Houston Spanish & Flamenco Festival 

Pilar Andújar

Pilar Andújar, of Almoradí, Alicante, Spain began her dance training at the early age of seven at Josetta García’s Academy.

She graduated with a Superior Degree in Spanish Dance and Flamenco from the Royal School of Dance in Madrid and a degree in Classical Dance from the Conservatory of Alicante.  In addition, she earned a Master of Arts in Drama Arts from the University of Juan Carlos I in Madrid.

In 1994 she continued her studies in classical ballet, Spanish classical dance, folklore, flamenco and vocal technique at Amor de Dios School in Madrid with teachers Pedro Azorín, Rosa Naranjo, Paco Romero, Belén Maya, Rafaela Carrasco and Rafael Jiménez ‘El Falo’ among others.

As an accomplished dancer and choreographer, Andújar has performed in Spanish tablaos and productions with the renowned companies of Antonio Gades, Luisillo, Teatro de Danza Española, Lucia Real, Camborio, Luis Ortega, Aroma Flamenco and Blanca del Rey.  Her theatrical performances include Carmen directed by Franco Zeffirelli in the Arena of Verona, Italy and Caracas, Venezuela and Don Giovanni at the Teatro Real de Madrid directed by Luis Pascual. 

She danced in the tablaos of Madrid and abroad including El Café de Chinitas, Corral de la Morería, Villarosa, Al-andalus, Casa Patas, Suristán, Florida Park and Alegrías of New York.

She has performed as a soloist in the company of Carlota Santana Flamenco Vivo where she created the original choreography: ‘Palillos y Pies’; ‘Aires flamencos’and ‘Carmen.’ These creations toured in important theatres in the U.S. such as the Discovery Theater in Anchorage (Alaska), The Egg in Albany (New York), the Music Center in Strathmore (North  Bethesda-Maryland), the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Joyce Theatre in New York.

She has performed as invited artist with her own show at the Instituto Cervantes in Istanbul (Turkey), the International Festival of Baltic Ballet at the Latvian National Opera House in Riga (Latvia), the Spanish Embassy in Sarajevo (Bosnia), and the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi (Vietnam) for the guitar festival of Nha Trang.

Her performances include important Spanish operettas (zarzuelas), plays, television appearances as well as the main character of the Osborne commercial in Dusseldorf (Germany).

As a teacher she has given Spanish dance and flamenco workshops in Spain in the Professional Dance Conservatory of Valencia, The Cultural Institute Joaquín Chapaprieta Torregrosa in Torrevieja and Merche Esmeralda Studio in Madrid among others.  She has also given workshops abroad in the Dance Sport Studios (North Carolina, USA), Fázil’s (New York, USA), Spanish Dance Institute of Ziva (Washington D.C. USA), Synergy Studios (Austin, USA), Houston Academy of Dance (Houston,U.S) and for the past 7 years for Yuriko Yoda (Nagoya, Japan).

Her contributions in choreography and scenic movement include for the following theatre plays:  ‘Sainetes’ and ‘La Comedia nueva o el Café’ directed by Ernesto Caballero for the National Classical Theatre Company; ‘No puede ser el guardar a una mujer’ directed by José Bornás for the International Theatre Festival of Almagro; ‘En el nombre de Alá’ directed by José Bornás at the Amaya Theatre in Madrid; ‘Second life’ directed by Aitana Galán at the Galileo Theatre in Madrid; ‘Apocalypse Now!’ directed by Nacho Sevilla at La Chocita del Loro and Teatro Arenal in Madrid.

Jeremías García of Solero Flamenco

Jeremías García has been playing guitar for over 23 years.  With a formal musical education and a natural inclination and enjoyment of the Spanish guitar, it was only a matter of time before he would venture into the complex and deep seated roots of flamenco.  He accompanies cante and baile with precision and dexterity, thus providing the musical  framework essential to the presentation of flamenco and all its components.

