The scene at the Harlem Jazz Club in Barcelona; photo by panic

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona—All year long, but especially during summer months, Barcelona’s balmy air is filled with music. From opera to blues, pop music to jazz, the city offers up music daily. Since most of us can’t pay the big bucks to see major acts on tour here, I’ve put together a list of a few places where concerts are cheap—or better yet—even free. Enjoy.

Harlem Jazz Club

Despite the name, this club offers more than jazz.  Six days a week, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays), Harlem offers a diverse line-up. Going to Harlem is a local tradition, where you may not know what will be on that night (Read: They used to post the schedule on-line, but no longer do this.), but you can be sure the vibe will be fun and different. Case in point? The last time I went there a Flamenco-Brazilian band was playing a jam set of groovy fusion. Expect to spend €8 for entry and a drink.

Address: C/ Comtessa De Sobradiel, 8
08002 Barcelona
Tel: 933 100 755

Jazz Si

Located in the Raval, this place fills up fast. Concerts start promptly at 9 PM and because they are inexpensive (€7 a pop), they usually sell out. Your best bet is to arrive a half hour early and wait in line to be assured a spot. Check out the line-up via their Web site. Recent concerts featured flamenco, salsa, and pop.

Address: Requesens, 2

Monasterio

This small, but hoppin’ club offers live music every night of the week, plus jam sessions a few times a week. That’s right, Cheapos. During a jam session, even you can play for the house! Tucked away in Barceloneta, most concerts at Monestario cost about €6 though jam sessions are free of charge. Like Harlem, this is a great place to drop into when you feel like taking in some music and maybe getting a surprise or two. A jam session occurs every Sunday night. For more info, visit Monestario’s Web site.

Free concerts in the park

This summer there are free concerts every Friday in Ciutadella Park (city center). It should be said that sometimes these shows are fantastic and at other times they are a yawn. However, it’s really nice to be out in the park, under the stars, listening to the nearby frogs and smelling the aroma of sweet blooming night flowers. Bring a picnic and a couple candles and set up in the grass near the stage. These concerts start at 10 PM and run for about an hour. For a schedule and more, go here.

About the author: Regina W. Bryan is a Barcelona-based freelance writer and photographer. When not eating tapas and exploring Europe, she is tending her balcony’s veggie garden and practicing Catalan. For more of her thoughts on Spain, check: www.regwb.com and www.thespainscoop.com.

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The hills are alive in Salzburg, with the sound of Mozart, the von Trapp family, and music programs! The high note to most any performance, too, is that the guides and programs can be picked up for a song, or for free.

Note-worthy souvenirs

Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is home to numerous music festivals, classical concerts, and innumerable musical performances.

The Slazburger Festspiele (Salzburg Festival), from late July to the end of August, is the year’s biggest musical celebration. Events take place daily in locations around the city and music ranges from the delicate and regal sounds of the pianoforte to the more pedestrian picks of the electric guitar. And, drum roll… all the programs have, err, programs! Take a few home so you’ll never forget the sounds of Salzburg.

You can also grab copies of concert schedules, guides, flyers, and pamphlets inside the Schloss Mirabell palace as well as in the Domplatz (Cathedral Square).

Cheapo tip: Don’t forget to take note of the unique street musicians in Salzburg. Most artists sell their own CDs for less than €10.

While you’re at it…

Rock some Amadeus! Take home a few Mozartkugal chocolate balls. First concocted in 1890 by Paul Fürst, the kugal is a ball of green pistachio marzipan covered in a layer of nougat, then dunked in dark chocolate. Das ist sehr lecker! Fürst has four confectionaries located around Salzburg. Ten pieces cost $12 USD.

Photo above by LinksmanJD; A kiosk advertises musical concerts in Salzburg.

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