Rock fans on the Costa Calida are in for a special treat: the historic Casino de Mazarron has temporarily transformed into a museum of some of the greatest moments in the history of the rock and roll music genre. The exhibition, which has been available since July 3 to the public, gives music lovers an exclusive look at some of the legends, highlights, and fascinating factoids of rock.

Inside a legendary broadcaster’s personal archive

The exhibition features a curated selection from the personal archive of Juan Pablo “El Pirata” Ordúñez, a renowned rock journalist and radio broadcaster in Spain. Ordúñez has spent more than forty years gathering unique keepsakes from his journeys through the rock music industry, making for a collection as authentic as it is interesting.

From local legends to global icons of rock

Visitors to the museum will be able to traverse an impressive variety of rock memorabilia from both national and international rock icons. The collection includes instruments and gear belonging to historic rock stars, autographed merch and unique articles from legendary rock bands including AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Van Halen, Saxon, Aerosmith, and Anthrax, Spanish rock treasures that represent shining local rock bands including Rosendo and Mägo de Oz, and concert tickets and rare tour merch from some of history’s biggest blowout shows.

A lifelong bond with the local music scene

For Ordúñez “El Pirata,” bringing this exhibit closer to Mazarron audiences represents a personal feat. His relationship with the town began more than four decades ago when he attended one of the earliest rock festivals to be carried out in the town, and since then, he has frequently returned to support local cultural and musical initiatives that further establish the town as a hub for rockers.

Dates, opening times, and the upcoming Mazarron Rock Festival

During the opening of the museum, Mazarron’s Councillor for Culture, Jorge Durán, inaugurated the event and emphasised the importance of holding such a special and authentic collection, bringing it closer to true rock fans. This showcase comes ahead of the highly anticipated Mazarron Rock Festival, or Mazarock, on Friday, July 31, which is expected to have a huge and very enthusiastic turnout.

The exhibition will be available through August 30, and admission will be free to the public until capacity is reached, making the showcase a must-see opportunity for Mazarron’s most dedicated rockers. From one true headbanger to the others in Mazarron, this new and exciting exhibition will unite music lovers with one common interest: the vibrant, weird, and devil-may-care history of rock ‘n’ roll.

Los Alcazares is continuing to expand its cultural and leisure summer programme with two major new additions that will turn the municipality into a hub for fun and families during the second week of August. In a show with more than 20 artists, live music, DJs, theatre performances, and even an afternoon party, Los Alcazares is bringing the heat on August 8 and 9 with The Great 80s and 90s Party and a performance of From Simba to Kiara: The Lion King Tribute, a musical.

A nostalgic trip back to the 80s and 90s: Iconic decades in music

On Saturday, August 8, the Municipal Sports Centre’s festival grounds will host The Great 80s and 90s Party, a show that will bring audiences back to the atmosphere of two of the most memorable decades in music with more than four hours of live music. More than twenty artists will perform on stage, and bars and food trucks will be available to make for an afternoon party that will define the summer for this charming coastal municipality.

Family magic with a beloved musical classic

The following day, Sunday, August 9, that very same venue will host “From Simba to Kiara: The Lion King Tribute”, a theatre production aimed at family audiences that will offer a journey through some of the best-known songs and scenes inspired by this classic and beloved story, with a great artistic and scenic display.

Tickets for both shows are now available in person at ComoLoco, located at Avenida Joaquín Blume, 5, Los Alcazares, as well as online on the official Town Hall website.

Boosting the local community and tourism

These events represent a key part of the local government’s strategy to position Los Alcazares as a premier summer destination. Bringing high-caliber entertainment to the municipality, the Town Hall aims to drive foot traffic to local restaurants, hotels, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere that benefits residents and businesses alike.

With these two new additions to the already-exciting summer programme, officials invite residents and visitors in Los Alcazares to enjoy a wonderful weekend of culture, theatre, music, and family fun in this shining coastal town.

On Sunday, July 12, the Costa Calida municipality of San Javier saw a spectacular jazz performance on the Puerto Tomás Maestre in La Manga del Mar Menor. Forming part of the 28th edition of the San Javier International Jazz Festival, this immersive and festive jazz performance by The Blue Horses and vocalist Suzette Moncrief took place on the famed seaside of this charming town, and brought smooth rhythms and energetic stage presence to excited residents and visitors.

Bringing jazz beats to the beach in San Javier

The concert, which took place at 10:00pm, brought together tradition and modernity in one of the three free concerts that the Festival offers outside the auditorium.

A fusion of modern and traditional jazz

The Blue Horses is a contemporary jazz group that has been described as having a fresh and sophisticated sound. Led by Cuban tenor saxophonist and flautist Inoidel González and Spanish tenor and soprano saxophonist Pablo García, the group stands out for its influences from modern jazz, blues, and funk. Overflowing with rhythm and lyricism, the group not only honours the roots of this vibrant genre, but also constantly experiments to push the boundaries of the language of jazz, all while paying respect to the traditional sound of it.

Their performances have been described by the San Javier Town Hall as “intense and communicative” where “improvisation plays a central role.”

Soulful vocals by Suzette Moncrief, a star on the contemporary jazz scene

Moncrief, on the other hand, perfectly complements the group’s original compositions with her soulful performances. Originally from New York and based in Andalucia, Suzette Moncrief has been acclaimed for her expressiveness, her powerful stage presence, and her ability to reinterpret the jazz repertoire with a contemporary sound. Drawing on great jazz influences, she blends soul, blues, and gospel music.

The music set to continue in San Javier: Jazz Festival wraps up on July 24

But the end of this performance does not mean the end of the Festival. This 28th edition of the long-awaited event will end on July 24, meaning there are still more jaw-dropping, jazzy performances to enjoy in this charming and beloved coastal municipality. Tickets can be purchased on the official website, jazz.sanjavier.es.

Whether a seasoned jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer that has never listened to the genre, San Javier has something for everyone to enjoy throughout July, and continues to establish itself as a hub of music and culture on the Costa Calida.