Haven't you ever wondered about things like "When was Paco de Lucía last
in DC?" Um...well I just realized how useful it would be to have an archive
past events archive to help answers questions like that one. But since I didn't
realize this great idea until now, the archives only go back as far as June
2003. Oh well! Years from now, you'll better appreciate this archive.
Saturday February 2, 2008 8:00pm A Compás! featuring the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company at Montgomery College's Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville
From the press release:
Considered one of the world's greatest flamenco guitarists, Paco Peña has toured the world playing in such prestigious venues as New York's Carnegie Hall, London's Royal Albert Hall and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw. During his illustrious 40-year career, he has collaborated with renowned artists including John Williams and Eliot Fisk. In 1985, he was the first to be honored as the "Professor of Flamenco Guitar" at the Rotterdam Conservatory and has held the title ever since. After his very successful and universally-acclaimed tour of Misa Flamenca, Mr. Peña returns to the Center in a new and brilliant show called A Compás! which highlights the power and the passion of music and dance from Southern Spain and features superb musicians and dancers who are a joy to watch.
Tuesday, February 5th The always popular Flamenco Dance On Stage ... Starring YOU!
Saturday Feb 9th, 8pm Cuatro Esquinas (Four Corners): Carmen Linares, Miguel Poveda (voices), Juan Carlos Romero (guitar), Pastora Galván (dance)
Sunday Feb 10th, 7pm Tomatito Quintet
Tuesday Feb 12th 8pm Gala Flamenca: Mujeres...Merche Esmeralda, Belén Maya, Rocío Molina with special guest Diana Navarro. Directed by Mario Maya.
Thursday, Friday Feb 14, 15, 8pm Ballet Flamenca Eva Yerbabuena - Santo y Seña (Signs and Wonders)
Saturday March 15, 2008 9:30am and 11:30am
Furia Flamenca at the National Theatre
From the press release: Furia Flamenca will be presenting shows geared for children this coming Saturday, March 15th at 9:30am and 11:00am. These shows are for children and will include educational talks and participation by the children. If you have children or know of someone who does and would be interested in coming, please check the National Theatre website for more information on tickets and location.
Admission is FREE! For more info about Furia Flamenca, visit their website. Checkout the pics from a previous performance at the National Theatre.
Saturday March 15, 2008 7:30pm
Furia Flamenca in the 6th Annual World Dance Showcase at the Publick Playhouse
From the press release: Bring the family for an evening of education and excitement and see We Are the World: A Galaxy of cultural dance traditions, from Russia, Spain, and Africa to India, China, and Polynesia, with live musical accompaniment that will quicken your heartbeat. This year's showcase features performances adjudicated by Sunhwa Chung, director of Ko-Ryo Dance Theatre, of New York, and Bani Ray, of Trinayan Collective, New York. Performing artists include Indian dances by Jayamanagala, Meki's Tamure Polynesian Dancers, dances of China by Golden Universe Dance Studio, Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, traditional dances of Russia by Kalinka Ensemble, and flamenco dance and music by Furia Flamenca. This event is for all ages. Tickets: $12, $10 for students and seniors; call 301-277-1710, TTY 301-277-0312.
For more information, visit the Publick Playhouse website. For more info about Furia Flamenca, visit their website.
Thursday through Saturday March 27-29, 2008
Flamenco show at Taberna del Alabardero in downtown DC
Schedule is as follows: March 27, at 7:30 and 8:00pm; March 28 7:00, 7:30 and
8:00pm; and Saturday, March 29, 7:30 and 9:00pm
Dancers are Paola Escobar and Mayelu Pérez, guitarists Jesús Rodriguez (Sivi) and Alex Jordan and Almudena Caceres, singer. Taberna del Alabardero is located at 1776 I St in NW DC just a block from the Farragut West metro on the Blue and Orange lines. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 202-429-2200. Personally I like to stand at the bar and watch the show from there. For more info, visit the Taberna website.
Checkout the pics from previous events at Taberna in 2004 and 2006.
