Temple Bar is a great small location in Santa Monica for eclectic music. Friday night, the acts included Mojacar Flamenco Jazz, Latin Soul and Los Pinguos.
Doors opened a little after 8:30, with Mojacar taking stage a little after 9pm. They performed for about an hour. The performance was acceptable, not at all like a performance at El Tablao de Carmen in Barcelona . Would not pay to see Mojacar again though. Apparently the performer, Katrina Tomas, also gives lessons in Santa Monica.
Scheduled to perform were Sana Sana, but most of the members of the band could not make it, so the lead singer performed with his other band, Latin Soul. They were a marked improvement over the flamenco, the main reason for the drive down to Santa Monica from Bakersfield. The set was pretty good with decent grooving music.
The main act seemed to be Los Pinguos. They played an eclectic mix of music, ranging from ska to reggae. Reminiscent of Ozomatli, who had performed in Atlanta a few years back and at the Playboy Jazz Festival in 2006.
The food at the Temple bar is pretty good. The best dish is probably the Caribbean Shrimp, a spicy shrimp dish with rice, mango and some jerk-type spices. Also good is the shrimp cocktail, served with a corn type salsa and tortilla chips. Drinks are a little on the weak side. Entrees average between $13 – 15, which drinks range in the $9 -$12. Entrance fee is $10, with a minimum of $25 expenditure per person at the tables (standing is free). 18% gratuity on parties of 4 or more. Located at 1026 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica. Open 8 pm – 2 am everyday.
