|
|
Miguelito's Photo DiaryJanuary 29, 2005 - February 7, 2005
Cádiz, Córdoba, Jerez, Madrid by Omid February 7, 2005  Click on picture to enter special feature photo gallery. Practice at DC Dance Collective February 4, 2005 Of course, I make myself available to practice with student dancers--they're the performers of tomorrow that I'll eventually be working with. So if you are free to practice during the day and have access to studio space, call me. 
February 4, 2005 2:04pm 
February 4, 2005 2:06pm Guarapo February 3, 2005 
Guitarist/singers José and Cesar Oretea. February 3, 2005 11:58pm 
View from my table. It's not packed, but business is still decent for a Thursday night. February 3, 2005 11:59pm 
Oops! This shot makes it look like José is standing in a coffee cup. :) February 3, 2005 12:10am 
My good friend from Cafe Citron, Madiha Tariq. The poor girl's been working late but still made time to come out to party and even brought along a couple of new people to Guarapo. Thanks Madiha! February 4, 2005 12:26am 
The Oretea family: José, Cesar and their mother visiting all the way from Cochabamba, Bolivia. February 4, 2005 12:38am 
Closing time. February 3, 2005 1:54am Historical trivia: Did you know that in 1997, this place (currently Guarapo) was a restaurant called "The Little Cafe?" I did a Valentine's Day show here featuring up-and-coming student dancers Micaela Moreno and Edwin Aparicio both of whom eventually became well-known regulars in the DC area tablao scene. Edwin made his Spanish tablao debut at Casa Patas--and it just so happens I have photos taken a few days ago at this place by my friend Omid (see below). An evening at Casa Patas (in Spain) by Omid February 4, 2005 
Click on above pic to enter on special feature Casa Patas Gallery Flamenco Dancing on Lisner Stage...Starring You! February 3, 2005 This was the first time a beginner's level workshop was featured as an official part of Lisner Auditorium's annual Flamenco Festival. It was taught by local dancer Sara Jerez-Marlow. Lisner Auditorium's Carl Graci writes: 
Sara Jerez-Marlow (wearing black top with back towards us) doing palmas as the class learns the footwork. Interestingly, Sara is a student of Carmen CortÈs who performed on this very stage the night before accompanied by her husband guitarist Gerardo N˙Òez. February 3, 2005 (photo courtesy of Carl Graci) 
Sara (far left) demonstrating the dance routine as the class follows along. She invited her husband, guitarist Richard Marlow to provide the musical accompaniment. He happens to be a student of Gerardo. February 3, 2005 (photo courtesy of Carl Graci)  February 3, 2005 (photo courtesy of Carl Graci)  February 3, 2005 (photo courtesy of Carl Graci) I was hoping to publish an interview with Sara this week to give some timely publicity in conjunction with this workshop, but obviously didn't get around to it on time...sorry Sara! Please stay tuned. I hope to have the interview ready sometime in the next few days. If you want further info about classes, you can find Sara Jerez-Marlow's contact info in my Teachers' Directory. Backstage: Los 4 Elementos at Lisner Auditorium February 2, 2005 The opening night of Lisner's annual flamenco festival also functions as a reunion for DC area flamencos. For someone like me who's been involved in the local scene for a long time, it takes me forever to walk across the room as I stop and say hello to many people that I hardly ever see the rest of the year. 
For example, I've known these wonderful people since 1991 when I first moved to DC and was initiated into the DC flamenco scene. And yes, the Spanish Dance Theatre is still alive and kicking! From left: Nancy Sedgwick, Christina Conrad, Lou Elias and Jaime Coronado. February 2, 2005 7:38pm The featured performers in this evening's concert: dancers Carmen CortÈs, Alejandro Granados, RocÌo Molina and Carlos RodrÌguez; guitarist Gerardo N˙Òez. It was a 90-minute program with no intermission. But it certainly didn't feel like an hour-and-a-half. Time either stood still for those mesmerized by the artistry and time just flew by for those who were just enjoying themselves so much. Either way, judging by the thunderous applause and standing ovation, the DC area premiere of Los 4 Elementos was a hit! 
