Ibiza - the island blessed by Bes, the Egyptian God of Music and Dance. A magical place that comes alive with sound all day, every day in the summer, and a lot of the time in the winter too. Ibiza and music come hand in hand. A marriage made in the disco.
So we all know about the superclubs, the beach bars, the pool parties and the nightlife. But where do the locals like to go to get away from the crowds and embrace all different types of music? Well I've picked out a few little gems which I think embody the spirit of the island and where we tend to congregate to pay homage to the unique musical lifeline that zaps through Ibiza's soul...
Pikes On Sunday
Pikes is a wonderful place anyway. The quirky hotel where Club Tropicana was filmed is a labyrinth of curios and crazy trinkets and is a welcome respite from the big hotels and pool parties that you find elsewhere on the island. Every Sunday, the founders of the legendary We Love... Space on Sunday, Mark and Sarah Broadbent, along with Mark's brother Andy, take over the venue all day and all night with a strict music policy of no mainstream house. Calling upon their extensive network of superstar DJ friends, they ask their guests to play the stuff they play at home but never get the chance to play in clubs. You can expect Scuba to play an afro set, James Zabiela to play Balearic and a whole host of other big shot names indulging in some lazy poolside vibes.
Insider Info - The Sunday roast and the Bloody Marys are the best on the island. Reserve a table in the enchanting courtyard restaurant and clear your diary for the day. This is one place you just will not want to leave...
Teatro Pereyra
This beautifully restored historic theatre in the centre of Ibiza Town is home to a gorgeous bar where live music is the order of the day. With acts ranging from salsa to rock, the island's residents in the know come here regularly for a dose of music played on real instruments and a welcome change from the usual clubs. The place oozes character and the house band certainly know how to get the crowds going. The seating on the mezzanine is comfortable and inviting. The perfect place to while away an evening in town.
Insider Info - Drinks prices double when the band come on. Although pricey, you would probably pay good money for a live performance of this calibre anyway, so as long as you are prepared, you won't get too much of a shock!
Wax Da Jam at Las Dalias
A highlight of the local's summer calendar, Nightmares on Wax take over the whole of Las Dalias hippy market for a series of events each year creating a festival-like atmosphere with some of the best music you will hear in Ibiza. With their roots firmly planted in soul, funk, hip-hop and breakbeats, this is the night that us locals go to in order to dance, dance, dance! DJ E.A.S.E and his crew make you feel like you are at a carnival with live music, stalls and soul food in the garden and low-slung, funky beats inside the intimate club. Wax Da Jam is always in full attendance from the island's finest movers, shakers and celebrities, joined together in an unpretentious atmosphere through the love of great music. Definitely one not to be missed.
Insider Info - Although Wax Da Jam has been stripped back to just 3 events this year, the headliners are pretty intergalactic! Nightmares On Wax's live soundsystem show will be accompanied by Mark Farina from Mushroom Jazz, Bonobo playing a DJ set, Daddy G from Massive Attack and A Guy Called Gerald busting out a special one off old school hip hop set. Absolute class.
Raco Verd
Located in the charming town of San Jose, Raco Verd showcases local Ibiza talent in the alluring confines of their stunning courtyard. The live music ranges from Brasilico to Flamenco and is an excellent alternative to the hecticness of big booming clubland. Families are welcome and the friendly atmosphere and excellent service adds to the all-round experience.
Insider Info - The food and drinks are worth a mention. Raco Verd do tapas very well and the extensive and unusual cocktail menu is out of this world and reasonably priced. Served in HUGE glasses and freshly made to order, I advise you to start at the top and work your way down in a systematic fashion before taking to the dancefloor with added confidence!
So there you have it! Ibiza is not only about the clubs and dance music. Scratch beneath the surface and you'll find an array of alternative events to satisfy all musical tastes.
Next week, N is for Naturist. The island's best beaches and spots to get naked...
WORDS | Leena Sharma
