March Club Almonds

I really like March, although I don’t really know why – it’s not quite winter, but not quite spring yet. But there’s something about this month; a certain note of optimism that carries a glimmer of hope. Enough to look at the budding concerts – literally brimming with life!

Studio features a typically Polish lineup: Zakopower, promoted heavily on the British Isles by Nigel Kennedy (23 March), Hunter treating us to top sounds for over a quarter of a century (25 March), and a concert by Sikorowscy & Kroke (30 March).

On 9-10 March, Kwadrat will be taken over by reggae. During the 3rd Cracow Reggae Festival, positive vibrations will be provided by Maleo Reggae Rockers, Jamal, Indios Bravos, Duberman, and others. At the same venue on 7 March there’ll be a performance by Deathcore Legion Tour, featuring acts such as Textures from the Netherlands, Sylosis from the UK, and our home-grown Frontside.

Meanwhile in Fabryka they’re thinking of autumn instead of spring. Fortunately we’re talking about the 7th Kraków Jazz Fall, holding a kind of preliminary concert on 14 March. Ken Vandermark will present his special project, Resonance. This outstanding American jazzman will be joined on stage by other renowned improvisers, including the Swedish trumpeter Magnus Broo, the American percussionists Tim Daisy and Michael Zerang, and our very own Mikołaj Trzaska and Wacław Zimpel.

Finally, let’s take a trip beyond Cracovian clubs. There will be some excellent events in the Łaźnia Nowa Theatre. On 24 March, the queen of Sephardic music Yasmin Levy returns to Kraków. The following day we’ll be able to admire another charismatic personality, once ruling over thousands of devoted subjects-fans. Freddie Mercury perfected his outrageous performances and his ability to engage crowds. To commemorate the recent 20th anniversary of the passing of this extraordinary artist, the project Symphony Orchestra Plays Queen – held on 25 March – will feature the group’s hits performed by the Alla Vienna Philharmonic, and the 19-strong choir Vivid Singers.

No lover of classical guitar music can possibly miss the Auditorium Maximum of the Jagiellonian University on 18 March. Kraków will be visited by the virtuoso of this instrument and flamenco master, Paco Peña. Since 1970, the artist has been performing with selected vocalists, musicians and flamenco dancers as Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company. Get ready for a spectacular choreography, exuberant singing and perfect instrumentation.

It’s also worth visiting the pre-spring reconnaissance at Kijów.Centrum. On 2 March, Brad Mehldau Trio takes the starring role. The leader of the ensemble is a world-famous jazz pianist and composer. His music has been used in Hollywood productions including Space Cowboys and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by Clint Eastwood, Unfaithful by Adrian Lyne, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, and Wim Wenders’ The Million Dollar Hotel. Should be a perfect choice of venue.