La Kana Bar

This months cover,
photo by K.K.W,
taken @ Dash gallery
the D.I.Y show, Sept 2010.
Topcon Auto 100, 56mm lens,
Ilford 400 film

When in Skopje: La Kana bar. By K.K.W

In Skopje Macedonia, situated along the Vardar river, the longest and major river in Macedonia, is Stara Carshija or Turska Carshija-"The old Bazaar"(from the turkish carsi, meaning market place). On Wikipedia its listed as 'Stara Carsija'. "Its the largest bazaar in the Balkans outside of Istanbul. The bazaar has been the city's center for trade and commerce since the 12th century. It reached its peak during the Ottoman rule in the Balkans, as evidenced by over 30 mosques, several caravanserais' and other Turkish buildings"(1). In one of the main streets in the area is La Kana, one of the best places, for drinks, tapas, music, and art.

Image courtesy of La Kana

The place is only two years old and already has a reputation for being a bastion of alternative culture, and a great time in Skopje. Its a place dedicated to alternative music, underground bands, and visual art of various kinds. "We always try to be creative in our events and all kinds of activities connected with alternative music, organized by La kana bar(documentaries, movies, exhibitions, promotion of new albums, etc)". 

Most recently La kana had a screening for "Screaming masterpiece"(Gargandi snilld in Icelandic), a documentary film written by Ari Alexander Ergis Magnusson. The film attempts to explore the reasons why Iceland has such a rich variety of musical talent(Bjork, Sigur Ros, Slowblow, Mum, Quarashi, etc). Events like these, held @ places like La kana, have become a major rallying point for various kinds of progressive, open-minded people in Skopje. While they don't have a full menu, they do have snacks/tapas to offer, with a wide variety of beer:). Skopsko, Lasko, Staropramen, Dab, Beks, Tuborg, and Heineken. It maybe the only place in the area that serves Leffe, and Paulaner. They also have a fine assortment of wine available, for those who prefer. La kana is one those great progressive atmosphere's in Skopje, dedicated to furthering emerging talent in music, visual art, showcasing important and relevant films, all while serving up excellent beer and a great time. If your a local roaming the old streets that gently resonate with the glory of the city's rich, elegant history, or curious traveler from the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y:) looking for a great time, stop in. But don't say hello, say Zdravo! If you would like to know more, go to:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000351056219 And for further reading about Skopje: www.studiophoenix.blogspot.com/2011/11/see-it-now-skopje-in-autumn-blues.html Some information and facts for this article was gathered from Wikipedia(#1)"Art is the reason, art is the way"

A night of music, visual art, and great beer.
Photo courtesy of La Kana.

One of the streets in Stara Carsija,
photo courtesy of Wikipedia. 

One of the streets in Stara Carsija,
photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Exterior of the place, photo courtesy
of La kana.

Exterior of the place, photo courtesy
of La kana.

A happy crowd enjoying music, good company,
and beer. Photo courtesy of La Kana

A performance by Hesus Attor, a band
from Rijeka Croatia. Photo courtesy of
La Kana.

Ad for an Event, photo courtesy of
La Kana.

A night of music, visual art, and great beer.
Photo courtesy of La Kana.