on his cap, prancing around and with people laughing at him - most definitely not laughing with him.

That's why we musicians are so popular

aye up again jack & ya'll.....thanks for the info, i'v been checking the area out & the rock bar frontera, seems as good as any place to meet other muso's, & not just expats, i don't speak spanish (yet) but i'm fluent in guitar.. i'm sure i could find some one to trade spanish lessons for guitar lessons... i'm with you on the metal thing, i'm more of a 60's-70's classic rock guy, zepp, hendrix, who, doors clapton etc etc.. i'll be investigating further for rental properties etc etc i have to say at first glance they do seem cheap....by the way, i'm new to forums so god knows where this reply will end up once i hit the (submit reply) button..

again thanks to all, & if something comes to mind with regards the music scene or on taking the plunge & loading up the van? who better to hear from than you guys? thankyou..

Ray,
Check out - Off Limits Bar Rock Frontera Alicante 2 YouTube.
This and the associated vids. will give you an idea about the music scene in the Alicante area.
The Rock Bar Frontera and The Texaco Bar, just up the road, are brilliant venues

John.

It's been moved to here!

John.