Each fall, the San Francisco Bay Area comes alive to the bright sounds of flamenco guitars. Produced by the Bay Area Flamenco Partnership, founded in 2004 by Artistic Director Nina Menéndez, the festival brings together internationally renowned guitarists, singers and dancers for three weekends in late September and early October. More than just a series of thrilling performances, the festival acts as a type of cultural exchange with artists, students and enthusiasts participating in workshops and master classes. The goal is to create an environment that is a fertile ground for the sharing of cultural traditions and artistic growth.
While the exact lineup of performers changes every year, the festival is known for bringing the most exciting international talent to the Bay Area and exhibiting the finest local artists. At past events, these performers have included gypsy singing legend, Ines Baca; iconic gypsy flamenco dancer, Concha Vargas; the “Godfather of Bay Area flamenco guitar,” David Serva; gypsy guitar legend, Chuscales; and guitarist, Diego Del Morao. Artist-audience interaction is encouraged, particularly in the smaller, intimate spaces like the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz.
Each weekend night of the festival features a different headliner. Because improvisation is encouraged, each performance stands as a new, exhilarating experience. After the shows, it is not unusual to see performers mingling with the audience. On more than one occasion, festival goers have been treated to impromptu jam sessions following a performance. Events take place at a number of venues throughout the Bay Area, such as La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, the Brava Theater in San Francisco and the Thrust Stage in the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Those wanting to learn from the masters can sign up for festival workshops and master classes that are held throughout the three weeks of the festival. Workshops are available in dance, singing and guitar and range from “Flamenco Dance for Everybody” to advanced guitar sessions. Classes vary in price, space availability and duration. Some are limited to two hours, while others are multi-day sessions. Complete schedules and class-specific information is available through the festival’s website, as well as through Brown Paper Tickets.