After the concert Ginette and yours truly caught up with friends like guitarist Torcuato Zamora and local supporter of the arts, Ken McNaughton. February 2, 2005 9:41pm (photo by Gina) 
Dancer/teacher Kristi O'Brien (far left) with the Charlottesville flamencos (names coming soon) and Miguelito and Torcuato. I've known of Kristi for a while now--she's listed in my teacher directory. But this was the first time we met in person. February 2, 2005 9:42pm (photo by Gina) 
Kerry, Shahram Tehranian, Ginette, Stephen Svoboda and Courtney. February 2, 2005 9:52pm (photo by Gina) One of the perks that dance student/usher Kerry enjoys is free admission to concerts like these. 
Miguelito, Ginette, dancer Alejandro Granados and Javier Bustamante. February 2, 2005 10:00pm (photo by Gina) 
Miguelito, guitarist Paco Cruz and Henry Jova. February 2, 2005 10:05pm Years ago, Henry studied flamenco guitar with Paco Cruz. (photo by Gina) 
Music director/guitarist Gerardo Núñez, Sara Jerez, Javier Bustamante and Quique. February 2, 2005 10:07pm (photo by Gina) Sara knows Gerardo like family. She regularly attends the summer workshop given by his flamenco dancer wife, Carmen CortÈs, in Sanlúcar de Barremeda, Spain. When I talked to Gerardo he remembered me from 1998. At the time, I found out via the Internet that Gerardo was giving a concert at Duke University. So guitarist Richard Marlow and I drove down to North Carolina--a 7 hour drive! We got there a few hours early and as soon as Gerardo arrived by van from the airport we greeted him briefly, but later when we tried to go backstage, a couple of local flamenco artists were acting like his bodyguards and said, "Sorry, he's tired from the trip. You can't go back there." I thought to myself, "What? Who are these guys? Ugh!!!" Anyway...after the concert, we met Gerardo again and also met his dancer wife Carmen Cortes who did an impromptu performance of bulerias during the concert. I offered to give them a ride and so we had the honor of transporting Gerardo and Carmen in my car (yeah it's true, I used to have a car) to the after-concert party at a local diner. We had the two flamenco stars all to ourselves during the short trip, so we felt vindicated. When we arrived at the diner, Gerardo was very humble and even invited us to join him at his table. See? You can be an awesome flamenco artist without being a diva--or in Gerardo's case, a divo. :) That was 1998. Fast forward back to 2005: 
Sara Jerez and dancer Carmen Cortés. February 2, 2005 10:08pm (photo by Gina) 
Ginette and Carmen. February 2, 2005 10:09pm (photo by Gina) Ginette hopes to travel to Spain soon and will no doubt take lots and lots of flamenco dance classes! 
Ginette, Miguelito and percussionist Nacho Arimani. February 2, 2005 10:12pm (photo by Gina) 
Ginette, Ken, dancer Rocío Molina and Miguelito. February 2, 2005 10:13pm (photo by Gina) I very much enjoyed RocÌo's Guajiras in tonight's concert. I'm telling her how impressed and emotionally moved I was by her interpretation of sole· at last year's flamenco festival at Lisner. 
Ginette, Ken and Rocío. February 2, 2005 10:14pm Yeah, I asked her. RocÌo is 20 years old. If she keeps this up, RocÌo has a bright future ahead of her! (photo by Gina) 
Richard Marlow, Miguelito, Sara, Michael Bard, Ken and Nacho. February 2, 2005 10:17pm (photo by Gina) Sara will be giving a beginners' dance workshop at Lisner on Thursday February 3, 2005. 
Saxophonist Perico Sambeat and Ginette. February 2, 2005 10:20pm I know what you're thinking: "What kind of name is Sambeat?" I asked him, and he replied, "es raro pero es español." (it's strange but it is Spanish) Now you know! (photo by Gina) 
Talking shop with a fellow musician. Oh yeah, Ginette's a musician too. (Remember seeing her play violin a few weeks ago in a previous photo diary entry?) February 2, 2005 10:21pm (photo by Gina) Yawn! It's about 3:20am as I work on this photo diary entry. This morning, I got up very early to do some preparation for Lorca poetry class so right now I'm deprived of sleep, dozing off, losing concentration and making typugrafikul missteaks. Oopsie. See? :) Anyway, stay tuned for backstage pics from Sara Baras' SueÒos concert this weekend. I'm going to the Sunday night show. See you there! Finally, I'd like to shout an enthusiastic ¡Ole! to Carl Graci, Rosanna Ruscetti and the rest of the Lisner Auditorium staff for supporting flamenco in Washington DC. You're all doing a great service for the local community! On behalf of all DC flamencos, I'd like to say THANK YOU!!! (Mentioning the DC Flamenco website in the program was a very kind gesture.) [Checkout the pics from last year's flamenco festival opening night.] Cafe Citron January 31, 2005 You know how some websites feature an interactive 360-degree view of a place? Well here are two shots from the seat at the bar nearest to the tablao--just to give you some idea of what it's like to be at Cafe Citron. 
