As a place that has authentic live music without labels at its centre, ‘La Vitti’ provides a music-packed weekly schedule for all who wish to listen. The bar mainly attracts a crowd of students (many from the esteemed Berklee Music College here in Valencia), creatives and musicians alike who want to enjoy live music in a laid-back environment.

Every Thursday the bar hosts a ‘Soul Night’ featuring an eclectic mix of up-and-coming talent who take the stage to perform. Last Thursday was the turn of the blues/pop duo, ‘ALHORA’ made up of Candela Mora and Diego Cebrian. Their set kicks off at around 8pm and already the bar is packed with people, so much so that I struggle to even open the door! The sofas surrounding the stage at the front are completely full and all around the bar, eager music lovers crowd around tables, nursing beers and chatting amongst themselves. It is clear that if you don’t arrive significantly earlier than 8pm, you will have to find a free space to stand, as I do, near the bar.

The atmosphere is electric as owner, Marcos, introduces the act, promptly running back to the bar to continue to serve customers. Candela is enigmatic with a voice that commands the entire room, powerful yet heavy with emotion as the pair seamlessly move through upbeat songs that get the audience singing along and ballads that have everyone on the edge of their seats. Diego, who effortlessly plays the guitar, piano and sings, complements Candela’s voice through soulful harmonies. In their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, there is an interlude where Candela leaves the stage and Diego captivates the audience with a stunning, blues piano solo. Candela runs back onto the stage pausing for dramatic effect and picking up where she left off, it is a moment that has the whole audience laughing and applauding. The pair finish with a whirlwind medley of classics including ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles and Nina Simone’s, ‘Feeling Good’ to name a few. The audience sing and clap along as the pair feed off the energy of the audience and each other and, of course, with the chanting of ‘Otra! Otra!’ return for one more song.

With a mix of covers and originals in both Spanish and English, ‘ALHORA’ keep the audience completely hooked with their talent and the playful atmosphere that they create on stage even in amongst the songs with Candela pausing to explain various funny anecdotes behind the songs. The intimate setting almost feels like they are playing music for a couple of friends in someone’s living room.

‘La Vitti’ isn’t your average bar. Its décor is homely and warm, with a rug near the stage and fairly lights adorning the various framed posters, vinyl records and cuttings from ‘Rolling Stone’ magazines on the walls. There are shelves piled with books and trinkets, mismatched lamps and chairs of all designs. Nothing is uniform yet everything comes effortlessly together to create this haven away from the busy streets of Valencia. Outside people mill around, smoking and chatting casually to bartenders through the open windows. There is a sense of familiarity with the customers and people who work there, which further heightens the community feel of this bar.

I manage to have a quick chat with the owner, Marcos in between his serving and chatting with customers. Part of the magic of this bar is that it is born from people who love and play music, people that have a real understanding of what it is like to get on stage and share your art with strangers. Marcos is one of those people, he tells me that he plays music himself and is part of the band, ‘Yo Diablo’, a rock/post-punk duo. He joined the ‘La Vitti’ project in 2018 as a way to further involve himself in the Valencia music scene. As I make plans to visit again for the Jazz Jam that occurs every Monday, I am advised to arrive early as the venue is normally full to the brim before the jam even starts!

Visit ‘La Vitti’ bar for craft beer, good coffee, their famous Gin and Tonic and, most importantly music every night of the week with Jazz on Monday’s and Soul on Thursdays!

Report by Shemaiah Rose

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

‘LA VITTI’

Address: Plaça del Xúquer, 3, 46021 València

Opening Hours: Every day from 18:30h to 01:30h (closed on Wednesdays)

Tel: 963 38 91 51

https://www.facebook.com/lavittivalencia

Instagram: @lavittibar