Author Archive

Review of Paco Pena “A Compas” at UCLA

“Paco Pena”, I heard in just about everyone’s conversation as they spoke with a certain joy one experiences when anticipating something truly special. It is not often Flamenco icons make the journey to Los Angeles, California. Sophistication and Culture was in no short supply to receive Paco Pena at the prestigious Royce Hall of the University of California Los Angeles.

Through the generosity of UCLA Live, I was invited to attend and experience a tremendous night for Flamenco. October is always a special time of year, a time of transition. A clear night with a hint of frigid air as the seasons change from Summer to Fall. Walking up to Royce Hall was, as always, an awe inspiring moment that requires some time to fully appreciate the history and architecture it offers. Truly a magnificent venue, from my seat I had a clear view of the stage and began to get excited. When seated in Royce Hall make it a point to look up, you will see some of the most beautiful blue and gold architectural details that makes this venue so special.

As the lights dimmed the stage glowed, shadows walked on stage and the familiar outline of the master himself was welcomed with applause. Paco Pena raised his hand in appreciation, sat down and began playing the first musical piece of the night.

Tonight performing along with Paco Pena where:

Dancer: Charo Espino
Dancer: Angel Munoz
Dancer: Ramon Martinez

Singer: Immaculada Rivero
Singer: Francisco Javier Marquez

Guitarist: Paco Arriaga
Guitarist: Rafael Montilla

Percussionist: Nacho Lopez

Throughout the night Paco Pena played incredible pieces of music that demonstrated the complex arrangements and varied rhythms of Flamenco. Paco Pena is still as fast as ever with incredible picado technique and as precise as one would expect from a master. Paco guided all who attended through a journey unique as the experiences that inspired the music itself.

My first impression was of the singers Immaculada Rivero and Rafael Montilla. Both where refined singers with voices that carried the natural coarseness of great Flamenco singers. Unforced and real, Immaculada Rivero enabled us all to experience the essence and pain of each verse she sang. Rarely do I have the privileged to be guided through a story with such an incredible voice as the one I heard from Immaculada Rivero.

I was captured next by Charo Espino, by the attention to detail in her performance that could only come from one so accomplished. Charo’s selection of beautiful dresses reflected the tradition and vibrant life of Flamenco. Giving us all wonderful visuals of color and movement. What is rare and wonderful to see is the visual representation of dedication to the art of Flamenco. Always in Compas and capturing every opportunity to provide us with genuine Flamenco expressions and movements. Charo Espino gave the most complete representation of what a Flamenco dancer should strive to accomplish.

By far the one performer who in my opinion stole the show was Angel Munoz. Precise and in complete control throughout every performance it was very clear why he received a standing ovation for his solo. I was simply stunned after experiencing a perfectly executed performance. From beginning to end Angel Munoz demonstrated flawlessly what true talent and endless hours of dedication to the art reveals.

Paco Pena and Angel Munoz produced what I believe to be the most synchronized and perfectly choreographed performance of the night. Simply incredible, Paco Pena played a Solea with Angel turning in the best performance of the night. Each note Paco played and each step that Angel took was unmistakeably blissful. It was perfection!

My appreciation and many thanks to UCLA Live for making such an incredible night possible. All who attended where treated to an undeniable Flamenco experience that mesmerized us all. I can only hope like many here in Southern California, that Spain with its incredible Flamenco talent will not forget us. We have tremendous love and support for Flamenco and welcome more of its talented performers with open hearts.

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Q&A with Paco Pena

On behalf of Falseta.com and its members I would like to thank Paco Pena and UCLA Live for making this possible. If you are in the Southern California area don’t miss out on Paco Pena’s concert at UCLA!

Tickets are on sale now!!!
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.
$28-$54. ($15 UCLA Students.)
Call (310) 825-2101
Visit http://www.uclalive.org/event.asp?Event_ID=680

If you are subscribed to our newsletter you know that I recently had an opportunity to ask your questions to Paco Pena. If you are not subscribed to our newsletter I strongly urge you to join us so you don’t miss out on great opportunities like this one.

