I always tell my friends about the Local Federation of PeñaFlamenco dancers from Jerez that if they collected all the activities of the Fall Flamenco On the same bill, all of Spain and fans from all over the world would plan their vacations to come to Jerez for at least two weekends. Could it be called Jerez Autumn FestivalFrom September, when the grape harvest is welcomed with the scent of new must, until the arrival of December with the zambombas, the city's flamenco organizations—twelve are federated—offer recitals and other activities that truly represent a significant commitment to flamenco culture in the city. While many complain that Jerez is too navel-gazing, the truth is that anyone who wishes can enjoy these performances as if they were a member. In fact, among those who make up these lists, many are from outside our borders and, although they do not actively participate on a daily basis, they like to dedicate a portion of their salary to promoting the growth of flamenco. These sanctuaries of the compass and knowing how to listen.
This weekend it opened in the Flamenco Gathering Pepe Alconchel with the presence of the singer from Jerez ZarzuelaI couldn't be there, I had to be present at the cycle Los Flamencos from Cádiz speak... and sing which hosts the Unicaja Foundation and that had as its first testimony to attend that of Rebujina, interviewed by Joaquin Lopez Bustamante (RNE). I laughed so hard at the "oja" (liar story) of this octogenarian from Cadiz with so many experiences under his belt.
«Among some of Angelita Gómez's headlines we mentioned "dancers shouldn't mess up their hair or show their legs on stage," or "the teacher can teach you technique, not how to feel," or "not everyone can be a dance teacher, like today, when there are so many teachers."
On Saturday I started the day with Angelita Gomez, whom I had the honor of interviewing at the La Yerbabuena Social Center, under the organization of the ACF Las CadenasFor an hour we were able to rediscover the secrets of Jerez dance thanks to Angelita's insights. She, who was always "the girl" who performed with Uncle Borrico, El Troncho or El Berza, and that danced to the seguiriya heart of Earthquake, feels like a "prophet in my land." Among her headlines were "dancers shouldn't mess up their hair or show their legs on stage," or "the teacher can teach you technique, not how to feel," or "not everyone can be a dance teacher, like today, when there are so many teachers." The audience savored every reflection from the beloved daughter of the city of Jerez.
Two glasses of oloroso and for the Peña The Fisherman, whose headquarters are located far from the center. But a five-minute drive away you'll find yourself in the Avenida de Arcos area to greet the good friends of this peña, who received a visit from Rosario The Gypsy Queen, a pianist, a composer, an emotional artist who releases through her fingers, through her piano, a handful of pellizcoper second. It's very rare to find a grand piano of that level on a stage like this, with a small format. Therefore, it's a true luxury. Rosario smiles and wins everyone over. It's the peña with his father's name, where he grew up, with his people... It was and remains a special afternoon. Hearing and internalizing piercing and piercing musical notes was unforgettable, although later on everything is a party and his keyboard celebrates life with bulerías.
We keep trying to park for San Miguel to walk through its streets, there I die. Windmill Street, the highest in Jerez, called the fans thanks to the Peña The Zua, who has chosen the La Gotera de la Azotea Theater as a space for two of the recitals of his cycle, which by the way he has titled Women, Gypsies and Singers. Choir of the Kings She was responsible for starting it with the guitar of Curro VargasCoral's performance is delicate, fragile, elegant, with a beautiful voice, mastery, warmth, and also personality, message, and color. A woman of light, she weeps her sorrows with her hair combed and shawl. A recital lasting an hour, because there's no bar here, and there's no need to make money in the pub, so it's better. The venue is ideal; it reminds me of those Madrid venues with a black background, where solemnity and respect prevail.
"Coral de los reyes is delicacy, fragility, elegance, a beautiful voice, mastery, closeness, and also personality, message, and color. A woman of light, she weeps her sorrows with her comb and shawl."
And from there, to Santiago, Peña Uncle Jose de Paula, to present to Luis Perdiguero, which formed the taco with Antonio Higuero. He tells it in expoflamenco The partner Estela ZataniaI like to confirm that Luis left a great impression and gave his all so that the Paulera seal would be patented in every heart. Higuero… Jerez in every string. It was all heart, long in the execution of soleá, above all, tientos and alegrías. The audience stood and came with a rhythm to close with The Nail y Chicharito To the dance.
We stayed after the party with Enrique El Zambo, Juañares El Zambo, Domingo Rubichi, Abraham El Zambo and a group of young people arriving to collect the legacy. Around three in the morning, we crossed the Angostillo de Santiago, Moraíto Chico Street, and Marqués de Cádiz Street until we reached our destination... next to Juañares del Zambo. What a joy! ♦