Jeremías’ interest in music developed at an early age.  Originally self-taught, Jeremy later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and a Master’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  

His study and familiary with the great  Spanish composers such as Manuel de Falla and Isaac Albéniz laid the groundwork for his transition to flamenco guitar.  He furthered his guitar studies by attending workshops by Maestro Juan Serrano, Juani Serrano, Richard Marlow and Valdemar Phoenix.  As a performer, he has collaborated with many talented artists.  In the flamenco setting Jeremy is known as Jeremías El Valiente.

As the co-founder of the nuevo flamenco group García y Reyna, Jeremy performed throughout the United States and released the CD ‘’Baile del Sol” in 2004 featuring all original music.  In 2008, Jeremy composed the music for and released his second CD, Café Khytaro - “Distancia.”  For this project, Jeremy collaborated with many   talented artists including Irma La Paloma who wrote the letra and performed vocals to “La Lluvia.” 

As soloist, Jeremy has appeared in numerous concerts and venues.  In 2006 and 2007 he was the invited soloist   and appeared with the Fort Bend Symphony and with the Brazosport Symphony in a performance of Joaquín Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez.”   In 2009 he was an invited artist to the Dallas Flamenco Festival.

Presently he resides in Houston where he founded and directs the guitar program at San Jacinto College South as full Professor.  He maintains a busy performance schedule as co-founder of Solero Flamenco and guitar soloist. Jeremy currently serves as Co-Director of the “2011 Houston Spanish and Flamenco Festival” in collaboration  with San Jacinto College and the Consulate General of Spain.

Irma La Paloma of Solero Flamenco

Irma La Paloma delivers cante with artistic integrity, elegance and sincerity.  Flamenco and the music of Spain  have been in her musical vocabulary since childhood.  With an innate sensitivity to the phrasing and melodic treatment   of flamenco, Irma is at home in her cante which she projects with emotion creating a special rapport  with audiences. 

Born of Spanish descent in Havana, Cuba Irma began her flamenco education at the Escuela de Baile Monterroso y Antas de Ulla under the direction of María Asela Bermúdez.  As a child, she performed flamenco and Spanish regional dances in musical productions in Havana’s Centro Gallego and Teatro García Lorca.

In 1970 her family established residence in Madrid, Spain where she was further embraced by her heritage.  They later came to the U.S. where she continued to receive dance instruction at the Academia Silvia Medina de Goudié in Miami, Florida.  Her father’s love of poetry and her passion   for song and lyrics led her to concentrated study of cante and flamenco dance accompaniment.  Her heritage is reflected in a repertoire inclusive of flamenco, traditional Spanish folk songs and original compositions.

Irma has attended workshops in Albuquerque’s Annual Festival Flamenco International where she received  instruction from cantaores El Veneno and Vicente Griego. 

She is co-founder of Solero Flamenco with Jeremías García.  They perform continually at varied venues and enjoy collaborating with local and visiting artists to present quality, professional performances.  Since 2009 the two have directed, produced and performed in four theater productions as part of the Cultural and Fine Arts Calendar at University of Houston Clear Lake and San Jacinto College South.  In 2009 she was an invited artist to the Dallas Flamenco Festival where she first performed with Maestro Timo Lozano.  

As a writer and recording artist, Irma recorded original lyrics for “La Lluvia” in García’s Café Khytaro album, “Distancia.”  In the works is a compilation of her poetry and original cante pieces for publication and recording.  

Drawing on her professional experience and Bachelor’s Degree in International Finance and Marketing, Irma currently serves as Community Coordinator and Co-Director of the “2011 Houston Spanish and Flamenco Festival.”  She is working to preserve flamenco through performance and education in collaboration with San Jacinto College and the Consulate General of Spain.

Maestro Timo Lozano “King of Bulerías”

Timo Lozano is an internationally renowned dancer with over 45 years of professional experience in flamenco and Spanish arts.  He was given the title of “King of Bulerías” for his demonstrated expertise as the first non-Spaniard ever to join the faculty of the famous “Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española Amor de Dios” in Madrid,  Spain where he taught during nine years.  