I asked subscribers to our newsletter, if you had just one question you could ask Paco Pena, what would that question be?

So without further delay here are the responses to your questions from Paco Pena himself.

Question: What strings do you use on you Gerundino? – Peter van Dortmondt

Paco Pena: I’m happy to say that D’Addario strings work brilliantly on my guitar and I have been using them for many years.

Question: Senor Pena, pertenece usted a alguna de las familias de estirpe del Flamenco? O se crio usted en algun barrio donde el Flamenco fuera lo normal, o como fue que le nacio a usted el amor por el flamenco. Y quien fue la primera persona que le enseno los primeros toques? – Jenny Carol Wangensteen

Paco Pena: Me temo que no pertenezco a ninguna familia famosa del flamenco, pero sí tuve la suerte de que mi extensa familia eran todos aficionados, y mi hermano Antonio me enseñó los primeros acordes. Después de eso la vida me ha ido alumbrando en la riqueza de los toques flamencos y del flamenco en general.

Question: Have you ever felt like quitting and why? What kept you going? – Maria Marquez

Paco Pena: There are indeed difficult moments when you are responsible for a number of people and a number of shows. However, it’s a nice life..

Question: At what age did you start playing and what was your practice regime in hours per day? – Rob Amos

Paco Pena: I started when I was six and I liked it, so I practiced all I wanted and all I could.

Question: In the flamenco instrumental genre; which is your favorite piece/style and why? – Raul

Paco Pena: There are so many things one can say with the different styles that it is very difficult to choose. I think the Soleá is the most representative of the myriad emotions and avenues of expression in the flamenco world, so if I had to choose, that’s the one.

Question: What specific drills/practice would you recommend for flamenco guitarists to always keep working on? – Michael

Paco Pena: There are many exercises and scale systems available for practice. They all hold the potential for having benefit. Whatever you practice, practice slowly so that your head is doing the work, not just your hands.

Question: I would like to know who had the greatest influence on your music. Who did you admire the most or try to learn from more than any other. – Cindy Solis

Paco Pena: It was Niño Ricardo and Sabicas when I was growing up.

Question: In your opinion should a student learn Pueblo style flamenco forms first before moving on to the more modern styles and approaches? – Briggs

Paco Pena: Tradition is very wise and it has decanted many good qualities of the flamenco essence. Modern approaches offer equally good possibilities for extending your knowledge. Whatever you do, you have to keep in direct contact with tradition.

Question: Would you ever considered publishing any more books like “Toques Flamencos,” or sheet music for some of his original compositions, or even a method. – Robert Brajnikoff

Paco Pena: I designed a flamenco method many years ago, but for reasons of my every-day work, I still haven’t published it. But I’m hoping I will be able to bring it out soon.

Question: Do you believe that Flamenco falsetas will be some day be ‘improvised’ on top of a particular ‘toque’, such as bulerías, Solea, etc. Similar to what happens in a 12-bar blues or Jazz pattern? Do you improvise when you play? – Sergio Ruiz

Paco Pena: That already happens and it has always been part of the nature of flamenco performances. However flamenco improvisation doesn’t follow the same system as the improvisation in Jazz or blues, in my experience. If you are involved in blues or jazz playing and understand the systems, I see nothing wrong with you experimenting on the ideas you suggest. However, you must beware that both blues and flamenco are two very serious musical cultures and you have to give them due respect, whatever you do.

Tickets are on sale now. Reserve yours before they all sell out!!!
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.
$28-$54. ($15 UCLA Students.)
Call (310) 825-2101
Visit http://www.uclalive.org/event.asp?Event_ID=680

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Paco Pena Performing in New York!

The celebrated guitar maestro Paco Peña and his Flamenco Dance Company return to New York with A Compás!, their mesmerizing program showcasing flamenco’s compelling rhythms.

Joining Peña are guitarists Paco Arriaga and Rafael Montilla, singers Immaculada Rivero and Javier Marquez, percussionist Nacho Lopez, and three outstanding dancers: Ángel Muñoz, acclaimed for his “regal, smoldering dancing” (New York Times); the explosive Ramón Martínez; and Charo Espino, whose electrifying castanet duet with Peña is one of the highlights of the show.

