February 29, 2004 8:20pm

February 29, 2004 8:21pm (photo by Joanna Szczepanska)

February 29, 2004 8:22pm (photo by Joanna Szczepanska)

February 29, 2004 8:25pm (photo by Joanna Szczepanska)

The Pink Flamenco is also an art gallery. It certainly is inspiring to be surrounded by beautiful paintings. February 29, 2004 8:28pm (photo by Joanna Szczepanska)

February 29, 2004 8:30pm (photo by Joanna Szczepanska)

If this setting looks familiar, you're right. A few years ago, it's where we shot the photo that's on the front page of my website. I wanted to depict a location somewhat familiar to DC people without resorting to having us pose at one of the local monuments.

Can you imagine a photo of me playing guitar in front of the Lincoln Memorial---how cheesy! :) I'm thinking of replacing the photo on the front page. Any suggestions where we should shoot it? Email me. February 29, 2004 5:52pm

This reminds me of the days when I was in college majoring in classical guitar at California State University, Fullerton. To work on my stagefright: everyday between classes I'd find a bench outside the music department and practice. Occasionally, students would stop by for a few minutes and listen and I'd give them a performance.

It's a great way to meet people. In fact, that's how I met my first flamenco guitar teacher, a fellow student named Isabel Montes. I think her major was either French or French literature. February 29, 2004 5:53pm

Actually these photos are helpful from a musician's standpoint. It's good practice to observe your hand position and way you sit. Chances are that if you don't look relaxed, then you have some unnecessary tension that could be hindering your playing technique.

I recommend practicing in front of a mirror and carefully observing your hands and posture. Dancers do it for similar reasons. We guitarists can benefit from it too! Next time you accompany a dance class, take a look at yourself in the mirror for a moment. If the dance teacher corrects a student's posture during the class, this is a good time to check your own posture. February 29, 2004 6:00pm

One of the passersby that decided to stop and listen to us for awhile, inquired about guitar lessons---so I managed to squeeze in a little business which doesn't hurt. :) February 29, 2004 6:04pm

That's the Kennedy Center in the background. To the left is the famous Watergate building. February 29, 2004 6:20pm

Guadalupe, Cecilia and Jena. February 28, 2004 7:47pm

Rehearsing in the lobby. February 28, 2004 8:19pm

February 28, 2004 8:19pm

February 28, 2004 8:19pm

Definitely a crowd favorite was this little girl named Mariana. It wasn't so much the fact that she was adorable, but that she displayed an amazing amount of aire that is remarkable for someone her age. February 27, 2004 10:30pm (photo by Soheila)

Fausti and Natalia, students of Natalia Monteleon. February 27, 2004 10:34pm (photo by Soheila)

I was told that Mariana has Eastern European Romany (gypsy) heritage and it shows! February 27, 2004

February 27, 2004

Just to give you an idea of how packed this place was. Well, truthfully speaking, this place is tiny, but the crowded feeling certainly contributed to the ambiente. It made it feel like a family gathering, which in way it was. February 27, 2004 10:36pm

No flamenco party is complete without Javier Bustamante. February 27, 2004 10:36pm

Javier Bustamante singing Sevillanas non-stop accompanied by Torcuato Zamora. February 27, 2004 10:58pm

Miguelito and Richard Marlow on guitars. February 28, 2004 12:17am (photo by Soheila)

February 28, 2004 12:27am (photo by Soheila)

Sharing a laugh with the jovial Javier. He really knows how to work the party with his little quips between Sevillanas. February 28, 2004 12:28am (photo by Soheila)

February 28, 2004 12:30am (photo by Soheila)

Playing cajon were Behzad Habibzai and Jason Vera y Aragon. I just heard that Behzad was accepted at Peabody Conservatory as a percussion major. Congrats Behzad! February 28, 2004 12:33am (photo by Soheila)

February 28, 2004 12:33am

Guitar students like Chris got their chance to shine for a moment. February 28, 2004 12:58am

We had several others singing that night including Sara Candela and Marta Chico Martin. February 28, 2004 1:05am

Javier and Ramin. February 28, 2004 1:09am

This was a good time for even the shy people to try out their Sevillanas. Pick a spot on the dance floor and join the crowd. February 28, 2004 1:26am

When I handed over my guitar over to someone else, I took the liberty of playing the cajon for awhile. February 28, 2004 1:45am

Kayoko Iwamoto got up and did her Tangos de Malaga. It warmed my heart to see her dance the way she did. She was obviously feeding on the inspiration from the friendly atmosphere of this party. February 28, 2004 1:59am