Spring is in the air. There seems to be an atmos-phere of excitement now that winter is moving on. What winter? Folks, let’s get real. Mojácar’s self-imposed hibernation Wake up, smell the coffee or roses and begin to realize that while winter days here might be a tad cool, they are by no means Cold and certainly not a reason to stay indoors bor-ders on the ridiculous.. We need to get out more and begin to breath life into this area all year round. Mind you, I’m not advocating us losing our quaint charm and suggesting we replace it with big city noisiness where the lights never go off. But c’mon, seriously!

I understand this area traditionally saw many businesses close during the winter or ‘off-season’ but this past season due to the weather, economic reasons, lack of tourism or whatever reasons, gave everyone a sense of nervousness and the result was that many businesses that might have normally stayed open, closed. It is my opinion and certainly the opinion of some local residents I have spoken to that local residents need and want something to do during the “off-season”. Perhaps many of the local residents thought the tradition of seeing places closed during this period continued to exist and by default, opted not to go out because they thought the local bars, restaurants and other businesses were closed. A good number of businesses did remain open. I’ve heard stories about people venturing out to have dinner and had to search for somewhere to go for over an hour. That’s a shame, now isn’t it? Enough said on that subject!

In Mojácar Pueblo you’ll find Rayo Del Sol offering live music on Friday nights. You can catch Clive Sarstedt and Derek ‘Big D’ Turner on those evenings. For more information call 690 747 124.

On Friday nights, Le Bistro in Albox offers live music from 8pm until late.

If you’re looking for something with a little Latin or with a Spanish flare, then head to the restaurant at Saliente which now features Flamenco every Saturday.

While in the El Pinar area, (between Los Gallardos and Bedar), check out Bar El Pinar. You’ll find live music every Saturday night with Jesse Alonso from 8pm and Atlantis on Tuesday nights. For Information contact, Janet or Kevin on 950 469 036.

You can catch the group Fig & Bucket with Jude, Jeff and Paul pounding out tune after tune on Sunday evenings at Sax On The Beach. If you’re a musician or vocalist, you’ll want to visit Sax On The Beach Restaurant and Bar on Wednesday evenings and participate in their weekly jam session. Check for live music on Friday and Saturday. Call 950 475 502.

With it’s dry run on February 27th and its’ debut evening on March 6th and 13th, the Valle Radio and Sax On The Beach ‘Quiet Storm’ program opened to great fanfare and success and has taken the area by storm!

It's a brilliant opportunity and fabulous way to showcase performing entertainer’s talents On-Air. Join the radio presenters each Monday evening in this unique entertainment program and be heard worldwide by the Valle Radio listening audience.

It's a great way to introduce your talent to potential venues or private individuals looking to hire acts. The program is open to all musicians, vocalists and comedians. Monday evening appearances are scheduled in advance. To sign up or for more information, call 950 475 502.

The public is invited to participate. Come enjoy the audience and celebrity interviews. The “Quiet Storm” show (for lovers, romantics and those wishing to listen to soulful and relaxing music) tapes from 9pm to 12 midnight. This live audience broadcast will be taped for airing on Valle Radio 89.8 FM Radio.

New to the music scene is Gala’s Bar and Restaurant, Starting this month, Gala’s will be featuring the singer Nicole Casey on Saturday evenings. Have dinner and enjoy a little live music as well.

Upcoming performances scheduled at the Maestro Padilla in Almeria include:

Mar 23 thru 26 The Musical “Queen”.

I understand the Rolling Stones might be appearing in Almeria. Keep your eyes and ears open for details about this concert.

I urge you to check out some of the venues in and around your area where you live or work to see what’s being presented during the week and weekends. Feel free to send me information regarding those venues you think other people would be interested in visiting for live music entertainment.

We invite all local restaurants, bars and other similar venues that offer quality live music entertainment to send us your schedules and itineraries outlining the dates and times of your scheduled performers and performances. By email, write to me at saxjohnson2@gmail.com. Deadline for inclusion is the 5th of every month.

Let me also remind you to keep your eyes and ears open for more information on this year’s planned jazz festival and concert series coming to Mojácar. If you’re interested in lending your expertise or volunteering call 950 475 502.

Venue	Town	Telephone
Aku Aku	Mojacar Playa	607 347 612
Aleqria	Mojacar Playa	950 615 064
Bar El Pinar	El Pinar	950 469 036
Bar Essential	Mojacar Playa	636 312 251
Bar Loro Azul	Mojacar Pueblo	.
Bar Pavana	Mojacar Pueblo	.
Blue Lagoon	Mojacar Playa	950 615 117
El Ancia	.	.
El Bistro	Albox	.
El Patio	Mojacar Playa	629 287 265
Gala's	Mojacar Playa	.
Hotel Tikar	Garrucha	.
Kimrick	Mojacar Playa	950 475 198
Le Bistro	Albox	.
Limelight	Mojacar Playa	666 968 776
Los Conteros	Villaricos	950 467 582
Lua	Mojacar Playa	.
Mirador del Castillo	Majacar Pueblo	950 478 228
Music Musica	Mojacar Playa	950 460 031
Palo Alto	Mojacar Playa	.
Rayo del Sol	Mojacar Pueblo	690 747 124
Sax On The Beach	Mojacar Playa	950 475 502
Sitio	Mojacar Playa	.
Tito's Beach Bar	Mojacar Playa	950 615 030