A Compás! transmits to the audience a range of flamenco rhythms, from the trance-inducing quality of the alboreá to the razor–sharp complexity of the bulería. Each artist is isolated at one point in the show and is thrown onto the naked reality of a given rhythmic structure (or compás). By fusing the performers’ individual interpretations of each rhythm, the ensemble creates an experience that is not only intimate, but equally inviting and communal.

Tickets are on sale now. Reserve yours before they all sell out!!!
Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd Street, NYC
Friday, October 2, 2009 8:00 PM
$25, $35, $45; students $18 with college ID
Call Ticketmaster (212) 307-4100 or Tickets/info (212) 545-7536
Visit: http://worldmusicinstitute.org/event.php?id=902

The Dancers
Ángel Muñoz, born in Córdoba, started his dance training with maestro Inmaculada Luque, with whom he studied for eight years. He then studied at the Dance Conservatory and later became a member of the Ziryab Dance Company, under the direction of Javier Latorre. Muñoz performed as a soloist in La Fuerza del Destino, which toured Europe. He appeared in the operas La Traviata and La del Soto del Parral, and on television series before obtaining La Mejorana Prize in 1994 in Córdoba’s National Flamenco Art Contest. He was the lead dancer of the Jose Antonio Dance Company and has traveled throughout the world with the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company. He also appeared in the show Universo Flamenco, backed by guitarist Mario Cortés. He performed as principal guest artist in María Pagés Company and danced in many productions including La Tirana, which premiered at Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco in 1998, and Flamenco Republic, which was presented in New York in 2001. More recently, he was invited to dance in Sueños de Ida y Vuelta by guitarist Victor Monge, and in Serranito, in which his wife Charo Espino also danced. Muñoz founded his own company, and in 2003 premiered his show Robándole al Alma in South Africa. He also works as a flamenco dance instructor.

Charo Espino, from Seville, received her foundation in dance with such teachers as Caracolillo, Manolo Marín, Ciro, Paco Romero and Paco Fernández. Since beginning her professional activities in the late 1980s, she has taken part as the principal dancer with Ballet Teatro Español de Rafael Aguilar, Compañía de Teatro de Danza Española de Luisillo, Ballet Danzarte de Joaquín Ruiz, Ballet Español de Miguel Ángel, the Ángel Muñoz Company, and the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company. In 1988 she participated for the first time in Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco and one year later in Italy she obtained the Navicella dance award. In the 1990s she worked as the first dancer in the opera La Traviata by Luigi Pizzi and José Carreras, was an artistic partner of the dancer Cristóbal Reyes, and collaborated in Federico with Carlota Santana and Juan Andrés Maya. In the mid-1990s, she relocated to Japan, where she performed at the tablao Flamenco of Tokyo, sharing the stage with Ángel Muñoz and Carmelilla Montoya. She toured Japan and Morocco with the guitarist Víctor Monge “Serranito,” and danced in La Arena de Verona in the Italian opera Il Trovatore, under the guidance of El Camborio and Lucía del Real. As principal dancer, she appeared in the film Callas Forever, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Since 2004, she has toured internationally with Paco Peña and the show Sueños de Ida y Vuelta by Serranito.

Ramón Martínez, born in Málaga, studied at the Conservatorio Superior de Málaga where he graduated with honors. He trained with renowned teachers Manolete, Matilde Coral, Manolo Marín and Eva Yerbabuena. After performing at the flamenco tablao of Pepe Marchena, Martínez took part in Mario Maya’s Requiem y de lo Flamenco (1994 -1995), and appeared in Movimiento Perpetuo choreographed by José Granero (1995). In 1996 he rejoined Mario Maya for the Winter Games of Sierra Nevada and appeared in the Bienal de Flamenco in Seville with choreographer Javier Latorre in Lances del Arenal. He went on to perform in Maria Pagés’ El Perro Andaluz, and Manolo Marín’s Suite Iberia in 1997, and later appeared in Jaleos by María Pagés and Fernando Romero, and in Eva Yerbabuena’s 5 Mujeres 5. He returned to the Bienal de Flamenco in 2000 with Javier Barón’s Baile de Hierro, Baile de Bronce. In 2001 he appeared with Cristina Hoyos in her production Al Compas del Tiempo and more recently was invited to perform in the tablao Flamenco in Tokyo with his own group. He joined the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company to appear in Voces y Ecos.