Saturday March 29, 2008 8:00pm
Flamenco Sepharad by the Gerard Edery Ensemble at the Alden Theatre in McLean, Virginia
From the press release: Acclaimed musician and vocalist Gerard Edery brings his ensemble together with guest flamenco dancers as they present a passionate evening of music, song and dance from the Sephardic, Andalusian and Arabic worlds.
Master singer/guitarist Gerard Edery, percussionist extraordinaire, Rex Benincasa, acclaimed soprano, Nell Snaidas, bass player, Sean Kupisz, and flamenco guitarist, Cristian Puig will perform with acclaimed Flamenco dancers Ricardo Santiago and Barbara Martinez for a dazzling, passionate program of music, song and dance from the Sephardic and Andalusian worlds.
This unique combination of Sephardic song and flamenco rhythm makes for a fiery performance unlike any other. With new arrangements of the traditional Sephardic repertoire and original compositions, the ensemble seamlessly fuses the world's most passionate music. Emotive vocals, flamenco guitars, world beat percussion, Spanish dance and the oriental timbres of the oud make this show a must see! Flamenco Sepharad was conceived in collaboration with American Sefardi Federation Executive Director Vivienne Roumani.
Tickets are on sale now! To purchase tickets, stop by the Alden Theatre Box Office, or charge by phone (703-573-SEAT) or online through Ticketmaster. For more information, call the Box Office at (703)790-9223.
April 3-27, 2008 Thursdays through Sundays
Federico García Lorca's Bodas de sangre at Gala Theatre
From the press release:
Medrano’s love-affair with García Lorca comes full circle with this long awaited production of the most famous play in the tragic trilogy. Incorporating song, chant, poetry, music, and visual symbolism, this masterpiece takes deeply rooted Andalusian traditions into the realm of contemporary culture. (With guest artist from Spain, Mel Rocher, and produced with support from Spain’s Ministry of Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.)
NOTE: this is a play. However local dancer Genevieve Guinn "Genoveva" and guitarist Ramin Rad will be performing a tientos which he arranged for one of Lorca's poems. Ramin also wrote most of the theme music.
Friday April 4, 2008 7:30pm
Arte Flamenco featured in Global Expressions at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson in Baltimore
From the press release: Please come by and see Arte Flamenco, as part of Dance Baltimore's Global Expressions concert. Details below:
GLOBAL EXPRESSIONS
Featuring companies of diverse cultures
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD.
Tickets:
All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $12/advance; $10/seniors, students and $15 at the door. Tickets are be purchased at www.missiontix.com. Tickets can be purchased on the Dance Baltimore website by week's end as well.
Saturday and Sunday April 5-6, 2008
La Furia del Flamenco at the Jack Guidone Theatre at the Joy of Motion Dance Center in Friendship Heights
From the press release: This year's Spring show is entitled "La Furia del Flamenco." Mark your calendars and don't miss out on our upcoming production! Furia Flamenca will be accompanied by guitarists Torcuato Zamora and Guillermo Christi and singers Margarita Ossorio and Jorge Porta. Note that tickets will go on sale later this week through the Joy of Motion website. But once they go on sale don't wait too long to buy your tickets! Last year's show sold out days in advance and we had to turn away dozens of people at the door and this is a smaller venue! So don't wait!
For more info about Furia Flamenca, visit their website.
Wednesday April 9, 2008 7:00pm
Ziva's Spanish Dance Ensemble at the Corcoran
From the press release: In a captivating, glamorous performance, the fabulous Ziva, her exotic Spanish dance troupe and special guest artists, perform dances that capture the range of flamenco from the fiery and seductive to the mournful solace of spurned love. Ziva blends traditional Spanish dance with other complementary dance forms, resulting in her unique neoclassical choreography. The Ensemble’s colorful costumes and dashing footwork support its reputation as the best flamenco dance troupe in the DC area. The special guest artists to accompany the Ensemble in this performance are the acclaimed Spanish Dancer, Jorge Navarro.
For ticket information, visit the Corcoran's website. For more info about Ziva's Spanish Dance Ensemble, visit their website.
