April 22, 2005  El País offered us an article with the title A history of 8.000 concerts, Café Central received the Music Promotion Award for the quality and variety of its programming since 1982. And it was no wonder. Despite everything, last year it was on the verge of closing. The rise in VAT, the modification of old rental contracts, made it seem like there was no way out for one of the most renowned venues in Madrid's cultural life, a temple of jazz, music, and good atmosphere. In August 2012 there were already more than 10.800 concerts and the number continues to rise. That year, the concert hall commemorated three decades of music, an event that was captured in the documentary 'Café Central: 30 years of jazz', directed by César Martínez Herrada. It now appears that they could hold out for another 5 years, although their case may end up in court.

Café Central, located in an old frame and glass shop in Plaza del Ángel, has become a world-renowned jazz venue, recognised on many lists as one of the hot spots of European jazz. Legendary names, Tete Montoliú, Don Pullen, George Adams, Wynton Marshalis, Chano Domínguez, Paquito D'Rivera, Jerry González, Jorge Pardo, an endless list of stars who have passed through here and have delighted the Madrid public.

Let's hope it continues to hold up.

A abrazo.