Mexico City is an eclectic, diverse metropolis, and its live music and unique venues reflect everything that makes CDMX one of the world’s most charming places. We asked Sofar Sounds’ Mexico City Curator Ariana Arciniega to take us on a tour of the best places where music and people have come together.
1. GALERIA DE ARTE MEXICANO
A space that mixes traditional Mexican art with modern art in its collection, Galería de Arte Mexicano is a cozy place in CDMX. “Thanks to the host’s attention, we were so happy and comfortable,” says Arciniega. The six-piece band Torreblanca makes the perfect case for the expansive possibilities of the venue.
2. TERRAZA MASSCHALLENGE
Overlooking one of Roma neighborhood’s most iconic sights like the Cibeles fountain, Terraza Masschallenge made for a picturesque and intimate venue. Full of plant life serving as background, this outdoor stage was perfect for warm evenings and sweet melodies, as heard on this session by alt rockers La Gusana Ciega.
3. LOOT GALERÍA
Another art gallery featuring a room with high ceilings, this venue was marked by tragedy and humanitarianism. In the aftermath of the deadly 2017 earthquake that shook Mexico City, Sofar Sounds CDMX put together a benefit for the victims of this tragedy featuring Dominican singer-songwriter Alex Ferreira, resulting in a unique session.
4. Embajada de la República Argentina
With the garden and cozy atmosphere of the sprawling space that houses the Argentinian Embassy, the setting served as an ideal live stage, the sweet sounds of Loli Molina floated in the air like magic.
5. EX IMPRENTA: MÁRTIRES DE LA CONQUISTA
A real life printing plant that had been shut down, this is Sofar Sounds CDMX’s largest-sized venue to date, as Arciniega estimates. There’s still printing gear and machinery in the premises which served as decor for the session which concluded with a rousing set from nu disco stalwarts Midnight Generation.
6. TV SET 1, HOSTED BY ÁLVARO CASTILLO
Álvaro Castillo has become a go-to person and friend to Sofar Sounds CDMX’s team for securing unique venues. Castillo first hosted one of the earliest sessions in the city on this warehouse that housed a set featuring a living room and kitchen, a retro setting that Plastics Revolution took good advantage of.
7. TV SET 2, HOSTED BY ÁLVARO CASTILLO
Another Castillo hosted venue, this one was located in the Juarez neighborhood. Formerly a pool hall, the venue had become a TV set, this time for a cooking show. I Can Chase Dragons gives us a simple, soothing acoustic performance in the space.
8. VIZCAYA BUILDING
What better way to see a Sofar than a living room? This place functioned at the time as an art gallery which hosted an expo by artist Karen Huber. “It gave the public a multicultural experience,” according to Arciniega. Hosting SFS CDMX’s third anniversary, Belafonte Sensacional was among the performers.
Words by Marcos Hassan