Tickets are on sale now. Reserve yours before they all sell out!!!
Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd Street, NYC
Friday, October 2, 2009 8:00 PM
$25, $35, $45; students $18 with college ID
Call Ticketmaster (212) 307-4100 or Tickets/info (212) 545-7536
Visit: http://worldmusicinstitute.org/event.php?id=902

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Paco Pena Bulerias Video

Paco Pena is an amazing performer! As you will see in the video below tremendous control and mastery of the Buleria.

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Paco Pena at UCLA Royce Hall

Paco Pena will lead a stellar group of 3 flamenco guitarists, 3 dance masters, including his wife Charo, along with singer Miguel Ortega and percussionist Nacho Lopez in a show based on his album “A Compás!” Few have explored flamenco’s riches as thoroughly as Paco Peña. This vibrant presentation of music and dance encompasses the form’s African and Asian roots, its flowering in Peña’s native Andalusia and its embrace in cultures around the globe.

Paco Pena embodies both authenticity and innovation in flamenco. As guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor, he has transformed perceptions of this archetypal Spanish art form. The New York Times declared that: “Mr. Pena is a virtuoso, capable of dazzling an audience beyond the frets of mortal man. He combines rapid-fire flourishes with a colourist’s sense of shading; this listener cannot recall hearing any guitarist with a more assured mastery of his instrument.” It should come as no surprise that readers of America’s Guitar Magazine judged Paco Pena Best Flamenco Guitarist of the Year for five consecutive years.

“A Compas!” transmits to the audience the compelling nature of a range of flamenco rhythms, from almost tribal to razor-sharp complexity. The show aims to isolate each artist at some moment and they must try to get everybody “into the rhythm,” inducing the feeling of “a compass” into the whole experience.

Single tickets are on sale now. Reserve yours before they all sell out!!!
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.
$28-$54. ($15 UCLA Students.)
Call (310) 825-2101
Visit http://www.uclalive.org/event.asp?Event_ID=680

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Cancelled: 2009 Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque

Eva Encinias Sandoval, director of the National Institute of Flamenco (NIF) announced today that after 22 years of continuous production, Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque will be suspended in 2009.

The ten-day event features 50 artists from Spain presenting 10 performances and 30+ workshops within all disciplines of the art form. Students from all over the world travel to Albuquerque every June to experience this unique event. In 2007, Festival Flamenco was distinguished in Spain as one of the most important flamenco festivals in the world, and second to no other in the United States.

Encinias Sandoval commented, “Although there have been some faithful supporters of this event, including the University of New Mexico’s Center for Regional Studies and Department of Theatre and Dance, the City of Albuquerque, as well as the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the rising cost of artist fees, immigration, travel, and the increasing value of the euro against the dollar are all factors in the dilemma we face.” The Festival has an operating budget of nearly $500,000.

“While advice to downsize the Festival has been considered, NIF is not willing to compromise the Festival’s status as a world-class event. We believe that flamenco is a vital part of who we are as New Mexicans, therefore, we deserve to experience flamenco at its best,” commented Encinias Sandoval.

NIF has no intention of giving up the tradition of Festival Flamenco permanently, and looks forward to presenting the Festival again in 2010. Encinias Sandoval says, “We are committed as a family to search out additional sources of funding. We believe there are people and businesses locally and nationally who realize the importance of seeing this festival survive.”

The National Institute of Flamenco, a 501c3 non-profit, founded in 1982 operates several programs within its structure, including:
• The National Conservatory of Flamenco Arts
• Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company
• Alma Flamenca
• Niños Flamencos
• Flamenco Kids Camp

“The support of our community is necessary to reestablish Festival Flamenco as one of our most unique New Mexican traditions,” Encinias Sandoval notes. For more information on how to get involved, contact the National Institute of Flamenco at 505-242-7600.

