Social Scene Costa del Sol 25 Sept – 1 Oct 2025 Issue 2099
San Miguel fair Autumn exhibition
ON September 21, nearly 200,000 people gathered in Torremolinos for the vibrant Romeria de San Miguel, kicking off the San Miguel Fair, held from September 25 to 29. This much-loved Andalucian tradition, the region’s largest, celebrates the town’s patron saint with warm hospitality and festive spirit. The day started with a 9am blessing at the San Miguel hermitage, followed by a mass at Avenida de los Manantiales. A lively procession of decorated carts then paraded through main streets like Plaza Costa del Sol, Avenida
Palma de Mallorca, and Avenida Joan Miró, ending at Los Pinares for a traditional party.
For 85 years, the Romeria, starting at Fuente de la Salud and concluding at Los Pinares, has united locals and visitors, showcasing Torremolinos’ inclusive nature. The San Miguel Fair begins on September 25 at 8.30pm in Plaza España with a ceremonial lighting. From Thursday to Monday, the fair features daytime activities in the town centre and vibrant
nighttime events at the fairgrounds, ensuring a memorable experience.
On Saturday, Autonomy Day, Torremolinos will honour contributors to the town’s growth with medals. “We’re proud of our reinvented, flourishing city,” the mayor said, inviting all to join the festivities.
The Romeria and Fair highlight Torremolinos’ reputation as a lively, welcoming destination that blends tradition, community, and celebration.
Bundle of laughs
ESTEPONA’S comedy scene ignites on Thursday, September 25, as Stand-Up Comedy Spain and Louie Louie Live Estepona present a night of English-language standup at Louie Louie. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8.30pm.
Headlining is Scottish comedian Stephen Carlin, a deadpan genius praised as one of Stewart Lee’s top 10 comedians. Known for turning everyday absurdities into comedic gold, Carlin’s credits include BBC’s Comedy Underground and Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience. Critics call him ‘a new comedy original’ (Scottish Herald), with a cult following for his sharp wit and prolific writing for BBC’s The Now Show. Opening is Mandy McCarthy, whose relatable stories of family chaos and ageing captivate global audiences. Her warm, incisive style leaves crowds laughing and connected. Rising star James Danielewski brings high-energy tales of dating mishaps and Northern grit, earning praise as ‘an easy-going delight’ (Chortle) and accolades like runner-up in the 2024 Komedia New
Comedy Award.
Hosting is Nik Coppin, a Brighton-based Londoner with 20+ years of global performances, from Edinburgh Fringe to Hollywood. His charm and quick anecdotes, rated four-and-a-half stars by Melbourne International Comedy Festival, keep the night buzzing.
This intimate rock’n’roll venue opposite Estepona’s harbour promises cross-cultural laughs. Tickets are €10.79 on eventbrite. es. Don’t miss this hilarious night bridging generations and borders.
WEIRD and wonderful world of Artsenal Inoxis art gallery and workshop reopens its doors this autumn for lovers of art, music, socialising and all things creative.
To celebrate, Saturday, September 27, sees the inauguration of their eagerly awaited Autumn 2025 Exhibition with a host of artists exhibiting their wide-ranging styles, skills and imaginations.
abstract expressionist Daniela Dambrava, the Artsenal Inoxis art space.
There will be local artists, including abstract expressionist Daniela Dambrava, the highly skilled pencil works of Ellen Hertogs, figurative painter Marianne Praet, multimedia artist Lorena Salome, abstract artist Brigitte Reters, Maisy, Paul Bote, Jolanda, and of course the resident artists, the original steampunk Robert Heidegger, Chandy Haggett, and Entegux.
The exhibition opening events are always a big deal in Alhaurin el Grande and an excellent chance to meet the artists and chat with other fans of creativity. There is a bar and live music from Leon. The exhibition itself is on from September 27 until late November at Artsenal Inoxis art gallery, Camino de la Reina 3, Alhaurin el Grande.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos
Credit: AI
Torremolinos Romeria de San Miguel.
Nic Coppin, a bundle of laughs.
