DCFLAMENCO - Flamenco in Washington DC

Miguelito's Photo Diary and Blog

September 2, 2005 - September 9, 2005

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Miguelito at home September 2, 2005
Saturday with Miguelito September 3, 2005
Sunday with Miguelito September 4, 2005
First batch from Ginette's First Trip to Spain (August 2005)
Cafe Bonaparte September 7, 2005
Andalucía September 8, 2005
Cabanas September 9, 2005

Cabanas September 9, 2005

It was the first night on my new gig. A bunch of my friends promised to show up and support the show so I was pretty excited. Cabanas is a beautiful place with a gorgeous view.

(It's already Wednesday September 14th and I'm so behind on my photos so I'll just keep the commentary very brief.)

This is a view of the stage from one of the booths along the wall. September 9, 2005

This is the view from the bar. September 9, 2005

María with dancers Micaela Moreno and Marta Chico Martín. September 9, 2005

My friends Ayhan and Bedriye. This couple does more than their share of support by going to a LOT of tablao shows. Thanks guys! September 9, 2005

The beautiful Arte Flamenco dancers (clockwise from left): Sarah McKenney, Julie Lawrence, Natalia Cuesta, Erika Olander, Alex Woodward and Pam de Ocampo. September 9, 2005

Miguelito. September 9, 2005 (photo courtesy of Julie Lawrence)

Juan Delgado. September 9, 2005

Juan enjoying one of the perks of being flamenco guitarist: the admiration of dancers and um...the jealousy of fellow guitarists. :-) September 9, 2005 (photo courtesy of Alex Woodward)

Micaela, Edwin Aparicio and Marta. September 9, 2005

Miguelito, Julie and Marta. September 9, 2005 (photo courtesy of Alex Woodward)

September 9, 2005 (photo courtesy of Julie Lawrence)

September 9, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Cabanas, at 3050 K St NW DC, features a live flamenco show every Friday night at around 8:30pm and 10:00pm. On September 16, 2005 the dancers will be Sara Jerez and Cecilia Terrasa. Call 202-944-4242 to make your reservation.

Andalucía September 8, 2005

This was just solo guitar night. No dancers, so I ended up sitting at the bar between sets keeping myself entertained. So here are two pics...

September 8, 2005

After my second set, this one lady I talked to said that she had been coming here for years and just wanted to thank me for beautiful music. Of course, I told her about my website so she can come to my other shows the rest of the week.

The waiter told me that another table wanted to speak to me. So I went and found out that this one customer had communicated with me via email previously. In his message, he asked where he could find guitarists who performed in the Moron de la Frontera style of flamenco. I told we didn't have any here in the DC area.

Anyway, he and his date arrived too late for my show (since it was late, they were the only table at this hour), but I did happen to know a few Moron style falsetas by Diego del Gastor, so before I was about to leave, I stopped by their table with my guitar and gave them my best effort at mimicking this esoteric style por bulerías.

Last customers for the evening. September 8, 2005

I gave him at least a little taste of what he was looking for. I don't really care for the Diego del Gastor style myself, but I've got to respect someone who knows what he likes in flamenco and is extremely passionate about it.

This Thursday September 15, 2005 at around 8:00pm, I'll have a dancer performing with me at the Andalucía Restaurant. To make reservations call (301)770-1880.

Cafe Bonaparte September 7, 2005

Just a few quick shots from last night at Cafe Bonaparte. It's 2:38pm on Thursday. Gotta go back outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather! More commentary later.

The red wine here is delicious. Love the Tempranillo specials on Flamenco Nights! September 7, 2005

September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Jill Hatzai)

Carlton and Monica dancing Sevillanas. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Miguelito. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Behzad Habibzai on cajón. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Ayhan, Bedriye, Monica and friend. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Miguelito, Carlton and flamenco fan. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Marta Chico Martin and Carlton. September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

Marta will be dancing at Cabanas tomorrow September 9, 2005 at 7:30pm and 9:00pm.

September 7, 2005 (photo courtesy of Ayhan Ozdag)

September 7, 2005

Cafe Bonaparte has its Flamenco Night every other Wednesday. The next show will be on September 21, 2005. Call 202-333-8830 to make your reservation (highly recommended).

First batch from Ginette's First Trip to Spain (August 2005)

Click on the pic to view more.

Sunday with Miguelito September 4, 2005

Today's the day I move. But I still have time to pack. It was so beautiful outside, I sat on one of the benches outside my building and finished reading the book Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music by Blair Tindall.