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Flamenco Rumba by Juan Martin

Juan Martin shows the different techniques for Flamenco-Rumba! Great examples that should get you playing quickly!

Enjoy!

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Bay Area: 2009 Festival of Flamenco Arts & Traditions

In town for The Bay Area Flamenco Partnership’s Festival of Flamenco Arts and Traditions 2009, Los Farruco “first family of Gypsy flamenco dance” make their Bay Area premier featuring two of the maestro’s younger grandsons –Farruco (“El Farru”) and Barullo (“El Negro”) as well as both of his daughters –La Farruca and La Faraona “la madre de la buleria”. Accompanied by celebrated guitarists Antonio Rey and El Tuto and some of Spain’s most outstanding young flamenco singers incuding Pedro el Granaino, Mara Rey, El Rubio de Pruna and Antonio Zuniga, Los Farruco promises a thrilling evening of Gypsy flamenco dance and music.

Los Farruco features two generations of Gypsy artists- all direct descendents of the legendary patriarch and flamenco dance master, El Farruco who performed in the San Francisco in the late 1980s as part of Claudio Segovia and Hector Orezzoli’s Broadway production, “Flamenco Puro”. Farruquito, the superstar of the Farruco clan, performed in Berkeley in 2003 when he was only 18-years-old presented by Cal Performances.

Los Farruco, First Family of Gypsy Flamenco Dance
Direct from Spain, Bay Area Premier
Friday, March 6th, 8pm
The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
3301 Lyon Street San Francisco, CA 94123
TICKETS: $35-$75 buy online http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/51310
or by phone: (800) 838-8006
More info:(510) 444-2820 http://www.FlamencoFestivalSF.com

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New York Flamenco Festival 2009

New York’s annual flamenco celebration, now in its ninth year, features mesmerizing performances with renowned dancers and musicians direct from Andalusia, Spain. The festival, which is dedicated to the vitality of the flamenco arts of Andalusia – the birthplace of flamenco, features the award-winning vocal maestro Arcángel and virtuoso pianist Dorantes with dancer Rosario Toledo (Feb 13); dancer Isabel Bayón with guest vocalist Terremoto in the acclaimed show La Puerta Abierta (Feb 14, Feb 15); the compelling re-staging of Antonio Gades’ classic Carmen with the Antonio Gades Company (Feb 19, Feb 20); and the legendary flamenco Gypsy dynasty Los Farruco (Feb 21, 22).

Fri Feb 13
Arcángel & Dorantes with dancer Rosario Toledo This captivating concert of vocals, piano and dance features award-winning artists from the prestigious Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla. Arcángel, a commanding and impassioned vocalist, belongs to the new generation of cante flamenco maestros. The recipient of many top honors, he has dazzled audiences with his performances and recordings. Dorantes, an extraordinary pianist from a famous flamenco family, is a prominent new name in flamenco piano who incorporates elements of jazz, classical and world music in his innovative works. This program marks Dorantes’ first New York appearance. The artists are joined by Rosario Toledo, an explosive young dancer.

Sat Feb 14 & Sun Feb 15
Isabel Bayón Company with guest vocalist Terremoto Dancer/choreographer Isabel Bayón, one of the main representatives of the Sevilla school of flamenco, is known for her elegant and consummate performances. She has worked with many of the leading figures and ensembles in dance, including Israel Galván, Javier Barón, Mario Maya, Manolo Marin, Miguel Poveda, the National Ballet of Spain, and the Andalusian Dance Company. Her program, La puerta abierta (The Open Door) captures the essence and soul of flamenco and won the Giraldillo award for the best show at Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco 2006. Terremoto, son of the legendary Terremoto de Jerez and a major figure in cante flamenco, appears as special guest artist.