Credit: NC
San Pedro rocks
THE San Pedro Rock Festival, a highlight of San Pedro Alcantara’s cultural and rock calendar, is set for Saturday, September 27, at Parque de los Tres Jardines. Starting at 5pm, this free-entry event promises an evening of electrifying music and entertainment suitable for all ages. The festival creates a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with a children’s area, a market, and various food and drink stalls, ensuring a welcoming experience for all attendees.
The heart of the event lies in its diverse lineup, blending local talent with prominent rock bands. Headlining are Sex Museum, a cornerstone of Spanish underground rock, celebrating their 40th anniversary and showcasing their latest album.
Joining them is Los Pepes, a London-based band with multinational members, delivering high-ener-
gy performances. The festival also highlights local acts, emphasising stylistic diversity, as noted by artistic director Pepe Chapman. Five local bands will take the stage: Blue Solis, emerging from Rock Factory with a fresh, energetic show; B4 Midnight, offering a unique blues fusion; Mutación, representing San Pedro and Parauta with regional uni-
Kind Holidays
ty; Art Club Band, a beloved local staple known for unforgettable performances; and Abxenta, veteran heavy rockers closing the night with a powerful set. The 21st San Pedro Rock Festival promises an unforgettable evening of music, community, and celebration. Don’t miss this vibrant event, and consider bringing earplugs for the high-energy performances.
ON September 19, the IDILIQ Foundation hosted its fourth annual ‘Holidays that Change Lives’ Gala at the Safari Restaurant in Wyndham Costa del Sol, drawing 250 guests to celebrate its mission of providing free holidays to economically vulnerable Spanish families.
A key event in The Costa del Sol’s social calendar, the gala united local leaders, volunteers, and supporters, including Maria Rosa Morales, Regional Delegate for Development, and Francisco Jose Martin, Deputy for Care Centres, alongside representatives from Fuengirola, Benalmadena, and Mijas, including Mijas mayor Ana Mata.
Sponsored by the IDILIQ Group, the
event highlighted the ‘Holidays that Change Lives’ programme, known as Kind Holidays by IDILIQ, which offered 50 weeks of free accommodation in 2025 to families in need through partner associations.
Three families shared heartfelt stories of resilience and hope, underscoring the programme’s impact. Juan Miguel Marcos, President of the IDILIQ Foundation, praised the initiative and announced plans to support 100 families in 2026, thanking volunteers and attendees for their support.
Mayor Ana Mata commended the Foundation’s generosity, noting that these holidays allow vulnerable families to rest and create lasting memories.
Credit: IDILIQ Foundation
Raising a glass to Kind Holidays.
San Pedro Rock.
The Orange Tree Burger Cup
ALHAURIN DE LA TORRE will welcome the inaugural ‘The Burger Cup’ from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28 at the Recinto Ferial.
The highly popular burger championship, which has toured numerous Spanish cities, promises a delicious experience for street food lovers. Nine top burger brands will be competing, offering visitors to the food fair the chance to savour spectacular burgers and vote for their favourite to crown the event’s champion.
Dessert food trucks will also be on site, but bring some wet-wipes as this will be
scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at 1pm. Sweet-toothed visitors can indulge in desserts crafted by El Señor de las Donas.
MR Beast Burger, an international contender from the United States is making its Spanish debut.
Gluten-free buns and kid-friendly burgers will also be available, with prices suited for all budgets.
‘The Burger Cup’ will be open Thursday from 7pm to midnight, Friday from 7pm to 1am, Saturday from noon to 1am, and Sunday from noon to midnight. Admis-
MARBELLA’s charming Old Town is home to The Orange Tree Restaurant, an essential on the list for fine dining fans who don’t want to fork out an arm and a leg.
The restaurant on the east side of Plaza de los Naranjos is full of warmth with its rustic yet elegant decor, soft lighting, and soothing background music. The light, airy atmosphere and attentive staff make it perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxed lunch.
nade, elevate the experience.
