La Carboneria in California

Paco Lira, owner of La Carboneria, is one of the people in Spain and particularly in Sevilla (Andalucia) who has promoted most effectively all around the world the authentic art of Flamenco (singing, playing guitar, and dancing) in its more traditional, intimate, and Gypsy way, as well as other cultural expressions such as poetry, painting, sculpture, theater, etc. La Carboneria cannot be defined as a typical bar or taverna or any other name which is often given to the typical commercial tourist presentations of Flamenco. The possible confusion between the tourist version and the real feeling of the Flamenco Gypsy musical expressions can be resolved when one sees the shows presented at La Carboneria. La Carboneria is as unique as is Paco himself. That special way of being, of Paco and his already recognized institution, is the reason why Paco is here in California right now for the first time, to visit many of his American friends, including Marianna Gabriel and Freddie Mejia (where he is staying in Soquel), Chris Carnes, Kenny Parker, and Richard Quijote. These friends are a few of the scores of aficionados (Flamenco lovers) who have had the opportunity to know and be helped in their pursuit of the study of live Flamenco, dancing, playing, and singing by Pacos legendary generosity. Many have availed themselves of Pacos warm hearted hospitality in Sevilla and now that Paco is here they have the chance to give back to Paco some of the welcoming hospitality offered them in Sevilla. Paco also plans to connect with Universities here, such as Stanford, who have already shown an interest in and have supported performances of Spanish Gypsy Flamenco artists.

There were many people in Sevilla who wanted to come to California with Paco Lira but finally he arrived on October 11 with Luis Agujeta, a well known Gypsy singer with CDs in Spain and the United States, and Saturnino Jimenez, a friend of Pacos since the sixties and a knowledgeable and accomplish Flamenco guitarist who has had the opportunity to play for the Flamenco greats including la Nia de los Peines, Antonio Mairena, Fernanda and Bernarda de Utrera, Chocolate and others. The Flamenco lovers in California now have the opportunity for the next two weeks to invite these three special people to perform and visit throughout northern California.

How fortunate we are to have Paco, Luis, and Saturnino bringing with them to California a taste of La Carboneria. Welcome.

Scheduled events:

Show, Saturday October 16, 1 PM Palo Alto Arts Center, 1313 Newall (& Embarcadero), Palo Alto

Paid House Fiesta, Sunday October 24, 1 PM Soquel, $30/person includes Potaje; please RSVP