Gaztelupe is a bar that the label Gaztelupe Hotsak launched a few years ago. However, after a closed time, the project has resumed its activity: since the spring several events are being organized, mainly related to music and literature.

MARTIN and Gaizka Azkarate are concentrated in Gaztelupe. “Ours is a bar, yes, but on the axis of his daily life he wants to have close music and culture in general,” they told us. The one who approaches the castle often finds something special. “If it’s not the Bermouth Musics on Sundays, the tertulias on Tuesdays, some special pintxo, non-Riojano wine or heavy beer.” Otherwise, they also hang permanent photo exhibitions on the walls of the venue, and they also like to put special concerts on the television screen. In addition to the daily press, one can also read magazines such as Jakin, Ruta 66 or Argia, among others.

The bar has a long history. About 20 years ago there were concerts of jazz music, blues and singers, poetry recitals, theater and other machinations. The leaders of the bar changed and, after several years of standstill, “Gaztelupe took another path”, as explained to us by the two youths, “We want to recover the spirit of yesteryear, but oriented towards the wishes and interests of the current group. Because the time is not the same and people are not.”

On Tuesdays in the Billie Space, which is the name of the second floor, in tribute to Billie Holiday, talks and presentations are held, “but not by chance, the programming is the result of a monthly approach. In the poster we try to create an attractive combination of artists.”

In addition to the Billie Center and the Gaztelupe Bar, the bar has another space. Outside, on the terrace, concerts are offered on Sundays. “We are trying to channel a sustainable and heterogeneous programme. We do not, however, worry about dynamizing the culture of the people. Ours and others are complementary to the cultural landscape of the people,” said the leaders of Gaztelupe.

The record label emerged from the concerts that were once held in the Gaztelupe bar, now the option has been created backwards. But these are two projects, because the same people don't work on each other. “Many bands playing at the bar have nothing to do with the record, and vice versa. And so it must be.”

There are many who, like those of Gaztelupe, organise small format events: “We were clear that if we started that road we would have to work hard, but we would also create a bar that we would like. We love literature, music and concerts, why not share them with others?” Azkarate reasoned us. They bring to the bar initiatives that the work team likes, “and whenever it has come expressly to that, be it from Soraluze or from the towns around, besides all ages”. Concert styles are also varied: singers, jazz, blues, boleros, classic... It holds on to everything.