The menu, refreshed every few weeks with seasonal produce, shows off the chef’s creativity with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can savour starters like pan-seared king prawns with chorizo or warm panko-coated goat’s cheese with apple and walnut salad. Main courses, such as herb-crusted rack of lamb with rosemary fondant potato or pan-fried John Dory with creamy dill mash, cater to both hearty and delicate palates. Daily home-made breads, like sage and feta focaccia served with tape-
The wine list makes this a popular choice with locals and offers a carefully curated selection of international wines beyond typical choices, with staff ready to recommend perfect pairings. For early diners, the ‘Early Bird’ menu, available from 5.30 to 7.00pm, provides a three-course deal at a reduced price. Open daily from 6.30pm to 11pm, reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.
Visit The Orange Tree at Plaza de los Naranjos, Marbella. For bookings, call 952 924 613 or 680 224 457.
The Orange Tree, Marbella.
A taste of Malaga
THE seventh Sabor a Malaga fair of the 2025 season is set to bring the rich flavours of the Malaga Province’s local produce to the Costa del Sol. From September 26 to 28, the Boulevar Mijas Costa in La Cala de Mijas will host this vibrant regional food fair, featuring around 30 producers from across the province.
Open from 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11am to 9pm on Sunday, the fair promises a delightfully tasty experience for food lovers.
Visitors can explore a wide range of authentic Malaga products through engaging activities such as workshops, tastings, and live cooking demonstrations.
Try Gazpachuelo Malagueño: a warm, creamy soup made with fish stock, mayonnaise, egg yolk, and sometimes potatoes or rice;
Ajoblanco: A cold almond and garlic soup, often called ‘white gazpacho’; Porra Antequerana: A thicker, heartier version of gazpacho from Antequera, made with tomatoes, bread, peppers,
garlic, and olive oil. It’s often topped with hard-boiled eggs, ham, or tuna. There will be ecological breads, typical cakes, and some of the best olive oils in the world. The event will also be carried along with live music, for a festive atmosphere that celebrates the region’s culinary and cultural heritage.
The Sabor a Malaga fair is a unique opportunity to connect with local producers, savour local products, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Malaga’s Little Big Band.
World Alzheimer’s jazz
Credit: SaM
BENALMADENA is joining the global commemoration of World Alzheimer’s Day this week with a series of events organised by the Association of Relatives of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Patients (AFAB) under the theme, ‘Equalising Rights’.
The activities hope to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, engage the community, and collect funds to support those affected and their families. The highlight of the week is a charity jazz concert, ‘Only Jazz’, scheduled for Saturday, September 27, at 9pm in the Benalmadena Auditorium. The main event will be the Little Big Band of Malaga, a 24-strong ensemble with musicians from across the province, including Benalmadena. Famed for its generational and gender diversity, the band delivers an ambitious
and inclusive performance committed to equality. Tickets for the concert are available for a €10 donation at AFAB’s headquarters on Avenida Ciudad de Melilla. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact AFAB on 952 587 803 or 699 215 542
AFAB have expressed gratitude for the community’s support and encouraged residents to participate in these events, not only to enjoy live music but also to contribute to a cause that has a positive effect on countless families. The initiatives seek to break down stigmas, encourage empathy, and build a more inclusive and supportive Benalmadena. The Benalmadena Auditorium is on Avenida de Rocio Jurado, Arroyo de La Miel, and the concert begins at 9pm on Saturday, September 27.
Night of unity & hope
THE PREMIUM GROUP Foundation invites the Malaga community to the ‘Malaga Solidaria’ Charity Gala on November 13 at 8pm at La Fabrica in Soho, central Malaga. This heartfelt event celebrates life, community, and compassion, supporting the Olivares Foundation, which improves the lives of children with cancer and terminal illnesses. Your attendance directly aids their vital work, bringing hope to young patients and families.
Andres Olivares, who lost his son to cancer, founded the organisation after his son’s wish to help other children. The foundation’s motto, ‘Soul, Magic, and Heart’, reflects its mission. The gala promises music, joy, and surprises for a memorable evening. More than entertainment, it’s a chance to make a difference, transforming lives and building a brighter future.
and contribution helps support Malaga’s most vulnerable.