Born on Galveston Island, Texas, Flamenco Master Timo Lozano began dancing at the early age of 7. His studies included ballet, Spanish classical dance, and Flamenco.  While still in his youth, he began performing in local venues in San Antonio.  In 1967, during a performance at “Patio Flamenco,” Timo met Maestro José Greco   who extended an on the spot invitation to join his dance company. Lozano’s exciting career began with an international tour with the  most famous flamenco group of the time.

Timo toured the world with Greco’s company until 1973, taking time  off to serve in the U.S armed forces.   During his tour of duty, Timo performed for the troops in South Vietnam to raise the moral of his fellow soldiers.   His gift to the men earned the recognition of    General Westmoreland, the Commanding General of South Vietnam, who thanked him with an official Letter of Appreciation.

By the end of 1973, Timo embarked on his solo career.  In the years that followed, he performed with many famous flamenco dancers such as Ciro, María Rosa, Rafael de Córdoba, María Benitez, Angelita Vargas, La Chana, Rafael el Negro, and Matilde Coral. 

He performed on famous stages throughout the world including: Royal Festival Hall, London, England; Queen  Elizabeth Theater, Montreal, Canada; Metropolitan Opera  House, New York City; Zarzuela Theater, Madrid, Spain; Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia; Kiev Theatre, Kiev Ukraine and the Opera House, Tokyo, Japan.

In 1992 Timo made his home in Madrid, Spain where he worked tirelessly to become the first non-Spaniard to teach at “Amor de Dios, Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Española,” a Spanish and Flamenco dance school famous throughout the world for its fine dancers.  During his nine year tenure Maestro Lozano taught dancers from some of Spain’s top companies.  The people of Spain rewarded his efforts by naming him “El Rey de la Bulería” or “The King of Bulerías.” While teaching, he was invited as a guest instructor and gave regular workshops in 15 countries 25 cities throughout Europe.

In 1993 Maestro Lozano wrote the screenplay “Alma Gitana” and by 1995 it was turned into a highly acclaimed motion picture.  In addition to writing the story, Timo also choreographed and acted in the film. 

As an accomplished percussionist, he played the cajón, (box drum) for the documentary, “Flamenco Women,” directed by Mike Figges the academy award winning director of the movie “Leaving Las Vegas.”

The year 2000 led Timo to Israel where he spent nine years teaching children and teens the art of dance at “Beer-Sheva Dance Academy” in Jerusalem.

 In the spring of 2009, he returned home to the United States.  While performing as invited artist to the Dallas Flamenco Festival, he met and performed with Cantaora Irma La Paloma and Guitarist Jeremías Garcia of Solero Flamenco.  This first performance required immediate communication and improvisation.  The result was a memorable collaboration leaving the audience and artists hungry for more.  Their desire to continue to work together inspired Lozano to join Solero Flamenco.  Currently residing in Houston, Texas, he continues to share his art and experience with the community through expert instruction and outstanding performances.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Solangel “Lali” Calix   

“Lali” Calix has been dancing flamenco professionally for 35 years    and is known for her excellent technique in castanets.  Lali began studying flamenco as a young girl in her native Honduras.  Between  1976 and 1979 she attended the famous Amor de Dios School in   Madrid, Spain where she studied Flamenco, Ballet Clásico and Español with prominent teachers as Maria Magdalena, Ciro, Pedro Azorín, Cristóbal Reyes    and Mariano Torres.  She continued her training    with Juan Polvillo,    Lola Jaramillo and Paqui del Río in Sevilla, Spain.  She has attended flamenco workshops throughout the United States    and abroad as both student and teacher for over 30 years.  

Lali was founder and principal dancer of the New Orleans based group, Alianza Flamenca, where she was twice nominated for the New Orleans “Big Easy” Award.  She has shared the stage with such artists as Jesus Montoya, Antonio Vargas, Antonio Hidalgo, and the late Eduardo Montemayor.

She has performed with companies such as Arte Flamenco de Natalia Monteleone, Ballet de Arte Español de    Paco del Puerto, Alegrias, !Ole Flamenco Ole!, Michaela y Fiesta Flamenca, and Jaleole and with master guitarist Carlos Sanchez, guitarist John Lawrence, Bob Folse, Javier Guiterrez, Javier Tobar, John Burr and Kevin Coleman.  From 1994-2005 she taught flamenco in the New Orleans School of Ballet.  She maintained an active performance schedule at El Matador as well as at various guest appearances around the country.

