Kumharas sits on the waterfront in the far corner of San Antonio Bay, a gem that is perfect for dinner or catching a sunset, which always has outstanding entertainment on offer. The huge space is used to perfection between the cool restaurant with unusual tables, big scatter cushions to sit on and a delicious menu, a large seated bar area looking out to sea and a series of stalls selling local produce from the cool new beach dress to the latest leather jewellery. It’s always a hub of activity throughout the season, with owner Miguel always in the thick of it making his customers feel part of his extended family. It’s a must visit venue for many when they visit the island and is extremely popular with locals and workers; tonight it is time to say goodbye to one of favourites for another season.
The road down to Kumharas is like Piccadilly Circus at five thirty on a sunny Friday afternoon. Car carefully abandoned in another side street we march purposely down to the beach front bar where Sonica are delivering yet another spectacular outside broadcast, where Eva Pacifico is delivering a cool set and where many of the island faces have turned out to bid farewell to one of the most popular venues on the island until next summer. As we walk down the road, sun on our faces, we can’t help but think that we’ve sneaked a peak at our Christmas presents early, here we are on one of the world’s most beautiful islands, in October, in shorts and a t-shirt, on the way to listen to awesome music in the company of some of the friendliest people on the planet.
As we enter Kumharas it is evident that there has been a paella feast on the go, unfortunately all that is left of the giant paella dish is the burning embers of the fire, slowly disappearing, we have it on good authority however that it was delicious and there was plenty to go round! Massive fail on our part for not getting here sooner. The atmosphere is building nicely as Eva drops chunky deep house on a dancefloor that is recruiting new followers as the afternoon progresses into night. The sun disappears behind the apartments on the corner of the bay, a strange one as in the height of the summer it drops right in front of the bar and as darkness descends the lights around the bar spring to life and the beats get louder and dirtier, in that order. Eva drops a deep, dubby, chunky edit of Kool And The Gang’s ‘Celebration’ and as the famous bassline kicks in the dancefloor erupts. Oh dear, this could get messy. While we’re still in a coherent state, we catch up with Igor from Sonica and Eva to get a few words on the party…
The Sonica outside broadcasts are legendary, how good is it to get out of the studio and play in front of people?
It’s a maximum level experience. Having portable studios is the best chance to get the real spirit of the event and amplify it. In this case, the Kumharas closing when you can see and feel the magic and then share it with the rest of the world, it’s perfect for media.
Kumharas was rocking for the closing yesterday, is it typical of Ibiza that even in October, when everything is closing, it can still deliver a special party like Kumharas?
These are the real closings like they were back in the day. The closing parties weren’t created to attract tourism; they were a celebration of the success of the season, a nice way to say goodbye to all the friends from that season. It was the party for residents. Kumharas was like this yesterday, hugs and kisses everywhere, all friends, all family, enjoying a big celebration.
Eva, how did you feel when the bassline kicked in on your ‘Celebration’ edit and the while crowd exploded?
When the crowd explode with a track I feel like I’ve accomplished my mission! Also I’m feeling very together with the crowd, I’m dancing with them…
Is that what makes DJing your passion, to have a crowd react to you like that?
Yes, this is part of the addiction to djing, but don’t forget that I play all kind of music styles. So, when I play chill I don’t see any evident reaction in the crowd – I can feel the atmosphere though – what makes djing my passion is music itself. Music is my life, my reason to exist. And I love to share my musical discoveries with others. As many others as possible. That’s why my favorite sets are the ones on radio, where I can reach such a broad public. Even if on radio, of course there is no crowd in front of me, at all. It’s the least egocentric way of DJing actually
Kumharas is getting busier by the minute and as we head for the dancefloor, it’s time to take off our EI hats for a bit and say goodbye to the bar until next summer.