FLAMENCO SHOWS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN Sunday April 20, 2008 12:00pm-5:00pm
Centro Español de Washington's Feria de Sevilla at Strathmore
Centro Español de Washington was going to celebrate its 18th Feria de Sevilla on Sunday April 20, 2008 from noon until 5:00pm in the gardens of Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. Due to rain, the flamenco shows of Feria de Sevilla have been CANCELLED but some food booths will be open if you still want to come.. I spoke by phone with an official from Centro Español de Washington. They of course are very disappointed and are working on a possible rescheduling sometime in May. I will announce this information when it is confirmed.
The Feria de Sevilla is a cultural event of Centro Español de Washington to promote the Spanish culture, traditions and cuisine of the Washington metropolitan area. The program on the stage begins at 12:45pm and continues until 5:00pm. During this time there will be flamenco dance shows by local groups TBA. In addition to the shows on the main stage, there will be some casetas and a gazebo where the public is invited to dance. As is customary, there will be casetas serving Spanish foods such as paella, tortilla española, sangria and other typical dishes from variouis regions of Spain. Artistic handicrafts will also be on sale. Strathmore is in front of the metro Grosvenor/Strathmore on the red line. Parking in the adjacent garage is free and there is a sidewalk and walkway which will take you directly to the Feria. Admission is FREE!
May 2-5, 2008
"Solving the Flamenco Puzzle" workshop at DC Dance Collective with Ulrika Frank and Marija Temo
From the press release: Ulrika Frank, flamenco dancer, and Marija Temo, flamenco guitarist and singer, each known for their educational and informative teaching styles, have collaborated to offer a unique workshop experience. The focus is on the structure of flamenco dance and song forms in how the dance, guitar, and singing communicate with one another.
The workshop is designed for guitarists, singers, and dancers to work together with the different musical options presented by Marija during the Communication classes and the choreography options that are taught in Ulrika’s dance classes.
Dancers will be taught why, when, where, and how certain steps and movements require adjustments according to the musical form of the singing. The goal is for dancers to be better equipped to apply these concepts to their own material. An escobilla with a focus on the importance of dynamics and musicality, will also be taught.
Guitarists will learn how to accompany a song form with its variations in melody and structure while simultaneously accompanying the dance. Chordal and rhythmic patterns will be shown and developed into more advanced ones along with concepts on finding and/or creating falsetas that best accompany dance footwork, escobillas.
Singers will learn the form of a verse and how its structure and melody varies. Accentuations, key pitches, and dynamic contrasts will be shown to guide both the guitarist and dancer in how the form is to be accompanied, and how it can be sung in different ways so as to inspire interpretation and improvisation from the guitarist and dancer.
The dance classes are accompanied with guitar and singing by Marija, and are open to guitarists and singers to participate and/or audit at a lower fee per class.
Note that the choreography, music accompaniment, and singing verses provided in the dance classes will be explored in the Communication Classes. Please bring paper and pens for the Communication classes.
SOLEA POR BULERIAS WORKSHOP
Welcome dancers, guitarists, and singers! Classes will take place at DC Dance Collective 4908 Wisconsin Avenue NW DC near Friendship Heights metro on the Red Line. (Map and directions)
BEG/INT=LEVEL I // INT/ADV=LEVEL II
Friday May 2
Dance Level I: 6:30pm-7:45pm
Dance Level II: 7:45pm-9:00pm
Communication Level I+II: 9-10:30pm
Saturday May 3, 2008 1:00pm
Furia Flamenca at the Embassy of Spain
The Embassy is located at 2375 Pennsylvania Ave just off of Washington Circle near the Foggy Bottom metro and Georgetown. More info at the Cultural Tourism DC website.
From the press release: "On Saturday, May 3, 2008, the European Commission Delegation and the Embassies of the EU Member States invite you to join us for the second annual European Union Open House Day! From 10:00am to 3:00pm, take a rare behind-the-scenes look at the European Embassies, many of which are among Washington's historic and architectural treasures. Each Embassy offers a unique program featuring the country's cuisine, its music and special events. In 2007, more than 35,000 visitors experienced the diversity and richness of European culture during the EU Open House. The 2008 EU Open House kicks off Europe Week, a celebration of European culture in the US capital. For more information on Europe Week, please visit our calendar of events organized and hosted by EU Member State Embassies, the European Commission Delegation in Washington and other organizations affiliated with the EU in the United States. See you in Europe on May 3!"