After Hurricane Katrina, Lali established residence in Houston, TX.   Currently she is the correspondent for the southwest region of the U. S. for the website www.flamencobuzz.net where she writes reviews of flamenco performances and events.  

She continues to teach and perform flamenco on a regular basis. 

Celt Iberia

Lucia Rodriguez-Sanchez (dancer, singer) and Valdemar Phoenix ( guitar, zanfona) were already national flamenco performers when they met. They began performing together in Houston in 1981. Their work, firmly based in traditional flamenco, also reflects a contemporary approach to the art. They formed 'Celt Iberia', music from the north    of Spain, in 2005. From 1983 – 2009 they founded and managed the Houston Society of Flamenco Arts. The HSFA along with    collaborators presented concerts and events and many local, national and international artists to the Houston area. From 1983 – 2001 they toured through the Texas Commission on the Arts touring program, throughout Texas. They have also performed under the sponsorship    of Young Audiences and the Mid America Arts Alliance. They were    the subject  of a Houston PBS documentary, and they are the producers    of Gráfico, a made-for-TV video production, which was broadcast through Time-Warner. Their first CD, Nuestra Sangre Flamenca was released in 1998, their second, Ritmo Azul, released in July 2005 and their third, Celtic Connection in 2010.

Maria Alegre (violin, singer) is a native Houstonian who has been playing violin since the age of 6.  Maria has traveled nationally and internationally as a violinist and singer in both classical and folk genres. In 2000, she appeared in Gráfico, Lucia and Valdemar's performance video, and continues to work as lead violinist with the Mariachi Los Gallitos where she appears in several recordings. Maria has performed for many important personalities including several US presidents and the Queen of England. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Music at Houston Baptist University under Maestra Rodica Oncea in 2006. Maria also appears on Lucia & Val's latest CD, Celtic Connection.  

Garrett King (flute) began performing in clubs and restaurants in 1975, and within a short time was opening for performers such as Strunz and Farah, Hiroshima, and Taj Mahal. Highlights of his career include headlining for    the Hermasillo Mexico Jazz Festival,The Thousand Oaks Summer Concert Series and the California Strawberry Festival. He has performed for many community events, schools and colleges. Garrett's first recording in 1993 brought features on local radio, the KCLU Jazz Club. His 1997 CD 'Silent Partners", with Jim LaDiana, garnered airplay on jazz stations in many states, and was a winner in the Denver, Co. annual K-HI radio New Artist Awards.  He appears on Lucia & Val's second flamenco CD,Ritmo Azul  and their latest CD, Celtic Connection

Almoraima Esparis

Almoraima began dance training as a child in Caracas, Venezuela under the instruction of Tatiana Reyna. In 1995 she continued her training with   instructor Daniela Tugues building a foundation on technique and choreography.   In 1997 she was invited to join the performance company of Lara Di Cione, where she performed progressive fusion in theatrical productions such as Tharab (Arabic-Flamenco), Cuatro Estaciones      (Classical-Flamenco), Entre Afros y Flamencos (Afro-Caribbean-Flamenco).  From 1999 to 2003 she continued to perform in Venezuela often in   collaboration with visiting artists from Spain.

Since moving to Houston in October 2003 she has performed with Lucia y Valdemar Gitanerías Flamenco, Flamenco Andalúz, and Solero Flamenco. She has participated in varied events in Houston and the region where she has worked as dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She currently teaches classes at DANMAR Studios in Katy, Texas.

                                                                                                                                                                    Laura Uribe

Laura is the former owner and director of the Alegría Dance & Performing Arts Center has been dancing flamenco since 1995.  She began her studies with the Rodriguez Academy of Dance until 2000.  Since then, she has studied with masters such as Yaelisa, Antonio Granjero, Maria Serrano, Juan Siddhi, Genoveva, Omayra Amaya, Rosa Maria Navarette, Luis Montoya, and Immaculada Ortega.  She continues to study intensively with her mentors, Fanny Ara and Melissa Cruz with whom she performed in a 2008 fundraiser.  As a performer, she has been a soloist at the 2005 Rodeo Houston’s Gala and Dance Houston’s city wide festival in 2007 and 2008 at Jones Hall.  In spring 2009, she performed a solo with Solero Flamenco at the Dallas Flamenco Festival.