Join for an unforgettable night of meaning and connection. Every smile
For details or to reserve, contact the Premium Group Foundation. Let’s make this evening a beacon of hope! Tickets are €70 per person, available at grupopremiummalaga.com/ gala-benefica-2025 . Be part of the change.
Sabor a Malaga fair.
La Fabrica in Soho, Malaga.
Free espetos party
MARBELLA is preparing for its 12th annual Moraga Popular, a perfect end-of-summer tradition that brings together locals, tourists, and expats for an evening of free food, live music, and beachside celebration.
Taking place on Thursday, September 25, at 8pm, this year’s event will be happening simultaneously across four beaches in Marbella: La Venus (Marbella), La Salida (San Pedro Alcantara), Levante (Puerto Banus), and Real de Zaragoza (Las Chapas).
For English-speaking expats unfamiliar with the term, a moraga is a traditional Andalucian beachside gathering centred around the grilling of espetos - fresh sardines skewered on wooden or metal sticks and cooked over an open fire in a boat on the beach. The quintessential Mala-
ga experience celebrates the region’s fishing heritage and culinary culture.
At the Moraga Popular, attendees can enjoy 1,700 kilos of sardines grilled to perfection, along with 1,000 kilos of chopped tomatoes, bread, and drinks, all provided free of charge. This year there is more teamwork involved than ever, with chiringui -
Suzette Moncrief
FB ON Saturday, September 27, Billie’s Piano Bar and Speakeasy in Torremolinos hosts a captivating evening with Suzette Moncrief performing soul, blues, and R&B from 9.30pm to midnight. This free event showcases Moncrief’s commanding vocals, a highlight of the Costa del Sol music scene.
tos setting up food and drink stalls while the Fishermen’s Guild handles the sardines and espetos in this celebration of one of the Malaga region’s most emblematic food traditions.
Everyone is invited to join the free celebration of Marbella’s coastal culture; savouring fresh, flame-grilled sardines under the stars is four huge beach parties.
Located in the vibrant La Nogalera district, Billie’s evokes a 1920s speakeasy with exquisite cocktails, delicious tapas, and a cosy, vintage atmosphere that complements Moncrief’s jazz-infused style. Originally from New York with Puerto Rican roots, Moncrief has called Spain home since childhood. Known for blending soul, funk, blues, jazz, and rock, she has graced stages like Málaga’s Teatro Cervantes and performed with artists such as Richard Ray Farrell and Paco Ventura. Her solo set will feature classics like Proud Mary and Valerie, plus tributes to Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, delivered with her signa-
Suzette Moncrief.
ture passion and audience connection. Billie’s, at Calle Casablanca, 22, is one of the best Torremolinos venues for live music, regularly hosting talented local vocalists, guitarists, and pianists. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the Costa del Sol’s finest vocalists in an unforgettable setting. Admission is free, making it a must-visit for music lovers seeking a soulful night out.
Biggest coffee morning
THE Blarney pub in La Cala de Mijas on the morning of Friday, September 26, will host the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, a global event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. From 10am, the community is invited to come together for coffee, cake, and camaraderie, all while raising vital funds to support people living with cancer.
The event, part of Macmillan’s internationally celebrated fundraiser, encourages participants to ‘bake it or fake it’ by donating home-made or shop-bought cakes, savouries, and treats.
Organisers are calling for contributions to be dropped off at The Blarney by 10am on the day of the event to ensure a delicious spread for all to enjoy.
Attendees can look forward to a lively morning with community
Coffee together time.
spirit, featuring exciting raffles, silent auctions, a ‘Guess the Weight’ game, and more. For those unable to attend, raffle tickets are available at 15 for €10, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Call Rena Carter on 648 102 568 for raffle tickets if you cannot attend.
Every cake donated,
every coffee shared, and every raffle ticket purchased makes a real difference. Let’s make this year’s coffee morning the biggest yet! Join the global movement this Friday at The Blarney and help brew hope for those affected by cancer. The Blank is on Bulevar de la Cala, La Cala de Mijas.
Angeles Muñoz at the Moraga Popular 2024.