Saturday May 17, 2008 7:30pm
Arte Flamenco Annual Recital at Slayton House in Columbia, MD
This is an Arte Flamenco student recital, with guest artists.
New for this year:
Guest teacher, Ofelia Deive, has been conducting classes in Clásico Español. Her students will be presenting two new pieces. This is a first for Arte Flamenco, and we're very excited about it.
There are new flamenco choreographies as well, and new advanced/performance level students will be appearing—who are not yet known to our aficionados...stay tuned.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children.
The 7:30pm recital will take place at Slayton House which is located at the Wilde Lake Community Center Columbia, Maryland.
Saturday May 17, 2008 8:00pm
Edwin Aparicio's Flamenco Dance Company at Creative Alliance in Baltimore
From the press release: "With hands clapping high in the air and feet thundering on the dance floor, Flamenco is a heart-stopping combination of power, grace and rhythm. Leading a company of 12 dancers, veteran flamenco performer, choreographer and teacher Edwin Aparicio pushes the form past its limits, to the accompaniment of throaty a cappella singing and a blazing four-musician ensemble. The Washington Post calls him 'a technical powerhouse dancing with blistering conviction.' Aparicio and company perform to packed houses across the country."
Saturday and Sunday May 17-18, 2008
Noche Flamenca at the 12th Annual Virginia Arts Festival in Norfolk
From the press release: Formed in 1993 in Spain, this stunning company has toured the world, preaching the gospel of the mystical, sensual, unforgettable art of flamenco. "It is the communal spirit of the group that creates such a soulful world, by turns tender and ferocious; extreme effort, apparent in beads of sweat and quivering muscles, provides a detailed rendering of a gut-wrenching art form" (The New York Times).
June 17-July 15, 2008
Tangos Flamenco Fiesta Workshop for Dancers & Musicians by Marija Temo at DC Dance Collective
Due to popular demand, workshop extended to July 29th!
From the press release:
Tangos Fiesta Workshop for Dancers & Musicians (All Levels)
5 Week Workshop 6/17-7/15, Tuesdays 8:30-10:00pm
Price: $100 for 5 week package, $30 for drop in class
To register, contact DC Dance Collective at 202-362-7244
(Note- There is a one time registration fee of $15 for students new to the studio)
DC Dance Collective
4908 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20016
Dancers and Musicians will learn: The structural form of Tangos (the order and components of the dance); the important accents that are to be conveyed; the different types of calls and how to execute them clearly; and how to listen and improvise to one another rhythmically and with melody (falsetas) from the guitar. Goal: To have more command over the Tangos form and feel comfortable participating in a fiesta situation.
For more information about Marija Temo, visit her website at www.marijatemo.com
Friday and Saturday June 20-21, 2008 8:00pm
Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy presents Bravo! Music and Dance from Spain featuring Carmen de Vicente at Gunston Arts Center in Arlington
From the press release:
Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy presents Bravo! Music and Dance from Spain featuring Carmen de Vicente.
“The most mind boggling castanet playing that I ever heard” -
J. McLelland, Chief Critic Washington Post
Special guest artist from the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, Spain Sergio Bernal and
Requiebros Spanish Dance Group June 20th and 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm Gunston Arts Center Theater I 2700 Lang Street, Arlington, VA 22206
General Admission: $25.00, children 12 and under $15.00 (major credit cards accepted). Tickets at 703-684-1949.
Directions: From 395 take S. Glebe Rd. exit, stay on S. Glebe Rd. (left lane after exit) turn left on Lang St., Arts Center is behind Giant Shopping Plaza
Sponsors: Arlington County through the Arlington Commission for the Arts and the
Cultural Affairs Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community
Resources; The Embassy of Spain; and Bilingos.com (Program subject to change)
Friday June, 27, 2008 8:00pm
Estela Velez and Furia Flamenca in a Spectacular Evening of Magical Dance at the Embassy of France
From the press release: We now extend a most cordial invitation for you to celebrate the advances being made in veterinary oncology and discover the magic of "Furia Flamenca." This event will take place on Friday, 27 June at The French Embassy, in Washington, DC.
