Another weekend, another Netflix series to cover the drama brewing here in Argentina, which is fittingly entitled ‘Nisman: The prosecutor, the president and the spy’. In case you haven’t got a chance to catch yourself up on current events, no worries! In short, prosecutor Alberto Nisman appeared dead in his apartment in Puerto Madero on January 18, 2015, one day before he was to present his findings in a terrorism investigation against then-presdident, now vice president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Nisman had been spending the past decade investigating the 1994 terrorist attack on the AMIA, the Jewish Community Center in the Once neighborhood. There were 85 deaths and hundreds injured, not to mention countless families, friends and community members affected by the attack.
Tomorrow, January 18th is the 5-year anniversary of his death, which continues to be a highly polarized and disputed topic in Argentina. Those on the political right claim Nisman was murdered by a hitman just before he could present his findings against the president. Those on the political left claim Nisman committed suicide and any investigations into fowl play attempt to harm Kirchner’s image and credibility. The attack on the AMIA was the largest and most impactful act of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere before 9/11 occurred. Depending on interest, I encourage all of you to read news articles regarding the Nisman case given you have the advantage of already being in Buenos Aires. Afterall, it is a great way to practice your Spanish!
Without further adue, the Weekend Highlights!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Verano Plop!
Fiesta Plop is one of the most popular drag shows in the city. Each week, Plop offers a party with a different theme- for this week it is SUMMER! During the first hour of the party, there will be a 2 for 1 promotion for drinks at the bar. In true drag queen fashion, the dancers usually start their performance a little later than expected. The party usually begins between 2am-3:30am and ends at 6am! McDonald’s is just across the street for your breakfast convenience. 😉
Midnight / Teatro Vorterix, Av. Federico Lacroze 3455 / More Info
El Club de la Serpiente
El Club de la Serpiente is a club that will be playing soul, funk and disco music from the ’80s. If electronic music, rap and cumbia aren’t your thing, see if this type of partay appeals to you!
Midnight / Palermo Club, Jorge Luis Borges 2454 / More Info / Tickets
Swing After Office
The Swing Quintet is a live band comprised of a selection of local jazz musicians. They interpret iconic styles from the genre, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Count Bassie, Duke Ellington, among others. Each edition offers distinct vocalists that accompany the band, which make each show different.
8:30pm / Las Paz Arriba, Montevideo 421 / More Info
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
Milonga at La Viruta
La Viruta is a tango club in Palermo that encourages dancers and spectators from all different backgrounds to gather and enjoy the art of dance. This milonga begins almost at midnight and will not end until about 6 am.
11:30pm / La Viruta, Armenia 1366 / More Info
Juke Joint Blues Session
Every Saturday at Lucille is BLUES night! Enjoy this free, live jazz show featuring blues music and afro beats at this bar/theatre scene. The Blues genre originated with the presence of African Americans in the Southern region of the United States in the early 20th century.
9pm / Lucille, Gorriti 5520 / More Info
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
Tango Class & Milonga
This is an event for emerging students (from beginner to intermediate) who want to enter into the world of tango. Each class, which begins at 7pm, is divided into three parts: stretching, technique, and practice. At 8pm, you will have the opportunity to dance to live tango bands, as well as the possibility to see some shows with surprising dancers.
7pm / La Maleva Estudio, Tucumán 3428 / More Info