Pub Ala

Posted on Wed, 06/09/2010 - 15:40 | by The Insider

In the last Insider issue we went to the United States through Route US 66. This time we will stay at “home”, right here in Latvia!

On November 28th the first folk music club in Riga and Latvia “Ala” (the Cave) was opened. Here one can enjoy Latvian folk music, do the folk-dances and taste traditional food.

The club's premises, as you may have guessed, remind visitors a cave. The basement is a place where this atmosphere is especially strong, but only in a good way. All over the place it is possible to see different decorative folk things which altogether create real Latvian spirit. Waitresses and barmen are dressed in traditional linen and wool clothing to keep the style.

On Mondays and Tuesdays they have an open-microphone session where the new talents can express themselves. On Wednesdays my favourite activity begins - folk-dances. No matter whether you can or cannot dance, everybody is invited! There will be always friendly people who could teach you; really, it is not so hard!

Thursdays are reserved for karaoke lovers. In the basement one can find Latvian and foreign fellow music fans with whom to have a good time by singing your favourite songs.

Fridays and Saturdays are meant for folk evenings and live music. Often special guests and groups are invited to make the night even more enjoyable.

The club is situated in the Old Riga, on Audēju street 11, a little bit to the right from “Galerija Centrs”. The opening hours are 11:30 - 01:00; on weekends - until the last customer. Also, there is a possibility (and it is even recommended) to reserve a table beforehand, so that you could enjoy the evening in a pleasant atmosphere and in a good mood.

It is surprising that many foreigners also fancy this place, and one can often see them jumping along with folk-dancers. I would really suggest everyone visit this place at least once, especially exchange students who want to get to know the Latvian culture a little bit more. Have a good time and see you there!