                                                                                                                                                                              Chris Howard

Chris has been performing as a percussionist in Houston since 1997. He has played with numerous bands and ensembles covering a broad array of traditions including Bulgarian, Turkish, West African, Spanish, Cuban, Brazilian, Funk and Jazz.  As well known accompanist, he plays for dance classes and workshops at the Hope Center, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, University of Houston and the JCC.  He has played for musicals at Theatre Lab Houston, HCC, Main St. Theatre and Stages Repertory Theatre.   He currently plays with jazz fusion septet Free Radicals and directs Bateria Terceira Costa, a samba drum line.  Chris directs children’s classes at the Hope Center and Madhatter Arts Camp.

                                                                                                                                                                     Alexandra Simmons

Alexandra was born in Caracas, Venezuela where she started to dance flamenco at the age of 15 under Tatiana Reyna’s instruction.   From 2000 to 2006 she trained and performed as part of the “Compañía Profesional de Baile Tatiana Reyna” and had the opportunity to receive classes from many dancers like Helena Pachon (Spain), Belén Maya (Spain), Sergio “El Javi” (Argentina), Antonio Vargas (Spain), Daniela Tugues (Venezuela), and Anita Loynaz (Venezuela).   This passionate dancer was part of Soniquete Flamenco Dance Company.  She recently established her own company Hierro Forjado/Taller Flamenco and is currently teaching the art of Flamenco dance in Houston.        

Edith Nino

Edith was born in Caracas, Venezuela and was inclined to the arts at an early age.  She began her training at    Voces Blancas de Elisa Soteldo, Academia de Ballet Fanny Montiel and at the Conservatorio de Música under    the direction of María Dolores García.  While studying ballet at the English Montessori School in Madrid, where she resided from 1988-1990, she was exposed to flamenco arts and culture.

After returning to Caracas she graduated from the Conservatorio de Música and joined La Coral de U.E. Universidad Simón Bolívar.  She continued Classical Ballet with Fanny Montiel until 2000.  Following her move to Houston, she studied Flamenco at the University of Houston with Antonia Perlacia and performed in Antonia’s companies Aires Flamenco and Soleá Dance.  As an Argentine tango dancer and instructor, Edith worked with Pampa Cortés from 2008-2010.  She currently performs with Solero Flamenco as a guest dancer.

                                                                                                                                                                     Maria Fernanda Urbaez

Maria a recognized international artist, initiated her dance studies at an eary age. Showing significant and natural dance talent, as well as musical skills, she directed her training in Flamenco, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Bellydance, Hip-Hop, Modern and Salsa by studing with the master artists from Venezuela, the United States, and Spain, as well    as a dance career at the University of Houston. She has been recognized for her extreme dedication and patience   in teaching,k choreographing and performing many sophisticated and intricate routines. Druing her early years,   she combined dance with art and music, learning Flamenco and percussion.

In 1998, whe moved to South Florida with her family where she continued her dance and percussion training with Damaris Ferrer, Aurora Reyes, Leandra La Greca, La Conja, Myriam Eli, and Joe Zeytoonian among others. Showing special talent to transmit her knowledge, she began to teach Flamenco, Belly Dance, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Percussion and Latin American Folklore in her own dance studio Danmar Art & Dance Studio.

Bianca Antonia

Bianca has made a lifelong commitment to promoting the art of Flamenco, throughout her community and beyond as a student, a performer and eventually a teacher. Ms. Antonia, started studying flamenco at the age of 15, she eventually progressed to becoming an instructor in her own right and continues to perform around Texas and     teach in the Houston area.

