A flamenco troupe from Spain is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.
Flamenco de Jerez is coming to the Bay Area with the support of the Flamenco Society of San Jose. The troupe comprises dancers Macarena de Jerez and Carmen Herrera, vocalist Jose Mijita, guitarist Ismael Heredia and percussionist Manuel Vinaza.
“These artists are authentic gypsy flamenco artists,” said Eddie Diaz, co-owner of the society. “These are the kind of artists you do not really find anywhere in the world. You only find them in Spain. They are masters of the instruments, but also of the music itself. They come from the city of Jerez, the birthplace of flamenco. You cannot get anything more authentic than this.”
Eddie and his wife, Catherine Diaz, have been managing the society for 35 years. Eddie said the nonprofit’s mission is to keep the art form alive and share authentic Spanish culture with diverse audiences. Eddie added that this is the first time the society is hosting an entire troop.
“We’ve branched out before, but not as big as this show,” Eddie said. “But now, bringing a whole full troop of authentic flamenco – it takes everything to another level for us.”
Catherine noted that bringing a larger group to the U.S. presented more challenges, such as getting all of the performers’ work visas. Despite starting that process a year ago in preparation for Saturday’s performance, Catherine said the society had to pay extra money to expedite the approval process, which it was only able to do with help from a donor.
“It’s very, very difficult to put on a performance like this. There’s almost no words to describe it,” Eddie said. “We’re unique because we bring authentic groups here. Earlier, we were going to cancel the concert because the visas were not approved yet, even though we started so early. Then finally we were able to expedite everything. And thank God for that donor.”
Despite hardships, the couple said they continued to persist because of their passion for the art. Eddie, who first got into flamenco because of his love for guitar, said he felt obligated to show people what real flamenco looks like in a world of inauthenticity.
Catherine also emphasized the importance of preserving the culture surrounding flamenco. She said when she had visited Spain, she went to flamenco shows and has developed close relationships with Saturday’s performers. She explained that attending these shows are important to her, as she met Eddie at one.
“We spent our whole life devoted to flamenco,” Catherine said. “In a way, flamenco has been the soundtrack of our love.”
Eddie said that one of his favorite parts of flamenco performances is the house party they host afterward.
“Flamenco is what happens after the show is over,” Eddie said. “When the show is over, we all go to somebody’s house and that’s when the party starts with good food, family and friends. Playing together, food, drinks, staying till 6 a.m. – that’s very normal. We feel very fortunate to witness these parties because not many people can experience that.”
Eddie added that the performers themselves are excited to come to California to share their culture with the Bay Area. He said that the support of the community is important to keep art and nonprofits like the society alive.
“If we don’t have art, if we don’t have music, if we don’t have good food, what are we living for?” Eddie said. “Try to support your local nonprofits: that’s the only way we’re going to survive.”
For tickets ($63-$75) and more information, see tinyurl.com/flamencodejerez.
