Friday, Aug. 29, 2008

Dear International Living Reader,

If you’re Merida, Mexico, and looking for a place to chill out on a sultry evening and listen to some great live music, stop in at Jazzin’ Merida located at Calle 56, number 465, between Calle 53 and 55.

Jazzin’ Merida is a new nightspot in Merida’s Centro historic district that features hot music and cool food. The beer and wine isn’t bad, either.

Proprietor David Abahari is a jazz aficionado who owned jazz clubs in Los Angeles before relocating to Merida. He’s also an excellent cook and has put together a menu of delicious food…some Mexican and a lot of American...most of which runs about $5 or $6.

And don’t let the name of the club fool you. It’s not just jazz that you’ll hear at this intimate little spot. Nearly any night of the week you’ll find music of a different variety, from Beatles sets played by a string ensemble of the Merida symphony to rock and full-on blues.

And then, of course, there’s Thursday nights. That’s when you’ll catch the Legendary Yucatones. Two guys, two guitars, two great voices.

If you appreciate beautiful melodies and inspired harmonies, you’ll love these guys. They don’t play the standards, but some of the great songs from the '70s and '80s (give or take 20 years) that you’ve forgotten you knew. Elvis Costello, Asleep at the Wheel, The Band, Johnny Rivers, the Eagles…even some “newer” stuff by Steve Earle and Casey Chambers.

And I should mention that one half of this duo is none other than my favorite musician and your IL publisher, Dan Prescher. Dan and his pal Gary DeRose, a fellow expat, have been working hard to put this show together. (I know…I’ve listened in on more than a few hours and hours of rehearsals.)

If you’re in Merida, join us at Jazzin’ Merida on Thursday night, schedules permitting. Doors open at 8 and the show starts at 8:30. And I should tell you there’s a minimal 35 peso cover charge—a small price to pay for fun this big.

Suzan Haskins
Your Latin America Insider, International Living

P.S. Be sure to write down the address of Jazzin’ Merida—it’s easy to find, but most hotel owners and taxi drivers will not have heard of it—it’s that new. And by the way, when you join us for International Living’s Live and Invest in Mexico seminar Nov. 6–8 you’ll get to experience firsthand the musical genius of the Legendary Yucatones. If, after that experience, you don’t become a Tonehead, well…there’s no accounting for taste!

P.P.S. And if you live in or are planning a trip to Merida and would like to be notified about upcoming Yucatones dates, send an e-mail to Yucatones@gmail.com.