September 4, 2005 2:40pm

For a while, I was transported to my days when I'd study outdoors on the campus of Cal State Fullerton where I was a guitar major. Gentle breeze, mostly clear skies and ample sunlight for reading. I was almost expecting to hear the university clock tower to chime on the hour reminding me to pack up and take a three-minute casual walk down the tree-lined sidewalk to my next class--the campus is small. Sure enough, I looked up and someone passed by wearing a Fullerton (it was really Georgetown, but work with me here!) t-shirt.

As I read the final paragraphs, a lot of what the author felt and thought rang true with myself. She was a professional musician for more than 20 years and later found her calling as a journalist--making a difference in the world of music from a position of power rather than as a helpless cog in a huge highly inefficient machine known as show business.

In a way, you can say that I too am making a difference in the "business" as a writer (not a professional writer but still a writer nonetheless). You may have noticed that lately I've been getting a lot more chatty in blog. Take a guess where I've been getting my inspiration.

I'm going to start packing. I'll have pics of my new place later today or Monday. Stay tuned!

OK it's 11:48am on Monday. I spent last night in my new place at the Pink Flamenco (a group house for artists near Bambule). Here are a couple of pics:

Door to my room via the dance studio. September 4, 2005 7:18pm

The place is furnished with a very eclectic mish-mash of mostly old furniture. I've rehearsed here a number of times with various dancers over the years--just never thought I'd actually be living here.

When it came to choosing a room, I selected the one by the dance studio. It's kind of like my dream home. Remember in Carlos Saura's Carmen? Where Antonio Gades walks out of his bedroom straight into his enormous studio, presses a remote control and the curtains slowly open letting in the morning sunlight. My dream studio would most likely be in Georgetown with the bay window facing the Potomac. Yes!!!

OK, um, back to the present reality...

They have yoga classes here several times a week now so I'm not allowed to bring my flamenco dancers here anymore unless I bring in my own piece of wood to lay on top of the floor. What's the point in bringing wood to a "dance" studio?

Apparently we "mess up" the floor and you know they gotta have everything clean and pristine and all for the yoga ambience. Ugh! Maybe I'll take some yoga classes myself and learn something new.

Fortunately, I'm walking distance from Joy of Motion and DC Dance Collective where I usually rent studio space to rehearse with my dancers a few times a month.

View through the door. That's my computer whiz brother Kevin setting up my computer. September 4, 2005 7:21pm

As for connecting to the Internet, I didn't have to bother with a mess of wires this time. I just got this tiny wireless network adaptor, plugged into the USB port and I was set! A housewarming gift from my bro. Thanks Kevin!

We've got Verizon DSL and my broadband connection is a brisk 54Mbps. Yay! Technology is wonderful when it works. :-)

Those white bags contain my laundry--didn't have a suitcase large enough for it all. September 4, 2005 7:22pm

Computer's connected to the Internet so I'm all set! Gotta buy a computer desk though and a comfy chair. September 4, 2005 7:22pm

Later I went to Georgetown to get some dinner and checkout Cabanas Restaurant (202-944-4242), where I'll be performing every Friday with two dancers. This week they are Marta Chico Martin and Micaela Moreno. Shows at 7:30pm and 9:00pm.

I'll add commentary later. It's 12:32pm on Monday as I type these words. I just got a call from Cafe Citron telling me they're cancelling the show for tonight due to the holiday. Oh well. Anyway, gotta go out and enjoy the beautiful day outside and check out my new neigborhood. Ciao for now.

View of Georgetown Harbour fountain. September 4, 2005 9:46pm

Going down the stairs and turning right we come to Cabanas. This is the outdoor seating area. September 4, 2005 9:48pm

Continuing a little further we reach the entrance. September 4, 2005 9:49pm

Going inside we see the stage on the right. September 4, 2005 9:50pm

Just behind the stage is the indoor dining area. September 4, 2005 9:50pm

On the left is the bar. September 4, 2005 9:50pm

M St in Georgetown is still buzzing at 10pm on a Sunday! September 4, 2005 10:18pm

Saturday with Miguelito September 3, 2005

Just like everyone else, this turned out to be a weekend to relax and do nothing...well almost nothing. I got a last-minute invite to a pool party this afternoon and the weather was perfect. It was sunny and warm without being humid.

Waiting for my friend to pick me up at the metro. September 3, 2005 4:29pm

When I got the call inviting me to the party, I was in the middle of a burst of inspiration on the guitar. I was mildly annoyed by this interruption--not her fault though, I really should turn my phone off when I practice. So I just told my friend, "Um, let me work something out here and I'll call you back."

I went back to practicing scales but I couldn't concentrate cuz I had to make up my mind first.

