Peña Pachamama Cultural Center Presents Monthly SUNDAY Flamenco Shows

Cafe Verdi presents

Like a flock of doves above her head, the delicate hands of Manuela Carrasco are enough to make audiences catch their breath and fall silent. Yet this international star, known in her native Spain as the Queen of Gypsy Flamenco Dance, remains strikingly down to earth, honoring the grassroots that sparked her art and maintaining traditions rarely seen on American stages. She was born in Triana, a neighborhood in Seville, where important chapters of flamencos history were forged in the Gypsy blacksmith shops. When she was only 18 years old she was named Goddess of Flamenco Dance by the Spanish Gypsy congressman and social activist, Juan de Dios Ramirez Heredia. Carrasco is a lively link in a chain of tradition going as far back as India to the subcontinental roots of the Roma people. She embodies this history and represents the enduring strength of a people who have survived by confronting disenfranchisement and discrimination with grace and beauty, poetry and dignity. In 1974 she won the prestigious Pastora Imperio National Dance Award in Cordoba and this was the start of many trophies and honors that she would receive during her career, including the International Award for Dance in San Remo, Italy in 1976. In 1986 she toured the US --including a month-long run in San Francisco-- with the legendary show "Flamenco Puro", with La Fernanda de Utrera, El Farruco and El Chocolate, some of the most influential names in flamenco at the time. In 1995 Manuela performed in the Carlos Saura film "Flamenco" along with guitarist Moraito Chico and singer Jose Merce. She also appears in Saura's film "Sevillanas". The virtuosity and depth of her artistry have been recognized at the highest level of Spanish society. In 2007 she was honored by Spain's Ministry of Culture with the Premio Nacional de Danza and in 2008 she received the Medal of Andalucia.

EL TOROMBO

Francisco José Suarez is an important representative of traditional flamenco. "El Torombo" – a purist of Gypsy-style dance, unites tradition and his own unique understanding of flamenco. Known for his philosophic approach, he views flamenco as a zen-like practice. As a young dancer he performed side by side with Juana Amaya, Belén Maya and with the director Mario Maya in Europe, Asia and America. His honest, authentic and elementary dance style inspires audiences all over the world. Today, he is a much sought-after Flamenco dancer and works together with other artists like Farruquito, Manuela Carrasco, La Susi, Tomatito and Potito

Manuel Agujetas, is one of the last living representatives of his generation of flamenco artists. The son of legendary singer El Viejo Agujetas, he worked in his falther's blacksmith forge until he went to Madrid as a teenager to sing in the flamenco nightclubs there. He is the father of singers Dolores Agujetas and Antonio Agujetas. He has recorded over 10 albums and appears in Carlos Saura's critically acclaimed film, Flamenco and in Dominique Abel's prize-winning documentary Agujetas, Cantaor. Joining Manuel is another member of the Agujetas clan of Gypsy singers, Miguel el Gitanillo de Bronce. In his youth he toured with Manolo Caracol and later recorded several LPs in the 1970s and 80s. Accompanying them on guitar is Manuel Valencia. Steeped in the toque of Manuel Morao, he learned to accompany the cante from his uncle, Fernando Terremoto (hijo). He performed for several years in Morao's company and has toured with dancer Maria de la Mar Moreno, He is currently a member of Gerardo Núñez's group and is working on a solo CD produced by Núñez.

Flamenco Dance Workshops with MANUELA CARRASCO!

Peña Pachamama Cultural Center Presents Monthly SUNDAY Flamenco Shows