Credit: Diego Lopez
Credit: Macmillan
Angelic voices
LOVE TO SING CHOIR, a community staple since 2018, is gearing up for autumn performances to support local charities. Led by musical director Shirley Helleur (BA, LRAM, LTCL), the choir is renowned for its vibrant multi-harmony renditions of popular movie and musical songs, rehearsing weekly to deliver exceptional performances.
This season, the choir will perform at three charity events. On October 3, they’ll take the stage at CIVIMA, Manilva Theatre, for St George’s Children’s Christmas Appeal, featuring violinist Tatiana Romero Vargas. The concert starts at 7.30pm (doors at 7pm), with €10 tickets funding toys for underprivileged children.
On October 10, the choir performs at the Auditorium, Mirador del Car -
men in Estepona, supporting Cudeca, a charity for patients with cancer and serious illnesses. The event begins at 6pm (doors at 5.30pm), with tickets at €5 (pre-booked) or €7 (at the door, subject to availability). Cudeca will collect donations and sell sunflower pins and bracelets.
On November 28, a charity dinner and concert at Fresco Marina Restaurante in Sotogrande Port will benefit Hogar Betania’s Christmas Toys Appeal. Ticket details are forthcoming.
For more information or tickets, visit the choir’s Facebook page (@Love2SingCDS), email love2singmanilva@gmail. com , or contact Maggie on +34 628 163 977.
The choir aims for sold-out crowds to maximise support for these causes.
Oktoberfest comes to Marbella
MARBELLA will host its own version of the world-famous Oktoberfest next month, bringing Bavarian culture and traditions to the Costa del Sol.
The event will take place on October 2 from 6pm, and on October 4 and 5 from 2pm until late, in the square on the Paseo Marítimo, right by the sea. Visitors can expect live music, Bavarian food and German
and Spanish beers, all in a family-friendly setting designed to capture the festive spirit of Munich.
Organisers have prepared a Bavarian-style beer garden, two bars to reduce waiting times, and a BBQ area offering traditional dishes such as bratwurst, bretzels and Leberkäse. Entertainment will include international melodies alongside classic oom-pah
music. The programme also features competitions such as Mr and Mrs Oktoberfest, a prize for the Best Dressed Bavarian Dog, and a traditional Stein Holding Contest. With its seaside location and lively atmosphere, Oktoberfest Marbella is expected to attract both residents and visitors looking for an authentic taste of Bavarian celebration on the Costa del Sol.
Love to Sing Choir.
An authentic taste of Bavarian celebration on the Costa del Sol.
Credit: Anne Bowles
Jaguar Celebration Event, October
Join the Celebration: A Weekend of Jaguar Excellence
THIS year, we mark two monumental milestones: 90 years of Jaguar and the 50th anniversary of the legendary XJ-S. This calls for a celebration of true feline grace and power!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of Jaguar indulgence from October 17 to 19. We’ll kick things off with an optional Friday evening get-together and dinner, where we can share stories and admire our magnificent machines.
On Saturday, the adventure begins. We’ll embark on a scenic car run starting near Marbella, navigating stunning Spanish roads before arriving in the picturesque, historic town of Olvera. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and a special car display. The day culminates with a luxurious Gala Dinner, where we’ll raise a glass and award prizes for the best-turned-out Jaguars. Your entry fee covers your hotel stay for Saturday night, as well as both lunch and the Gala Dinner (including all wines).
Sunday offers an optional, exclusive experience for the senses. We’ve arranged a tour and tasting at the renowned LA Organic Almazara olive oil facility near Ronda, followed by a firstclass lunch, all made from fresh, local produce. It’s the perfect way to cap off a truly special weekend dedicated to the cars we all love.
a first-come, first-served etc basis, are as follows:-
All Jaguar enthusiasts are welcome and you don’t need to own a Jaguar to participate. However, priority will be given to Jaguar owners in the event we are oversubscribed.
• 1 vehicle, 2 occupants sharing rooms: €195.00 per person
• 1 vehicle, 2 occupants, 2 x individual rooms: €240.00 per person • 1 vehicle, 1 occupant:
You can register for this super event by clicking on the link below or by going to the websites www.cscc spain.com or www.iberianmotoringevents.com
You can pay your Entry Fee by credit card or by bank transfer or you can pay with cash. You can also choose to register and pay for the superb Sunday lunch and olive oil tasting which is a terrific experience! Don’t miss it!