You can see the show from here but only the upper half of the dancer would be visible. The speaker is high enough that the sound projects all the way to the bar. For the best view, I recommend getting a table, but you have to order something from the menu. January 31, 2005 8:35pm A couple of years ago at the old location of the Alegrias bar in New York City, owner Jorge Navarro had a video camera pointed at the stage and broadcast the show on a television screen at the bar so that everyone could enjoy the show. Cool idea? Yes! If money were no object, I'd install several 42-inch flat screen TV's at Cafe Citron's bar so that everyone could enjoy the performance. It never hurts to dream. :) 
Looking away from the stage towards the rest of the bar. This is a good night. Things are picking up and later this place will be packed! January 31, 2005 8:45pm 
Sara Jerez dancing Guajiras. January 31, 2005 8:58pm (photo by Marcela) 
These shots are from the table closest to the stage. Obviously the best place to sit for the show. January 31, 2005 9:08pm (photo by Marcela) 
January 31, 2005 9:09pm (photo by Marcela) 
January 31, 2005 9:13pm (photo by Marcela) 
January 31, 2005 9:15pm (photo by Marcela) 
January 31, 2005 9:19pm (photo by Marcela) [Removed for privacy]
[Removed for privacy] January 31, 2005 9:52pm 
Left to right: Vera (from Czechoslovakia), Liz, Sara Jerez, Hatam and Iwona (from Poland) January 31, 2005 10:18pm 
My favorite bartender Nancy Medina. By day, she's a model/actress. Checkout the double-reflection in the mirror. January 31, 2005 10:40pm 
Irene (from Greece) and Rachid (Morocco) January 31, 2005 10:52pm New York Trip January 29, 2005 I had to get away on a mini-vacation--even just for two days. New York is always a blast and it's so close. Besides, since I had very little money to spend I had to budget wisely. 
January 29, 2005 1:42pm The infamous Chinatown bus. $35 roundtrip! Sure, there were a few drawbacks like a one-hour delay, too cold inside at first, too hot later. But hey, for $17 each way, I can let those minor inconveniences slide. It just means more money to spend on more important things like flamenco classes, videos, cd's...oh yeah, and food too! :) 
The requisite Times Square shot that should be in every New York photo diary entry. :) DC area dance student and friend Jenifer Jaketic was so happy to finally stretch her legs after being cooped-up in the bus for four hours. This was her first time in New York City in six years. Last time was in a school field trip. You can say that today was also a flamenco field trip. We went to all the flamenco-related sites that no flamenco student should miss. January 29, 2005 1:55pm 
Miguelito and Jenifer. January 29, 2005 2:00pm (photo by a kind stranger) First on the itinerary: get some food. Next, go to Menkes and buy some flamenco dancer accessories. Then go to Luthier Music to buy some flamenco DVD's and CD's. Afterwards, go to Fazils and catch a flamenco class or two. 
This is Victorio's class. I love the stage lights..really sets the mood, makes the students less self-conscious (the lights make them look great) and adds great colors for dramatic photos. January 29, 2005 4:52pm 
They worked on solea letra and escobilla. January 29, 2005 4:53pm 
January 29, 2005 4:54pm Next, sneak into the studio dressing room and change into "going-out" clothes, head out and find a nice place to get some dinner before the show. We settled on a restaurant called Sosa Borella. The menu was a confusing mix of Spanish and Italian. We couldn't figure out the theme but the food was excellent. Just now when I looked it up on the Internet, I found out that this place is Argentinian. Hence the Spanish/Italian mix of cuisine. Despite our attempts to finish dinner early enough to have plenty of time to get to the theater, we left about 10 minutes before showtime--my fault, I couldn't say no to tiramisu for dessert. :) I kept on hoping that the show would start on Spanish time--something like ten minutes late. 
