Makena turns 20: The cantina that became a rock haven for musicians

For 20 years, Makena Cantina Club has offered Buenos Aires musicians and audiences a place where a regular night can suddenly turn into an impromptu concert.

The venue at 1519 Fitz Roy Street has become one of the city’s most distinctive meeting points and was recently recognized by the Buenos Aires Legislature as a Site of Cultural Interest. Fernando “Pitu” Russo, his wife Valeria Faccini and their partner and friend Matías Ramos have welcomed visitors for two decades of live music, food, drinks and unpredictable encounters.

Makena began as a real cantina owned by Ramos’s father, Juan Carlos. Ramos and Russo, who worked at Quilmes and also managed bands, decided to add live music. The opening night featured Willy Crook, and the venue quickly became a gathering place for musicians.

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Twenty years is nothing

Faccini recalled that Pipo Lernoud soon celebrated his birthday there, with Fernando Samalea and Skay among the musicians present. They joined an impromptu performance, as often happens at Makena. She said Joaquín Levinton can also suddenly climb onstage and start singing. Skay later performed his own show at the venue, an especially emotional moment for the founders because he had long been an idol.

Faccini described Makena as a refuge for artists. Musicians often go there after their shows or on nights when they are not performing, since the club opens from Wednesday through Sunday. They share the space with other artists, while audiences accept the overlap and create what she called an easygoing atmosphere.

The anniversary celebration will move from Makena to C Art Media in Chacarita on Thursday, September 10, allowing more people to attend. The event begins at 9 p.m., with tickets available through Passline.

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Artists have always supported Makena and have always felt this place was a refuge.