After last week’s performances by Ernest Armengol and Green Hot Chili Pickles, the Carretera y Manta series continues this week at the Rock & Blues venue with four standout concerts: The Woggles, Volk, Lost Acapulco, and The Wilsons Organ Trio, all of which feature free admission. The second edition of this series, sponsored by cervezas Ambar, runs until August 31 and reinforces the venue’s commitment to diverse and quality cultural programming during the summer months.
The programmer of Rock & Blues, Pablo Patxi Cano, emphasizes that “the first edition was a complete success: the audience responded enthusiastically, and we were certain there would be a second installment.” He explains that this series brings to the city “unique and very interesting proposals from the national and international scene, with free concerts and artists who radiate authenticity, energy, and commitment to their music.” Additionally, he points out that with Carretera y Manta, they advocate for the road as a symbol of movement, discovery, and connection through music.
On Tuesday, July 8, The Woggles will take the stage. Blending old rock and soul with their own sound, The Woggles achieve a powerful sound. Their rhythms and riffs are rough and dirty, and Manfred struts with swagger and class on stage, having previously performed with Johnny Cash, Link Wray, The Zombies, and nearly all notable garage rock groups.
On Wednesday, July 9, the duo Volk, formed in Nashville by Eleot Reich and Christopher Lowe, will perform. Their style mixes cowpunk, rock, country, and distorted sounds with a live feel. They have toured extensively, recorded with John Pedigo, and released tracks such as “Stand the Test” and “I Fed Animals,” featuring a raw, emotional, and provocative sound.
On Thursday, July 10, it will be the turn of Lost Acapulco, regarded as one of the most important bands in Mexican rock. Their sound is characterized by blending elements of classic rock and roll, 60s instrumental surf, and frenzied, hypnotic rhythms. Lost Acapulco has gained international recognition and has toured Mexico, the USA, Europe, and Japan.
On Friday, July 11, The Wilsons Organ Trio will take the audience back to the classic organ trios popularized in the 50s and 60s by figures such as Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack McDuff, or Larry Young. This iconic format within jazz music has evolved with influences of Soul, Funk, and R&B over time. A band that embodies the spirit of that golden era, subtly blending any stylistic lines through a wide range of styles and possibilities, all unified by the legendary sound of the Hammond B3 organ.
The series continues on Thursday, July 17 with Ibai García, a guitarist and composer from Bilbao presenting a powerful blues-rock, soul, and southern rock project. His music blends influences from 60s California folk rock, 70s classic rock, 80s alternative rock, and 90s psychedelia, with an earthy melodic foundation that keeps his style fresh.
On Saturday, July 19, it will be the turn of Color Green, a California quartet known for their unpredictable and energetic live performances, where they improvise and explore sounds without a fixed script.
On Wednesday, July 23, Vanessa Collier, one of the most prominent voices in contemporary blues, will perform. Her album Do It My Own Way combines classic soul, R&B, funk, and gospel.
On Wednesday, July 30, the band The Half Nelsons will present an acoustic repertoire of country and old folk. Comprising musicians from bands like Travellin’ Brothers, Still River, and Mississippi Queen, they reinterpret songs by Dylan, Willie Nelson, or Ray Lamontagne with an intimate and elegant sensitivity.
On Thursday, July 31, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, a Canadian group led by one of the most prolific and versatile artists in the alternative scene, will take the stage. Glam, folk, punk, rock and roll, and psychedelia coexist in concerts that are pure energy.
On Wednesday, August 27, Lovesick Duo will perform, a trio that recreates the country, western swing, and rock & roll of the 40s and 50s. With vintage instruments and an original or roots repertoire, they offer over 120 performances annually.
On Saturday, August 30, we will enjoy Sergi Estella, an artist who presents himself as a one-man band and creates unique instruments from everyday objects. His raw and entertaining sound, influenced by folk, blues, and rock, makes for an original proposal that also stands out for his stage humor.
The series will conclude on Sunday, August 31 with Rosalie Cunningham, who returns to Zaragoza after the success of her first Spanish tour. The British artist combines psychedelia, pop, and prog-rock in her new album “To Shoot Another Day,” influenced by Queen, The Beatles, and David Bowie.