You can also go direct through this link: https://iberianmotoringe vents.com/events/celebra ting-90-years-of-jaguar-ex cellence/
Easy!
This is going to be a super event and I look forward to seeing many of you out enjoying the celebration.
Please note too that this event is being supported by the Euro Weekly News who will be covering the fun and games for the newspaper throughout all it’s Spain editions.
Candlelit tourism day
MARBELLA and San Pedro Alcantara will celebrate World Tourism Day on Saturday, September 27, with two free candlelit concerts. The event is described as a ‘special tribute’ to both residents and holidaymakers, after the success of last year’s celebration and its number of attendees. A spokesperson from Marbella Council said, “This is a well-deserved homage in a year when the city is seeing excellent tourism figures, with growth in quality and profitability.”
The concerts will take place in both Plazas de la Iglesia in Marbella and San Pedro Alcantara. In Marbella, the event starts at 9pm, with seating available from 8.30pm, featuring
a string ensemble performing classics by artists from ABBA, Queen, and Frank Sinatra. In San Pedro, the concert begins at 10pm, featuring a ‘classic and elegant’ flamenco performance by Ana Vega. Both venues will offer 200 free seats initially, first-come-first-served, with open access for standing attendees to enjoy the music.
With the expansion of venues to accommodate more people, with San Pedro’s location being chosen to perfect the event’s ambiance, the concerts hope to celebrate the region’s thriving tourism sector and express gratitude to the community for being so patient throughout the summer.
Homecoming
THE RABBIT HOLES, the Costa del Sol’s smoothest, most danceable rock’n’roll band, exude effortless cool with a soulful folk edge, perfectly expressing the cool spirit of Spain’s south coast.
Their music is the ideal companion for a sunsoaked Mediterranean day, mixing up some infectious rhythms with heartfelt melodies that soothe and inspire.
On Friday, September 26, The Rabbit Holes will bring the party onstage at Louie Louie, the Costa del Sol’s ultimate rock’n’roll venue in Estepona. Starting at 11.30pm opposite the harbour, this performance promises an unforgettable night of foot-tapping beats and irresistible and the most danceable sounds.
Frontman Sami James draws inspiration from icons like Fleetwood
Mac and The Police, infusing the band’s original songs with soul and authenticity. Formed in 2021, The Rabbit Holes blend original compositions with carefully chosen covers and a few originals, channelling the raw energy of 1990s indie rock legends like Oasis, The Verve, and The Stone Roses. Their distinctive sound features introspective English lyrics, signature guitar
Autumn Bazaar
LA CALA DE MIJAS Lions Diabetic Support Group is hosting its annual Autumn Bazaar on Saturday, September 27, from 11am to 3.30pm at Jardines Botanico, La Cala de Mijas, near Snack Attack and Bar Tuta. If rain occurs, the event will shift to October 4. Attendees can enjoy live music, unique stalls with items not found on the High Street, delicious food, exciting raffles, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
The bazaar is a key fundraiser for the group’s essential work, including glucose checks and community support programmes. Their Diabetic Support Helpline is available on 607 879 450 for
riffs, and polished modern production. Sami’s emotive vocals anchor the band, supported by Emilio Lopez’s captivating lead guitar, Salva Cano’s rich basslines and backing vocals, and Javier Tejada’s dynamic, precise drumming.
The Rabbit Holes play Louie Louie on Friday, September 26, at 11.30pm in Louie Louie Estepona. Entrance is €5.
assistance or information.
The group extends gratitude to sponsors: Ibex Insurance, Inspired Fragrances Herbalife Nutrition, Avalon Funeral Plans, Global Radio, Costa Connection, Snack Attack, Bar Tuta, Fay Newman (RGN) Nursing Care, and Helicopters Sanitarios. With more than 250 attendees at past bazaars, this year’s event aims to be even grander. Join in for a fun-filled day and support a worthy cause.
For stall bookings or more details, contact 607 879 450. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to vital diabetic support initiatives while enjoying a fantastic day out in La Cala de Mijas!
