I met Rachel Arieff in Barcelona when I was performing there earlier this month. Rachel initially started off as a stand up comedian working with the likes of Marc Maron, Sarah Silverman, Maria Bamford and Louis CK. She moved to Barcelona in 2003 for what she calls "deep psychological reasons". Once there she began to host a show in Barcelona called "Anti Karaoke" which caught on like wildfire. In its nearly 10 years of existence, Anti-Karaoke has become a staple of Barcelona nightlife, the go-to event for anyone in the know. It’s a cult favourite amongst musicians, actors, filmmakers and other artistic types, both famous and workaday. But no matter how long it exists, no matter who participates, the A.K. never loses its underground, punk-rock essence. It takes place in Barcelona every Thursday from 10 pm to 1 am at Sidecar Factory Club, the legendary rock club conveniently located in the city center in the Plaça Reial, right off the Ramblas.
