The Jacksons, Canet Rock, jazz, and fireworks: highlights of a jam-packed weekend

They were one of the first groups of black American performers to have white fans as well. And fifty years on, they’re still going. The Jacksons, formerly the Jackson Five, filled the air with their familiar brand of soul, funk, and R & B this weekend in Barcelona.

Blame it on the boogie, ABC, and I want you back are just some of the tunes enjoyed by concertgoers at the Festival Jardins de Pedralbes. People  came out in force to enjoy the music they know and love from the family band.

"It's a chance to reminisce and go back on that journey from the  beginning," explained Marlon Jackson. "People come to dance, to sing the songs and have fun," added Jackie.  

But the action didn’t stop there. The weekend was jam-packed, as was the sell-out event Canet Rock, bringing to the stage some of the biggest names on the Catalan music scene. Revellers danced until dawn to the likes of Amics de les Arts, Animal, and more. For those that missed out on this year’s edition, tickets for next year are already on sale.

Another highlight was Vijazz, celebrating wine and the timeless genre that changed the music world, born from the African-American communities of New Orleans. And it was more proof that age is just a number, as long as that fire is still burning.  Charles Lloyd and the Marvels showed fans how it is done. 

For something more traditional, there was also La Cantada d’Havanares at Calella de Palafrugell in Costa Brava. The Catalan maritime music has been popular since the nineteenth century, and what better way to enjoy it than by the sea at the 52^nd edition of the festival.

There was more going on than music this weekend, though. Like fireworks, for example. The 28^th Fireworks Competition in Tarragona went off with a bang. It was all oohs and aahs on the  beach, with Italian company Poleggi de Canepine taking the crown.