Estela Velez and her marvelous troupe of dancers, are preparing a performance that will dazzle you with the ferocity and passion of flamenco. Oftentimes, cancer is referred to as "dancing in the darkness." The Perseus Foundation is honored to have Estela and Furia Flamenca create a special dance which celebrates the magic of the animal human bond, and bursts with light, joy and endless determination as it chases the shadows away.
Space is limited. Tickets start at $50.00. For reservations please email or visit www.perseusfoundation.org
July 14-21, 2008
Intermediate/Advanced Technique and Choreography Series by Carmela Greco at Joy of Motion
Come experience a Flamenco Workshop Series with the world-renowned master teacher Carmela Greco.
Level: Intermediate and Advanced Flamenco
These workshops will provide developing Flamenco students a unique opportunity to study the nuances of style, grace and passion inherent in the work created by the one and only, Carmela Greco. Informed by years of performing and teaching with and for some of the world’s greatest Flamenco talents, Carmela Greco brings excitement and energy to the classroom. Students will focus on developing key skills of Flamenco including footwork, upperbody carriage and placement as well as markings (traveling steps), palmas and braceos. Class will also include the learning of specific choreography incorporating learned techniques. Students will get expert direction, guidance, and inspiration in the drilling and honing of skill and technique. Students will learn Jaleos extremeños in Rondeña rhythm.
Monday, July 14 6:30-8:00pm JOMDC Atlas
Wednesday, July 16 9:00-10:30pm JOMDC Bethesda
Friday, July 18 8:00-9:30pm JOMDC Friendship Heights
Saturday, July 19 2:00-3:30pm JOMDC Bethesda
Sunday, July 20 2:30-4:00pm JOMDC Friendship Heights
Monday, July 21 6:30-8:00pm JOMDC Atlas
$35 per workshop. $192 for all 6 Int/Adv workshops
Studio locations:
JOMDC Friendship Heights
5207 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20015
(202)362-3042
JOMDC Bethesda
7315 Wisconsin Ave Ste 180E
(The Air Rights Bldg East Tower)
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301)986-0016
JOMDC Atlas
1333 H Street NE
Washington DC
About Carmela Greco:
Carmela Greco was born in Madrid, Spain, and at age 11, she began studying dance. She is the daughter of the celebrated Spanish dancer, José Greco.
In 1972, Carmela was selected on merit to dance in "Ballet Antología" precursor of the Ballet Nacional of Spain, under the direction of Alberto Lorca. In 1977, she joined the dance company of Luisillo as prima ballerina. In 1980, she formed her own company and toured in France, Italy, the Middle East, and Africa. Presented "Ritmos Flamencos" in the San Carlos Theater, Naples. In 1982, Carmela performed for the King of Spain and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Carmela danced in popular "tablaos" in Spain: "Torres Bermejas," "Café de Chinitas," "Corral de la Morería," "Los Canasteros" and "Corral de la Pacheca." She appeared in "Andalucía en pie," directed by José Tamayo, which premièred in the Villamarta Theater, in Jerez de la Frontera, together with Faico, Fosforito, La Susi and Chiquetete. She danced in the company of Mario Maya and performed in "Ballet El Amargo," which had its première in Madrid in the Teatro de la Comedia.
In 1988, she joined the company of her father, José Greco. Carmela made her debut in New York at the Joyce Theater, and performed there in 1990. That same year, she joined the instructors at the famous dance academy "Amor de Díos," in Madrid.
In 1995, she performed as guest artist with the company of José Greco II in the Flamenco Festival in Albuquerque, at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami, and Lincoln Center in New York. In 1988, she performed at Jacob’s Pillow.
In 1999, with her sister Lola Greco, presented the production “Raza” in the Bellas Artes Theater, Madrid.
