Mérida, Yucatán — For seven years, well-known trova singer Tony Espinosa serenaded audiences in a cantina that stood on a busy Santa Lucia corner.
Now, El Nuevo Trovador Bohemio has found a larger space outside the Centro, and Espinosa has revived his well-loved and unrelentingly romantic hot spot.
The New Bohemian Troubadour, its name in English, has re-opened in Col. Alemán, where customers can be more comfortable and have an easier time finding a parking spot.
As he has for decades, “El Señor Amor” pampers nostalgic audiences with songs they long to hear.
Called by one fan “the most romantic location in Merida,” the old bar maintained a warm, familiar atmosphere of camaraderie, in which the visitors can remember romantic songs and enjoy some surprises, according to a profile in Diario de Yucatán.
The place continues along the same concept: familiar love ballads sung to piano or guitar. Unless a major nationally known performer is on stage, admission is free, with customers asked to spend a 100-peso minimum on drinks.
Guest performers will appear weekly. Chelo Medina, El Trio Trovanova and Los Juglares are upcoming artists.
Espinosa’s career started at 20 in his native Oxkutzcab. His brother Joaquín and his Uncle Luis encouraged him to learn to play guitar, and in 1975 he made his debut in Mérida. Shortly thereafter the singer Beatriz Eugenia anointed him “La Trova Joven.”
Since his “young trova” days, Espinosa has toured Mexico and the United States while recording nine albums, including “Appointment with Tony Espinosa, La Trova Joven” (1978) and a live concert, “At the José Peón Contreras Theater” (1986).
His repertoire includes songs composed by Álvaro Carrillo, Armando Manzanero, Guty Cárdenas, Pastor Cervera and Enrique “Coqui” Navarro.
El Nuevo Trovador Bohemio is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays on the corner of Avenida Alemán and Calle 50. For reservations and information, call 999-900-9703.
Sources: Diario de Yucatán, Reporteros Hoy
