Houston Spanish & Flamenco Festival 

A unique festival in Houston!  Art, education and culture unite to bring Spanish and Flamenco arts to the people of Houston.  Solero Flamenco, San Jacinto College South and the Consulate General of Spain present THE 2011 HOUSTON SPANISH AND FLAMENCO FESTIVAL, April 14^th – 16^th!

This unique festival will offer the opportunity for the general public, students and artists to partake in classes, lecture/demonstrations, exhibits, and performances!

Spain’s Pilar Andújar will dazzle audiences making her Houston debut at the festival.  A graduate of the Royal School of Dance in Madrid, Spain, and Classical Dance from the Conservatory of Alicante, Andújar, has travelled the world with her art.   

As an accomplished dancer and choreographer, Andújar has performed in Spanish tablaos and productions with the renowned companies of Antonio Gades, Teatro de Danza Española and Blanca del Rey.  Her theatrical performances include Carmen directed by Franco Zeffirelli in the Arena of Verona, Italy and Don Giovanni at the Teatro Real de Madrid directed by Luis Pascual.  She has performed as a soloist in the company of Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo and in other important artistic entities.

Flamenco stirs the senses with its passionate and rhythmic displays.  The folklore of the Andalusian gypsies, declared “Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO, is today a musical genre with followers in all corners of the globe.

Flamenco song, guitar and dance are respected disciplines in Spain and abroad. Houstonians wishing to learn more about Flamenco will have the opportunity to receive instruction from professionals, attend lecture/demonstrations, and enjoy vibrant performances here at home from April 14^th - 16^th. 

“The Consulate General of Spain in Houston decidedly supports the celebration of this festival and encourages the general public to take advantage of this opportunity to view an artistic expression of great profoundness, brilliance and joy,” stated the Honorable Miguel Angel Fernández de Mazarambroz, Consul General of Spain in Houston.

Flamenco workshops are scheduled at San Jacinto College South’s Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center.  Instruction will be offered at the Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels by Pilar Andújar (Dance), Maestro Timo Lozano - “Rey de la Bulería” (Dance/Percussion), Irma La Paloma (Cante), Jeremías García (Guitar) and Solangel Lali Calix (Castanets).  Upon completion, select workshop participants will have the opportunity to perform in San Jacinto South’s Proscenium Theater.

Opening the Festival’s performances on Thursday night, Celt Iberia will present an intimate lecture/demonstration of the music, instruments and song from the North of Spain.  Audiences will experience the beauty of this music first hand by Houston’s own Valdemar Phoenix and Lucia Rodriguez Sanchez.  

Other events at the festival include Cine Flamenco or Flamenco at the movies.  Vendors will be onsite for fun shopping opportunities.  Art exhibits featuring Spanish themes in a variety of media will also be on display for viewing and purchase.

Friday night, April 15^th, the festivities move to Andalucía Tapas Restaurant and Bar in beautiful downtown Houston for “!Noche de Juerga!”  Experience the raw and exciting energy that is unique to the flamenco jam session.  Enjoy Spanish food and beverages in an Andalusian setting featuring live flamenco performances by local and regional artists. 

On Saturday, April 16^th, Houston’s premier flamenco performance group, Solero Flamenco, and invited artists present “Fin de Festival.”  Solero’s Irma La Paloma and Jeremías García El Valiente will provide the musical framework in a spectacular production featuring Pilar Andújar, Maestro Timo Lozano “Rey de la Bulería” and Solangel “Lali” Calix. 

Joining the lineup will be Houston’s Almoraima Esparis, Edith Nino, Alexandra Simmons, Laura Uribe, Bianca Antonia, Maria Fernanda Urbaez and percussionist Chris Howard. Audiences will also enjoy a special performance by tenor Alejandro Salvia Cobas and baritone Raúl Orlando Edwards. 

In the tradition of flamenco, the festival will come to a close “por bulerías” punctuating this community celebration of the arts of Spain!  For a schedule of festival events, ticket purchase, workshop registration, vendor and advertising opportunities visit: www.houstonspanishandflamencofestival.com

Dr. Maureen Murphy, President of San Jacinto College South invites the community to this important celebration, “The arts teach us to understand the human experience, and never has arts education been more important in American culture. I urge you to join San Jacinto College South in supporting this worthy cultural experience for our community. Our flamenco festival will celebrate a part of our regional heritage, engaging our hearts as well as our minds.”