In 2002, she toured in Japan for 6 months with her own company and returned to Japan in the production "Climax," together with Lola Greco and José Greco II, in honor of their father. She danced in the Seville Bienal, under the direction of Paco Suárez, in "Orestes en Lisboa," appearing with top artists Rafaela Carrasco, Manuel Reyes, Antonio Reyes and Alejandro Granados and in 2003 she toured in Italy with the José Greco II dance company.
Carmela teaches throughout the world and heads her own dance company.
July 16-20, 2008
Beginner Technique and Choreography Series by Carmela Greco at Joy of Motion
Level: Beginning 1 and above Flamenco
Carmela Greco will focus on teaching her unique choreography that is both inspirational and technically challenging allowing students to expand their movement vocabulary and artistic nuance. Bringing years of performance experience into the classroom, Carmela Greco will share her secrets regarding the essence of Flamenco dance, its power, feeling and undying passion. Students will get expert direction, guidance and inspiration in the practice
and perfecting of skill and technique. Classes can be taken individually or as a series for the greatest benefit. Combinations
will be reviewed but built on from class to class. This workshop will focus on teaching the granaínas, or upper-body stylization.
Wednesday, July 16 7:30-9:00pm JOMDC Bethesda
Friday, July 18 6:30-8:00pm JOMDC Friendship Heights
Saturday, July 19 12:30-2:00pm JOMDC Bethesda
Sunday, July 20 4:00-5:30pm JOMDC Friendship Heights
$35 per workshop. $128 for all 4 beginner workshops
Studio locations:
JOMDC Friendship Heights
5207 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC 20015
(202)362-3042
JOMDC Bethesda
7315 Wisconsin Ave Ste 180E
(The Air Rights Bldg East Tower)
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301)986-0016
Tuesday July 29, 2008 8:30pm
Noche Flamenca at Wolf Trap
From the press release: One of Spain’s most successful companies of flamenco dancers, singers, and guitarists, Noche Flamenca celebrates the fiery passion and sensuality of this complex and mysterious art form with a world premiere commissioned by Wolf Trap. It is nothing less than "a soul-stirring tour-de-force of theater," exclaims The New York Times.
From the press release: Begin in Catalonia and follow the coast into France, curving through fishing villages, farming communities, wild lands where white horses run free and huge black bulls are bred for fighting. Nearby stand the ancient cities of Perpignan, Montpellier and Arles. This is fertile terrain, fought over across millennia, home to Roman aqueducts and amphitheatres, once host to Cezanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin, long renowned for fine wines and fierce people. And today the region’s celebrated as the land of Gipsy Kings.
Pasajero (Tinto Tinta) is very much a product of the South of France’s cultural flux. Across Pasajero’s 14 tracks raw flamenco, jazzy guitar, Latin rhythms, Cuban pop, even traces of reggae and Arabic music weave together. For almost two decades the Gipsy Kings have been musical heavyweights, filling international arenas and selling over 18 million albums; Pasajero finds the world’s favourite non-English speaking band on the road again.
The Gipsy Kings are that rare thing – a household name famous solely for their music; the most successful French musical outfit ever are big in Brazil and popular (extremely so) in Persia, honoured at The Alamo in Texas and celebrated in China. All this achieved
without MTV videos, hype, reality TV appearances, famous girlfriends, bad behaviour…an international audience won over purely by the music and the big, welcoming soulfulness of its creators. That’s no ordinary achievement. Understandably, the Gipsy Kings are extraordinary characters: to play guitar and sing is something their fathers, grandfathers and ancestors did. The Gipsy Kings make music as communion, artistry rooted in the past yet focused on the future.
The Gipsy Kings consist of two bands of brothers: the Reyes (Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Patchai, Andre) and the Baliardos (Tonino, Paco, Diego). They took initial shape when the teenage Reyes boys began backing their father Jose. Jose Reyes, singing alongside guitarist Manitas de Plata, did much to popularise flamenco internationally: John Steinbeck, Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso, Miles Davis and Salvador Dali were amongst the duo’s admirers. Jose’s death devastated his sons yet lead to a fortuitous encounter with the Baliardos at the St Marie de la Mer Gitan pilgrimage. On that warm night, as they passed the guitar, shared songs and wine, history was shaped.
