Tango Social

Change is inevitable, but there are certain elements of Madison that should just stay the same. And one thing that should stay the same is that the Cardinal Bar should always be on the ground floor of the old Cardinal Hotel at 416 E. Wilson St. — and once again, it is. The legend begins in 1974, when Ricardo Gonzalez bought and rejuvenated the space that became a gathering spot for both the gay and Cuban communities, and anyone interested in Latin music and dance. After a stint as Nomad World Pub, the space is back as The Cardinal. One of the first events to return was a weekly Latin jazz concert by Tony Castañeda and crew, every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. During the grand opening week that show is joined by a Willma's Fund Pride Month fundraiser with a blessing of the bar by the Mad City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (8 p.m., June 21); a Nick Nice-spun dance party called “The Cardinal Thru the Ages” on Friday at 9 p.m.; Orquesta SalSoul del Mad takes the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday; and more. Find info on all events at instagram.com/thecardinalbarmadison.