Passing time taking pics of cloud formations. Is that a cirrus, nimbus or a cumulus? September 3, 2005 4:30pm

OK here are the options: I could stay at home and play guitar all day, or I can relax by the pool with beautiful girls. Girls or guitar? Guitar or girls? Hmmm...would you believe I actually had to think about this? :-)

Still passing the time lookin' at clouds. Where is my ride? :-) September 3, 2005 4:35

Well, just look at these pics! A gorgeous day like this doesn't happen too often. So I decided in favor of the pool party. In ten minutes, I got dressed, grabbed a bottle of wine and was out the door on the way to the metro.

Pic of the clouds as we drove to the party. September 3, 2005 4:59pm

The other invitees were flamenco dance students and yes, I did take some pics but they asked me not to publish them. But trust me, we all had a good time and I was glad I decided to go to the party after all.

OK here's one pic, but it's so dark you can't see much anyway. The jacuzzi had lights that constantly changed colors. The seats had jets of water that massaged the back and neck. A perfect way to relax on a beautiful day enjoying the company of my friends. :-)

View from my seat in the jacuzzi. September 3, 2005 7:56pm

After an hour or two (I lost track of time), I jumped into the cool pool to refresh myself. Kinda reminds me of my experience at the turkish bath in Madrid last June. You really should try it the next time you visit Spain.

In a way, this day at the pool does count as part of the artistic process. Sometimes you need to put down the guitar (or take off your dance shoes) and get out of the house and have fun. Why? So you'll have these memories to draw upon as you express the beauty of life through your art whether it's dancing or playing guitar etc. Don't you agree?

It's 2:28am on Sunday as I type these words. I'm home now and I'm replaying this fun-filled day in my mind as I look at the pics.

Although all of us who were at the pool party are flamenco lovers, we spent only a very small portion of our time talking about flamenco. And when we did talk about flamenco, the dancers made references to my website. One of them even mentioned to me, "Miguelito, you don't know how influential you are!"

I don't claim to be a flamenco expert, but there's no doubt I have the wisdom that comes from years and years of performing in shows, dealing with the politics of show business, practicing with dancers, listening to recordings and studying books and videos etc.

There are things that I can explain but you won't truly understand until you too have years of experience under your belt. The few things that I believe you can understand right now, I write about in my website. If you don't agree with my words and ideas, that's fine. At least I've provoked you to think about it for a moment.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who regularly reads my blog and articles. Just knowing that makes all my hard work worth it!

Update regarding yesterday's blog entry (see below): as I got off the train at my metro stop on the way home this evening, I saw my neighbor pass by me as she got on the train. This time I smiled at her first and said "Hi." And she smiled back. See I'm getting better already! :-)

Miguelito at home September 2, 2005

Yeah, I had the night off so I stayed at home and caught up on stuff I've been neglecting. Boring, I know. But suddenly I heard several consecutive explosions followed by sirens. Yikes! So I ran out to see what was up.

View from my apartment's parking lot. September 2, 2005 7:50pm

It was just fireworks. According to the Washington Post: "The skies over the nation's capital were set aglow with fireworks Friday night to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II."

Since I was outside, I took a walk to get some fresh air and ended up at the CVS where I ran into an Internet friend.

"Hi Miguelito!"

She looked vaguely familiar, "Hi. Have we met before?"

"Yes at Cafe Citron. I go to your website sometimes."

I stood there for a few minutes getting reaquainted with her, and at one point she says, "Hey Miguelito, I sent you an email a few months ago but never heard back from you."

"Um, yeah, sorry. I get overwhelmed by email sometimes. What was it about?"

Anyway, to finally answer her email question, I gave her some recommendations for local dance teachers. I get a LOT of these questions via email. I should just include a pre-composed standard boilerplate reply to dance teacher queries and just send that in the future.

Turns out she goes to Georgetown and lives in my apartment building (a lot of college students live here) and we've seen each other in passing numerous times but whenever I'd see her, she'd smile and say "Hi," and I'd just give this quizzical look as if to say "Hi. Who are you?" Ugh, I gotta work on being more friendly to strangers--especially pretty ones! :-)

I remember about four years ago, I had another flamenco friend (not quite as pretty though) who lived in my building. Remember Michael Long? He was a full-time student at Georgetown and had free time between classes so we used to hangout and play guitar pretty much all day long at a local cafe several times a week. Good times. But Michael graduated and moved away to Phoenix, Arizona. We still keep in contact.

I'm finally moving out of this apartment into another one this Sunday afternoon. It'll be close to Bambule in the Chevy Chase area. So if you live or work in that neighborhood and have free time to goof off during the day, email me and let's hang out. I promise I'll say "Hi" back to you if I see you on the street. :-)

Photos taken with the Olympus Stylus 300 Digital Camera

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