You would never believe that a 15 minute cab to no specific hood on an early Monday PM would lead to by far the most culturally rich, South American experiences we have had to date. I mean, Mondays are usually shit or used for further needed weekend recovery.
The music of the country (in this case city) gather together to collaborate in what at first glance looks lke a gorified yet spectated drum circle (so already, this must be good). That first impression quickly redeems itself (faster than Lloyd when he exchanged the dog-mobile for the scooter) shortly after you walk into the old abandonned olive oil factory.
What was once the shipping and receiving area is now the home; more like the gathering place for the 2,500+ La Bamba crowd every monday night. Mixed with locals and gringos, everyone comes for one reason.. to dance and party. All you have to do is watch, listen and react to an inprov-band consisting of only percussion based (sometimes homemade) instruments.... One dude even just cut a tree trunk in-half, drilled a few holes through it and called it a day.
The 3hr session is lead by a composer who directs and improvised sound to create what feels like an an always uplifting and downright epic drum song... this blows away Garth's rehearsal in the music store ("I like... to play"). This amazing sound captures every history lesson, political demonstration (PS. We saw one.. it was epic and we got tear gassed), every unique neighborhood, resto-bar, speak-easy and dance club's essence (wow.. what a sentence).
After your 3rd litre of Quillmes, all self-conscience bones have been oiled up and greased (it didnt take me even a beer and Talia maybe 1) into a limp but controlled dance to the rhythmic beats.. think hippies-ska-hiphop-mosh.
To me, its how BA really expresses its true self. All band members and crowd from different pockets of this amazing city have their own natural tune and rhythm. But here, its one true, consistent sound...
These beats I keep talking about... They were the beats of La Bamba Di Tiempo at The Konex.
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| arriving at the Konex in the middle of nowhere |
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| grabbing some 1 litre beers before the show |
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| Cedric Joined us at the Konex |
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| the crowd as the show was starting |
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| night time view of the Konex |
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| the band on the drums |
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| the whole Bamba crew |
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