Los Cardones, tu Rincon Salteno en Buenos Aires. A small corner of the Province of Salta here in Buenos Aires - just half a block away from my domicile.
Taking a break from tango I chose this convenient and pleasant alternative to spend Boxing Day evening. Of course la 'pena' only opens around 10:30 p.m. - perfect timing for a dinner of 'berengenas rellenas con guarnicon' - stuffed eggplant and mashed potatoes. That is my preferred menu item in this place since years - it always tastes the same (riquissimo) the only thing that has changed is the price, which has doubled since I placed my first order a few years hence.
The main attraction in La Pena is being able to listen to live music. The performances change constantly, with folkloric artists hailing from all Argentinian provinces appearing on stage. Many are of national renown, and attracting thousands of fans when performing large venues or popular and well visited Festivals, such as the one in Cosquin (Cordoba)
Los Cardones was packed again by about 11:00 p.m. when 'the action' starts.
Next on the Program....Cuervo (Raven) Cajon with his band - the percussionista is his daughter...
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| Packed House in Los Cardones The audience is definitely different from the tango crowd. Casual, enthusiastic, clapping, eating and drinking, and keeping active kids under control and nursing babies among the noise and chaos. I wonder how many of these little ones will have unimpaired hearing when they grow up....as the decibels are not exactly beneficial for ears of any age. |
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| Guitarist of Cuervo's band |
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| Cuervo....and his bandoneon |
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| Cuervo's daughter playing the bombo |
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| Duct tape....or something similar ...essential equipment to attach microphones to instruments... |
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| Most bandoneon players cushion their knees, but Cuervo defies convention....not sure wether the bandoneon wore through his jeans, or weather it's just another cool fashion statement. His playing was rousing and passionate... |