Thurs Feb 19 & Fri Feb 20
Antonio Gades Company: Carmen The acclaimed Antonio Gades Company, established to perform the great dancer/choreographer’s masterpieces, will present a powerful re-staging of Gades’ classic Carmen. The show, which began life as Carlos Saura’s award-winning film, is touring around the world in commemoration of its 25th anniversary. Carmen stars the earthy and sensuous Stella Arauzo, who appeared in many of Gades’ productions, and the formidable Adrian Galia, who has worked with many celebrated companies and artists, including the National Ballet of Spain, Cristina Hoyos, and Enrique Morente.

Sat Feb 21 & Sun Feb 22
Los Farruco – the first family of flamenco dance – is a famous flamenco dynasty known for its electrifying performances of Spanish Gypsy art. Conceived and directed by Farruquito, grandson of the legendary patriarch El Farruco, this program features La Farruca, daughter of El Farruco, noted for her passionate dancing; her son, Farruco, a rising star in flamenco acknowledged for his remarkable footwork; La Faraona, dubbed “the mother of buleria” by her father El Farruco; Barullo, grandson of El Farruco, who maintains the elegance of traditional flamenco dance; two guitarists; and three singers.

Ticket info: (212) 545-7536
http://www.worldmusicinstitute.org/flamenco

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Paco De Lucia Buleria Video

The new flamenco forum is really great! Especially when members submit videos like this! Check out Paco De Lucia completely lose himself in this buleria video playing super fast and amazing as always!

Thanks to Flamenco Forum member Black Sheep for the video submission!

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Yvette “La Sole” is returning to Southern California !!

After several years living, teaching and performing in Spain, Yvette is returning to Southern California in late December 2008.

La Sole will be available for group & private classes, as well as performances.
Group classes start Saturday Jan. 3rd. 2009, in the cities of Glendora & Fontana (more cities coming soon).

Group classes include:
Beg. Adult Flamenco
Int/Adv Adult Flamenco
Beg. Children’s Flamenco
Int/Adv. Child/Pre-Teen Flamenco
Castanette & Classical Spanish Dance
Buleria’s Choreography

More information and class schedule available online at www.lasoleflamenco.com
Phone: (626) 789-8069
other: (626) 335-6430

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Master Class of Cante Flamenco por Baile with Vicente Griego

Vicente Griego “El Cartucho” from Embudo, New Mexico has devoted his life to the study of cante flamenco, the art of flamenco singing. In 1992, Vicente began touring the US, Canada and Latin America with the José Greco II Flamenco Dance Company where he was mentored by Caño Roto singer, Alfonso “Veneno” of Madrid, Spain. He also remains a pupil of acclaimed Granaino guitarist Chuscales with whom he performs weekly both locally and nationally.

“Vicente Griego ‘El Cartucho’ is striking for his deep sonorous wails that seem to come from a cavern, someplace deep within his soul…” -Anna Poplawska, Chicago Artist’s News

Location:
Claudia de la Cruz Flamenco Institute
CSUF Grand Central Art Center
125 N. Broadway (lower level)
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Wednesday September 24th 2008 @ 7:30 pm
$40 early registration
$45 drop-in (just call when arrived to open security door of building)

Please arrive on time!

To secure your place for workshop call: 714.290.3959 or 714.543.1370

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Somos Flamencos at The Barclay

Once a year a magical event draws Flamenco enthusiast from miles around for a beautiful Southern California summer night filled with smells of authentic Spanish cuisine and the sounds of a Flamenco dancers accompanied by Cante and powerful yet eloquent Flamenco guitar. Enthusiast, performers and media arrive to The Barclay in Irvine California for the annual New World Flamenco Festival with heighten anticipation of experiencing world class Flamenco performances and a bit of duende.

Falseta.com was invited to attend the opening night of the New World Flamenco Festival to experience “Somos Flamencos!” a spectacular production coordinated by Yaelisa the artistic director of the festival who hand picked each of the artist for there ability to perform in the moment and spontaneously improvise each and every night achieving the ever elusive state reffered to as “duende”. Yaelisa is not only the artistic director but a distinguished and accomplished flamenco dancer managing to turn in a tremendous performance for the evening.