Alejandro Salvia

Alejandro is a Cuban tenor.  He recieved his Bachelor of Music Degree from the Instituto Superior de Arte, Havana, Cuba (2005) .  He recieved his vocal studies and coaching under the direction of  Nayade Proenza,    Manuel Pena, Armando Suarez del Villar, Amalia Arriaza, Hugo Oslé, Emanuela Marcante, Almudena Ortega, Ricardo Muñiz, Josu Okiñena, Claude Corbeil, Katherine Ciesinski, Maurenn O´Flynn, Ivonne Garza, Corradina Caporello, André Dos Santos, Marioara Trifan, Fernando de la Mora, Héctor Vásquez, among others. Alejandro    is currently studying with renowned Houston vocal coach Lois Alba. 

His awards include:  Honorable mention, “Rodrigo Prats” vocal competition, Holguín, Cuba (2006) ; Second Prize, “Mariana de Gonicht” vocal competition, Havana, Cuba (2007) . Alejandro's research work, “Globalization of the vocal technique”, a study of different treatises from old schools of singing, resulted in honorable recognition from the J.M. Ochoa Conservatory of Music in Holguín, Cuba (2007)

He has experience as a vocal instructor as a voice teacher for the  J.M. Ochoa Conservatory of Music, Holguín, Cuba (2007) . He was also an Instructor of singing and interpretation at the Universidad Autónoma del Noreste, Saltillo, México (2009). He has been a Lecturer and teacher at Duboforce Congress, Acapulco, México (2010)  and a vocal coach in the musical comedy “Cabaret”, México (2010).

Alejandro has participated in the role of singer/performer in such beautiful peices as Conjunto de Música Antigua “El Gremio”, Cuba (2002), Camerata Vocale Sine Nomine”, Cuba (2004).  He was the  soloist in Rodrigo Prats Lyrical Theater, Cuba (2005); the role of Julio in the Cuban zarzuela “Amalia Batista” by Rodrigo Prats, Cuba (2006) ; the role of Gustavo in the Spanish Zarzuela “Los Gavilanes” by J. Guerrero, Cuba (2006); the role of    Don Basilio in the opera “Le nozze di Figaro” by W.A Mozart, Cuba (2006); the role of Edwin Carlos in “La Princesa de las Czardas” operetta by Emmerich Kalman, Cuba (2006); the soloist in “Coronation Mass” by W.A. Mozart, Cuba (2006); the sololist in the “8th Encuentro Operístico de Verano” in Saltillo, México (2009); the role  of MC (emcee), “Cabaret” by Kander and Ebb, México (2010).  Alejandro was the director, pastorela in the  “La apuesta”, Talento Bilingue of Houston, Houston (2010).  He serves as the associate artistic director for Flamárt (Featuring Latin American Music and Arts) in Houston, Texas and is teaching at MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling Through de Arts).

 Raúl Orlando Edwards

Raúl Orlando Edwards is the Foundation's and Flamárt Artistic Director.  A singer and dancer as well as consummate teacher and administrator, he began music studies at the Conservatorio Nacional de Panamá under the tutelage of baritone Federico Redondo, and later moved to the United States where he recieved a B.A. in Music. Having performed in both operatic and mucial genres, he has turned much of his attention to the performance and promotion of Latin American Art through Flamárt (Featuring Latin American Music and Arts), which he founded in 2005 and which is now and independent component of the Foundation for Modern Music.

Raúl has recieved several awards, including the prestigious Jefferson Award, the highest honor, for outstanding community service and others including two Proclamations by the City of Houston for outstanding community service for his cultural contribution. Extensive television, radio, movie and printed press coverage, reflect his strong commitment to the promotion and preservation of authentic Latin American art forms. His artistic professional engagements have included organizations such as the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, Society for the Performing Arts, Opera in the Heights, Museum of Fine Arts (Houston), the Foundation for Modern Music, the Ensemble Theater, MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts), and VH-1, just to name a few. As a clinician he has conducted workshops and lectures at Sam Houston State University, University of Houston Downtown, Houston Community College Central, University of Houston African American Studies, Moores School of Music, and others. He is currently continuing studies in voice with the renowned author and teacher of singers Lois Alba.