Initially, the Reyes and Baliardos busked on the streets of Cannes, played weddings and parties, young men flavouring flamenco with Western pop and Latin rhythms. When an American admirer told the band their name Los Reyes meant “The Kings” in English they realised they were born to be Gipsy Kings. In 1987 The Gipsy Kings’ selftitled debut album introduced the world to ‘rumba Gitano’ – the sound of South America’s rumba rhythm married to flamenco guitars – and with ‘Bamboleo’ the Gipsy Kings scored a huge international hit. Since then the Kings have never stopped singing to the world.
Pasajero (Tinto Tinta) finds the Gipsy Kings following on from the acclaimed 2004 album Roots. Roots involved a literal return to the band’s roots: the acoustic music they grew up playing at Gypsy gatherings across the south of France and Catalonia. Roots is an album of startling beauty, the raw, soulful voices of the Reyes’ matched with the magical guitar interplay of the Baliardo brothers. A number of obstacles had kept the Kings out of the studio and off the European tour circuit for several years; Roots showcased a band hungry to prove themselves, intent on displaying their artistry. “Magnificent”
said BBC DJ Charlie Gillett. “Treasure” exclaimed Billboard. Roots re-established the Kings with both their core audience and world music fans, many having forgotten the Kings were world music’s first superstars.
Pasajero continues this journey, building on Roots while adding the fiery Latin American flavours long a part of the Gipsy Kings sound. Produced by Phillipe Eidel (celebrated for his work with Khaled), Pasajero is the sound of musical legends celebrating their heritage. Across the album Pasajero offers great vocal performances from Nicolas and Canut and Andre and Patchai (a band with four master singers!) while those irresistible rumba-Gitano rhythms flow forth. Up-tempo dance numbers ‘Si Tu Me Quieres (Yes, I Like You)’ and ‘Mira La Chica (Look At That Girl)’ find Nicolas celebrating his favourite subject while ‘Sol Y Luna (Sun & Moon)’ allows Canut to wail those ancient Gypsy blues.
Listen to Pasajero’s guitars: guitars played as percussive instruments, pushing forth irresistibly raw grooves, and guitars played with grace and beauty - across three instrumentals (‘Canastero’, ‘Guaranga’, ‘Recuerdo’) Tonino fuses flamenco’s savage tone with Django Reinhardt’s jazzy lyricism so proving he’s a master musician. The title track acknowledges how essential for Gypsies it is to keep moving. Album closer ‘La Vida de Gipsy (The Life of the Gipsy)’ reflects on what it means to be a 21st Century Gitano.
Today the Gipsy Kings still live with their families in the south of France. Life may have changed for them – they no longer busk on streets or pick crops when times are hard or travel in caravans – but still, at heart, they remain Gypsies, the proud descendants of an ancient people who seduced the world with music and dance. On Pasajero the Gipsy Kings continue their epic musical journey.
Friday August 8, 2008 7:30pm
Abraham Carmona at the Mexican Cultural Institute
From the press release from Burnette Thompson:
Sevilla-born Flamenco guitarist and composer Abraham Carmona comes to Washington, DC for two appearances this week. I met Abraham recently in Shanghai where he is currently based. He is a powerful performer, and I urged him to visit us here in Washington. Thus he brings his new CD and program in concert at the Mexican Cultural Institute on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The evening is sponsored by the Embassy of Spain and the Mexican Cultural Institute. He will be assisted by the Burnett Thompson Jazz Quintet.
Carmona blends his native Flamenco with Salsa, Tango, Bossa, Jazz, and Asian influences. Currently based in Shanghai, China, he is introducing his Flamenco and Gypsy heritage to enthusiastic Asian audiences.
From the press release:
From the press release:
Performance to take place at 6:00pm on the Potomac Palisades stage at Glen Echo Park. For more information, Visit the 
Due to popular demand, workshop extended to July 29th!
From the press release from Burnette Thompson: