Tired of spending nights on the town in tourist-trap bars with watered-down cocktails? Florence has a vibrant music scene brimming with local bands and more. Can’t-miss concerts this month range from techno to industrial, classic country to flamenco, and more. Take a break from the usual evening routine and check out some alternatives on the Florentine nightlife scene.
♦ Kick back and take a breather at the effortlessly cool Jazz Club (via Nuova Dè Caccini, 3; facebook.com/jazzclubfirenze.it). Don’t let the name fool you: the live music line-up goes beyond jazz, incorporating rock ‘n’ roll, swing, folk and blues.♦ Backstage (via Fiesolana, 8; facebook.com/pages/Backstage-Rockn-Roll) serves up great music almost every night; enjoy while sipping a cocktail in one of its cozy corners.♦ A new arrival on the scene is The Speakeasy 23 (via San Niccolò 23; facebook.com/speakeasyfirenze), a small club with a big schedule of art shows, live music and films.♦ Looking for something more lively? Combo Social Club (via Mannelli, 2; facebook.com/combo.firenze.1) and Viper Theatre (via Pistoiese; www.viperclub.eu) both offer a wide variety of live music—rock, pop, funk, electronic and alternative; programs change monthly.
Florence has even more venues worth checking out—see the list of upcoming shows below.
ALAN FITZPATRICK @Viper Theatrevia Pistoiese, March 7An electronic concert featuring one of the hottest performers on the minimal-techno scene.
PINOCCHIO LIVE JAZZ @Associazione Vie Nuoveviale Giannotti 1, throughout MarchA jazz aficionado’s ‘jam!’ Expect international names like The Roar at the Door Quartet, Chris Speed Trio, Steven Bernstein Sex Mob and Gianluca Petrella’s Cosmic Renaissance. See the full programme at www.pinocchiojazz.it.
VICENTE AMIGO @Obihallvia Fabrizio De André, March 10Acclaimed flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo. For connoisseurs.
LEE RANALDO @Sala Vannipiazza del Carmine 14, March 13Rolling Stone listed Lee Ranaldo as 33rd on its list of the 100 best guitar players of all time. This former Sonic Youth member will perform in Florence for one night only and in a special location: the Sala Vanni, hidden inside Santa Maria del Carmine’s walls.
O’BRIAN BOMBERS @Hidden Pubpiazza del Carmine 11B, March 21Even post-St. Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy a dose of Dublin in Florence. Local Irish folk band O’Brian Bombers will perform a selection of traditional and original sounds. Expect plenty of dancing.
SPANDAU BALLET @Nelson Mandela Forumviale Malta 6, March 28The British New Wave band returns to Italy with its live show. Oldies but goldies!
*Check with individual venues for updates on upcoming gigs and events. The Florentine cannot be held responsible for program changes.