Walking up to the performance hall a pleasant aroma of authentic Spanish food and tapas fills the air and the sounds of excited ticket holders talking about the pending evening’s performance. Many people here are familiar with one another after several years of attending the New World Flamenco Festival and those who are new to the event are quickly greeted by the friendly staff, vendors and other enthusiast who are about to share with them a Flamenco experience like no other.

Several vendors selling authentic Flamenco merchandise from Spain are tending to customers. You can buy everything from a handmade Cajon to handmade flamenco dresses. One of the vendors Claudia de la Cruz (http://www.tierra-flamenca.com) has everything from castanets to beautiful one of kind Flamenco dresses for sale. Claudia de la Cruz who is also a talented Flamenco dancer and operates a Flamenco dance studio in the Southern California area gave us tremendous welcome when we arrived.

As the opening of the curtain revealed the ever familiar dark backdrop and chairs lined up in row for the performers, the intense feeling of nervousness for the opening night was released with wave after wave of genuine and passionate Flamenco performances.

Although all the performers where immensely talented and performed beyond expectation I felt drawn to the talents of two. Singer Encarna Anillo who’s textured yet soothing voice still echoes through my mind and the tremendous talent in guitarist Eugenio Iglesias who seemed to have so much fun on stage managing to play extended jazz chords and intricate falsetas all with precision within the Compas.

After all the performances where complete and I walked passed the bar reading my notes I was startled by a women who I had never met before. This woman was so moved by the evening’s performances, the obvious impact of true Flamenco and duende were so apparent in her voice and movements. She paced back and forth touching her face and telling me how much passion she felt in the singers voice, the dancers moves and the sounds of the Flamenco guitar. She continued to explain her disbelief of what she had just experienced and the tremendous talent of all the performers. Although a brief encounter I couldn’t help but to smile and think to myself how genuine her words were. That when the true essence of Flamenco is felt by those who have never experienced it, it is truly an experience like no other.

Do not miss the New World Flamenco Festival and make sure to reserve your tickets for the remaining performances at The Barclay in Irvine.

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Luz Alma Pasión FLAMENCO

Internationally renowned guitarist and composer Alfredo Cáceres will make his Los Angeles debut with 2008 recipient of a Durfee Grant for the arts, artistic director, flamenco dancer and choreographer Karina Del Carmen Velasco along with World renowned drummer and percussionist Joey Heredia, from Barcelona passionate flamenco singer Cristóbal Osorio, Seville’s World Music singer Marta Santamaria, nationally recognized flamenco dancer Jason Martinez and a special guest performance by modern and flamenco dancer Alba Vellette.

Inspired by the passion of Andalusia’s art of flamenco, with its intricate music and meter, its moving lyrical story telling and its expressive and powerful dance, Luz Alma Pasión FLAMENCO is deeply rooted in tradition while taking a poetic leap into today’s innovative flamenco expressions. With both traditional and original choreographies and compositions.

Los Angeles Theater Center
July 19, 2008 8:00 PM

Tickets: www.caminoskarina.com

Website: www.caminoskarina.com

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Flamenco Forum is Back!

The Falseta.com Flamenco Forum is back! Countless hours were spent over the weekend to bring the Falseta.com Flamenco Forum back and it is now ready for all of you amazing Flamencos.

A few years ago Falseta.com originally launched as only a forum with the idea of meeting people all around the world that shared a passion for Flamenco. Over the years as Falseta.com grew it changed platforms and technologies. Unfortunately the technology was not all that great and through the years the forum was eventually lost. Falseta.com is now using vBulletin a very stable and proven system for forums and we feel confident in knowing the Flamenco Forum will be available for many years to come.

The Falseta.com Flamenco Forum will look to keep the spirit of the original forum going by providing a safe place for Flamencos all over the world from beginners to expert performers to ask questions, promote events and buy or sell flamenco related items.

We also are looking forward to having several giveaways through out the year. In previous years we were able to giveaway tickets to Flamenco Concerts, CD’s and other great items.

Feel free to register on the forum and introduce yourself. We look forward to catching up with all the original forum members as well as all the new members who are now finding Falseta.com.

Visit the Flamenco Forum!

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