January 29, 2005 7:55pm The decor of City Center is so Andalus! As we sat down in our seats, the curtain began to rise. Perfect timing! Performing: Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena in a program titled "Eva." It was a piece I had seen before at Lisner, but I still enjoyed it as if I was experiencing it for the first time. 
After the concert (there was no intermission), Jenifer strikes a pose with the stage curtains in the background.January 29, 2005 9:27pm The one splurge was on the seats--we sat in the orchestra section. I figure if we're coming all the way from DC we should get the best. I brought binoculars, but turns out I didn't need them. 
The requisite artist photo. Jenifer with singer Rafael de Utrera. January 29, 2005 9:43pm 
My New York hosts: Paul Fradin and Karen Araujo. January 29, 2005 9:45pm (photo by Jenifer) I can find my way around New York nowadays, but it makes life so much easier to have locals show you around. Paul and Karen used to live in DC but moved to New York for work. Paul is the manager of the Apple Store in Soho--a very cool place if you like computers. Karen is in the fashion industry working for a small company that acts as an intermediary between designers and distributors/manufacturers. Despite their very busy schedules, they still make some time for flamenco. Next stop: checking out the tablao show at La Nacional. We took the subway to 14th Street and walked a few blocks in the cold, paid the $10 cover charge and found ourselves a table near the stage. 
Dancer Jenny Bascos (a fellow filipino) accompanied on guitar by Cristian Puig. January 29, 2005 11:00pm 
January 29, 2005 11:01pm It was very relaxing to go to a tablao and just enjoy the show for a change, instead of me being the one putting on the show! 
January 29, 2005 11:04 
January 29, 2005 11:19pm 
January 29, 2005 11:20pm 
Jenny dancing Sevillanas with Monica Herrera. January 29, 2005 11:25pm 
January 29, 2005 11:26pm 
January 29, 2005 11:27pm After the show, we enjoyed our sangria and cheese and I gave Paul and Karen the latest news about our DC flamenco friends. When I turned around I noticed someone familiar at the table next to us--it was a dance student whose face I'd seen many times in Anna Menendez's classes on Saturdays but never got around to talking to her since I was always busy playing guitar etc. Anyway, I finally introduced myself to Annette and I'm happy to report that she is continuing to study flamenco dance here in New York. Well, our host Paul had to get up early the next day so we left the tablao a little after midnight, said goodnight to Karen as she caught a cab, and we got on the subway towards Wall Street. 
Passing by the New York Stock Exchange on the way to Paul's apartment. Those white specks are snowflakes. January 30, 2005 12:35am 
January 30, 2005 12:36am (photo by Jenifer) Next day: Got up late, grabbed some breakfast at the corner deli and took a little walking tour of Paul's neighborhood. 
Trinity Church on the campus of Columbia University. Federico Garcia-Lorca lived on the university campus somewhere around here from 1929 to 1930 and wrote "Poeta en Nueva York." January 30, 2005 10:11am 
Ground Zero just a few blocks from Paul's apartment. I wasn't looking for it, but when I saw it, I instantly knew what I was looking at after having seen it so many times in the news. January 30, 2005 10:18am Spent the rest of the day walking the streets of New York and hung out for a little while with dancer Kim Akhtar (stage name: La Maha) and friends at Harlequin Studio (sorry no pics) where she was rehearsing for a show coming up at Joe's Pub--an intimate venue that works well for flamenco. I got to know Kim last year when she put together singer Rafael de Utrera's first USA tour. At the time, we were in almost daily communication by phone and email as I helped her promote Rafael's solo debut at Lisner Auditorium--so it was like we were old friends already. Still, it was great to finally meet her in person for the first time. 
January 30, 2005 3:53pm Visited a friend who has a window overlooking Times Square--what a beautiful view! Changed bus ticket reservations from 4pm to 11pm to extend the vacation a few hours, checked email and chilled out for awhile before going out for dinner. Afterwards, got on the Chinatown bus and headed home and arrived around 3am Monday morning. Tired but happy. :) [Checkout the pics from my previous flamenco field trip to New York.] Private gig pics from RJ January 29, 2005 My thanks to RJ Uebersezig for sending these pics from a gig he did sometime last week.  Cecilia Terrasa    Cecilia, RJ and Jen  Jen    Photos taken with the Olympus Stylus 300 Digital Camera Text and original images ©1996-2013 by . Please do not republish content from this website, including text and photos, in whole or part without prior written permission. |
|