The Best in Live Music in BA

Our Local Expert Says:

The theater underwent renovations, with the grand re-opening occurring on the 100th anniversary of the building. Schedules are available online at the theaters’ websites.

Description:

Inaugurated on May 25, 1908 with the opera 'Aida' by Giuseppe Verdi, its architecture reflects the Italian Renaissance. The elaborate plaster mouldings, stained glass dome, sweeping staircase, sculpted busts with gold-leaf details, frescoes, French furnishings and gargantuan chandelier in the theatre hall are some of the elements which create the unparalleled opulence. Despite much needed structural maintenance, the acoustics are difficult to surpass. Some 2,500-theatre goers experience some of the world's finest ballet along with the Colón's own Ballet Estable, Filarmónica symphony orchestra and opera during seasonal performances. Guided tours are available during the week by telephone, or through the website.

Our Local Expert Says:

La Trastienda has an impressive lineup of Latin American bands and musicians, and shows there, among a lively, almost completely porteno crowd, are a great experience. You can find the schedule online or at the box office.

Description:

Anything can happen in "the back room": music, dance, theatre, parties, and usually under the cover of darkness in the wee hours of night. Diversity is the main attraction of La Trastienda. On Wednesdays you can learn to dance salsa and merengue, while any other day you can see a theatre performance by famous actors, or the presentation of a new record of a celebrated band (rock, punk, tango, folklore). This is a great venue for ethnic music fans. Before the show, you can eat empanadas (savoury stuffed pastries) or pizza "a la piedra" (baked in a brick/clay oven).

Description:

Music is the queen at this bar-music shop. This paradise for music fans allows them to listen to any band in computers with headsets while savoring a hot cup of coffee. Its modern aesthetics constitute a unique place. There is a natural garden in the back that features nice little tables under the sky, a perfect setting for warm, starry nights. Indoors, the carefully arranged tables harmonize with the dim light, candles, and selected music. Live music performances are on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30p.

Description:

This 1921 theater named after the 16th century Spanish author of "Don Quijote, Man of la Mancha," Miguel de Cervantes was rebuilt in 1961 after a fire. The stage was modernized and workshops were annexed. This is the most important theater for the production of plays by Argentine and Hispanic playwrights, and the country's only National Theatre. There is a museum where archives, costumes and photographs document criollo (local creole) theatrical history. Ticket prices vary according to performance.

Description:

In the San Telmo area, this is the quintessential "tanguería" from the Buenos Aires of yesteryear. They offer some of the best selections in music and dance. The style of the show is rather intimate; visitors can listen to the best tangos and view the world-famous dance steps while the live band performs the classics. The ambiance is always lively with amusing exchanges between locals and foreigners. At an old corner of the city, Bar Sur features all-you-can-eat pizza, and exotic tango performances.

Description:

Built by the prolific Argentine architect of the city's Obelisco, Alberto Prebisch, this theatre was renovated to recoup its former splendour. The European art deco-style characterises its hall and facade. Outstanding international and national performers have filed through this venue, including Gal Costa, Manuel Serrat and Silvio Rodriguez. Children's and adult musicals, such as Don Quijote, are commonly staged here. The theatre has a seating capacity for 3,800, a large lobby, a café and underground parking available. Ticket prices vary according to the performance.

Description:

Behind heavy curtains, homemade pastries - the house's specialty- are on display on the glass window. This is a traditional restaurant-patisserie, with prominent mouldings, wood veneers and 60's furnishings, with the added pleasure of soft piano music. There is a bar with a great variety of alcoholic beverages. Prices are moderate. The gastronomic quality can be appreciated in the fine way fish, pasta and cold meats are prepared. A place that kept its prestige and clientele throughout the years.

Description:

Once the home of international boxing matches, the Luna is the largest indoor stadium in Argentina, hosting some of the biggest shows and concerts in Buenos Aires. Many of these are classical music concerts, and the National Symphonic Orchestra often plays here. Though they had actually met previously, legend has it that a 1944 fundraiser here, for the victims of the San Juan earthquake, was where Juan Perón first met a very young actress named Eva Duarte, changing Argentine history forever. The "Night of a Thousand Stars" song in the musical commemorates this event.

Description:

Named after a local 19th century actor, this hall in the Teatro San Martín has opened its curtain to plays by such outstanding dramatists as José González Castillo and Roberto Cossa. This theater-in-the-round has seating for up to 600 circling the 35-metre diameter stage; an elevator platform is used as an extra stage and the orchestra pit optimises acoustics. Reservations should be made well in advance of a scheduled performance. Prices are affordable, thanks to government subsidies.

Description:

Live jazz is never off the table at this club. As many as a whopping 24 performances are organised per month! And jazz aficionados keep the pesos flowing. The entrance price varies according to the concerts and artists.