Los Jueves Flamencos I

There's a concert series every summer organized by the Peña Enrique El Mellizo called "Los Jueves Flamencos". They take place in the Baluarte de la Candelaria, one of the fortification castillos around the Old town. I went to see it this week. On the way there I walked through the beautiful Parque Genovés at dusk. Again, the light was amazing.

The concert series used to be a big affair with a lot of big names but due to the crisis, 2 of 7 nights were cut and there are no stars on the program. No stars is not necessarily a bad thing, so I was prepared for anything.

First, the whole thing was quite a posh affair. The Peña members (all of them people aged 40 and older) dress up and sit at tables with tablecloths. One of the best restaurants in town, El Faro, caters for the guests. The ticket costs 20 euros. I was surprised. But then the concert had five parts so you got more than enough for the money.

Eva Rubichi from Jerez sang first. Unfortunately I didn't like her style at all. She might have sung with all her heart, as she told the audience. But her voice and tone failed to captivate me. Her performance lacked subtlety and was very loud and very long. Sang for more than 45 minutes. Next up was Joselito Linares. His singing was just fine, but it was getting late and I was getting tired of listening to cante. It does require a lot of attention! After that, an excellent Miguel Téllez from Jerez gifted us with a hilarious parody of baile por alegrías. I could see he was a very accomplished dancer. He had every single part of his body under control and still managed to dance in a completely relaxed way. I've never seen such a corny "silencio" before. It was very funny. 

It was one thirty and I had to go home. I was sorry missed the great María Mezcle and Ezequiel Benitez. 

Up next week: Flamenco en los Balcónes! 

P.S.

I'd like to extend my warmest thoughts to Oslo, to my friends there, and the victims of the tragedy along with their families. Please stay safe. Let's keep the hope going that one day violence will end.

Image from here.