Free candlelight concert, Marbella.
Credit: Candlelight
The Rabbit Holes.
Credit: RH
opposites attract Cultural soup
ECCENTRIC
Swiss pianist Michael Arbenz and British jazz legend Andy Sheppard will captivate audiences at the Clarence Jazz Club with their innovative project, From Bach to Ellington. This concert blends the timeless elegance of J S Bach with the lyrical beauty of Duke Ellington, fusing Baroque counterpoint with jazz improvisation for a unique, emotional performance.
Their collaboration, built on years of mutual respect, draws from their new album, From Bach to Ellington, which merges original compositions inspired by Bach with reimagined Ellington classics. The result is a sound that balances historical reverence with modern creativity, defined by subtle rhythms, chamber-like textures, and striking melodic clarity.
Arbenz, a classically trained pianist with a passion for jazz, brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his studies in Basel. His career includes performances with jazz luminaries like Greg Osby and Ron Carter, blending rigorous classical technique with improvisational flair. She-
ppard, a leading British jazz figure and ECM artist, is renowned for his imaginative yet tradition-rooted sound. Having performed with big bands led by Carla Bley, Gil Evans, and George Russell, his evocative tenor sax complements Arbenz’s inventive style. This intimate, free-spi-
rited performance at the Clarence Jazz Club on Friday September 26 at 10pm is a rare chance to experience two musical worlds colliding. Tickets, priced €15–€20, are available at the box office (Calle Danza Invisible 8, Torremolinos) or online at clarencejazzclub.com
ESTEPONA Council is launching initiatives to unite its diverse population, with foreign residents from 135 countries comprising 32 per cent of the town’s population. These efforts aim to enhance integration and cultural harmony. Mayor Jose Maria Garcia Urbano highlights the deep connection both long-term and recent foreign residents feel for Estepona, where they build lives, families, and businesses.
The town hall is boosting collaboration with foreign communities to organise events, foster dialogue, and address their needs. New communication channels, including dedicated email addresses, allow residents to share proposals and feedback. The council commended the foreign communities’ contributions during crises like food drives, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Valencia’s DANA flooding, as well as their support for local charities.
A key initiative is the expansion of the ‘Sharing Cultures’ programme, celebrating the gastronomy, crafts, and traditions of Estepona’s diverse communities. On September 27-28, the seafront promenade will host Nordic and Ukrainian Days. Nordic Day on Saturday will feature Scandinavian food, crafts, and entertainment, including performances by Glenn Wish, Helene Wish Persson, a children’s choir, and a musical contest.
Ukrainian Day on Sunday will offer an artisan market, family workshops, a culinary festival, and a gala concert with Ukrainian singers and dancers. Residents are invited to join these events to celebrate Estepona’s rich multinational tapestry and strengthen community bonds.
Blues Room 2025
THE BLUES ROOM 2025 is about to ignite the Salón Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola on Friday, September 26, at 7.30pm. The now iconic international blues event, is returning by overwhelming demand, and promises an electrifying night of soulful blues performances and vibrant energy.
The Blue Stompers Collective leads the charge, joined by a stellar multinational lineup featuring Richard Ray Farrell (USA), Tina Bednoff (Finland), Mama Paula (UK), Paul Stylianou (UK), Mariano Gringaus Urrutia (Argentina), Iñaki Moreno (Spain), Ben Bergquist (UK), Claudio Tamer (Argentina), Federico Alvarez Martin (Spain), Javier Martin Aguilar (Spain), Angelo Flavio (Spain), and Olmo Sanchez (Spain). The diverse roster guarantees a thrilling blend of blues and boogie, sure to get au -
diences dancing in the aisles. A well respected highlight for Costa del Sol music fans, The Blues Room is selling out fast, with most tickets already snapped up. OrganiSers warn fans to book quickly to secure seats for this unmissable event. Tickets, priced at €20, are available online at the Salón Varietés Theatre website or by calling 952 474 542 . Don’t miss this extraordinary night of world-class blues at the Costa del Sol’s premier English-speaking theatre.
