Back in Madrid! Closer than ever
It had been years since Madrid got to enjoy J Balvin this up close. The night took place in one of the city’s most iconic venues, the Círculo de Bellas Artes, where, together with Jameson, we brought together just 700 people, handpicked to be part of a one-of-a-kind experience, on a night that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. If you were there, you know exactly what we mean.
This is no ordinary stage. The Círculo de Bellas Artes was founded in 1880, and its home, on the corner of Alcalá and Gran Vía, was designed by Antonio Palacios and opened in 1926. This very year, it turns 100. It has been a protected cultural landmark (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1981, and generations of poets, painters, filmmakers and musicians have passed through its halls. It hosted some of modern Madrid’s very first jazz concerts and its famous masquerade balls. A hundred years later, Latin urban music took over the Ballroom, the same historic hall where the house’s most important events take place, this time led by J Balvin.
This was no ordinary comeback. It was one of the most anticipated by fans in Spain. The crowd made that clear the moment Balvin told them on the mic that it had been about 15 years since he last sang at an indoor venue in Madrid. The reaction was instant.
Doors opened at 8:00 p.m., and shortly after 10:00 p.m. an intimate, close-up, high-energy show kicked off on a 360-degree stage in the middle of the hall, experienced from every corner of the venue.
There were emotional moments, phone lights shining across the room like lights of good vibes and hope, and to close the night, “Ritmo” turned the hall into a club: no one was left standing still.
Entry was by invitation only. The lucky few who secured a spot got in through Jameson’s social media activations and different fan communities of the artist. Thank you to everyone who was there, and to Jameson and its cultural platform Jameson Connects for making this night possible.
And now the big question: is something bigger coming to Spain? We know there have been rumors of an upcoming large-scale concert in the country. For now, last night made one thing clear: Madrid is still waiting for Balvin with open arms. Stay tuned to our socials 👀
