A feast of flamenco, Chicago-style

Posted on Wednesday, July 27

Las Guitarras de España at the Mayne Stage:

A feast of flamenco, Chicago-style
By Debby Storms

Do you love world music? Do you love, love LOVE flamenco like I do?

Then I hope you caught Las Guitarras de España latest concert at the Mayne Stage last Saturday, July 23 for the third in what will be a five-concert “Flamenco Collaborations” series. All I can say is, ¡Olé!

Though originally formed as a flamenco-Spanish ensemble back in 1999, Las Guitarras’s music has evolved into an increasingly interesting fusion of Afro-Cuban percussion, Latin American forms, Middle Eastern grooves and jazz, with Indian, Arabic and African elements thrown in. The core ensemble, chock-full of talented singers, dancers, musicians and percussionists, specializes in creative collaborations with other notable artists representing musical styles from around the world, both traditional and modern.

Last Saturday, however, “The Guitars” went back to their flamenco roots to collaborate with the teachers and students in Chicago’s ever-growing flamenco scene.

“We used to do these student collaborations at the old Hot House, and we wanted to do it again,” said founder and guitarist, Carlo Basile, “but we didn’t have the right venue until the Mayne Stage. When we put together this ‘Flamenco Collaborations Series,’ I thought it would be a great opportunity to involve not just students, but the whole [Chicago] flamenco community.”

The first of the evening’s three sets was devoted to the students, and judging from the fine dancing, flamenco in Chicago is alive and kicking.

Students of Chiara Mangiameli opened the evening with a Güajiras, a feminine and flirty Cuban-inspired dance with fans, and closed with a spirited Rumbas. Students of Melody Vasquez, decked out in polka- dotted, Spanish-gypsy splendor, danced a happy Alegrías. Looking very authenthic – and dancing quite well for their young age – were the high-school students of the Urban Flamenco Arts Project, taught by Carolina Xavier. Wendy Clinard’s students presented both “jondo” (deep) and chico (light-hearted) dance forms with grace and “duende,” the spirit of true flamenco.

Special mention must go to two soloists: Diana Sanabria, a student of Karen Stelling, who knocked us out with her Danza Mora, a flamenco-belly dance fusion; and teacher Melody Vasquez, who presented a Spanish classical choreography that morphed into a red-hot flamenco bulerias with castanets.

Set Two featured the Chiara Mangiameli Ensemble. I especially liked two numbers – Capricho Arabé, in which Mangiameli danced in a bata de cola (a dress with a very long, ruffled train – difficult to dance in and beautiful to see), and “Conciencia,” featuring David Gonzalez on vocals and gorgeous cello playing by Kinan Abou-afach.

The third set of this rich and varied night featured Las Guitarras themselves doing songs from “Tantas Cosas,” their latest (and many would say greatest) CD. Several of their seven fine numbers were accompanied by flamenco “baile” – a piquant Tangos danced by guest artist Edna Manteca, a profound Tientos by ensemble member Wendy Clinard, and, closing the night, a traditional Fin de Fiesta in which everyone on stage took a turn dancing, including reluctant guitarist David Chiriboga (you did good!) and – bringing up the next generation – singer/songwriter Patty Ortega’s little daughter, Maya.

I haven’t yet mentioned the many other fine musicians, and guest artists, but all added texture and depth. To sum the evening up: ¡Olé, Las Guitarras de España! And ¡olé, flamenco students and teachers of Chicago!

The final two “Flamenco Collaborations” concerts will take place on September 24 and November 25 at the Mayne Stage, 1328 West Morse Ave., in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. In addition to Las Guitarras de España, the September concert will feature music by Ensemble of Ragas, traditional Senegalese musicians and dancers, and a 45-minute collaborative work featuring flamenco, American modern, and African movement and dance.