Playing Violin in Spain

There are certainly websites that describe bars/clubs with different styles each night, mostly blues/rock, with a weekly jazz night and "Sunday/Monday night jam sessions." But I'd like to hear noodling Klezmer riffs in Phrygian mode over Flamenco guitar. Stepping up unannounced in a Tablao might not got over smoothly, but maybe you can start at a guitar shop and see where the guys giving lessons there play around town?

I think that musicians world-wide have a common language, and that they are generally excited about the opportunity to "speak" with other members of their clan. Obviously, there are some situations in which an interloper would not be welcome, but a minimal amount of "savoir faire" should give you a clue about those moments. In Barcelona, check out the large, multi-ethnic ragtime group that usually plays the sidewalk somewhere near the Corte Inglés in the Puerta del Angel (right across the street from Pza. Catalunya). They should either fold you into their line-up, or give you indications about where to go to jam. I haven't been in Seville in awhile, but back in the day, there were jam sessions at bars like El Perro Andaluz, la Carbonería, and Café de la Prensa. Flamenco students have an opportunity to play at Café Sol Cantante on C/ Sol, and they could probably give you an indication as to current hot spots. Also, ask at the Conservatory (in Seville, on C/ Jesús del Gran Poder, walking from the Corte Inglés towards the Alameda). You have a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, definitely don't ship it off by itself.

Just a thought on shipping the violin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo I play flute, I never let it out of my sight when I'm flying with it.

Thanks for the ideas so far, especially for specific places to go in Barcelona - sounds like it would flavor my trip as less tourist and more participant!