When Olé! An Evening of Spanish Passion and Artistry opens at The Club this Friday, May 21, it will be only the start of a series of Flamenco-Mediterranean events that production company Caravan World Rhythms has planned for the Coast. As part of Caravan's goal to feature world music, they will introduce artists from across Canada who will perform music and dance from the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Caravan's director Robert Benaroya says in the Vancouver and Victoria area alone there is a wealth of talent.
Flamenco Morema with two dancers, guitarist and singer, features two talented young dancers from Vancouver, Elysia and Kasandra. A professional flamenco dancer with an explosive, dynamic style, Kasandra has founded a flamenco dance academy in Vancouver and is a top teacher and choreographer.
Peter (Pedro) Mole is an experienced flamenco guitarist who has performed and toured for over 20 years. His passion for flamenco was born during a trip to Spain where he witnessed a group of Romany Gypsies singing and dancing in the countryside. Another star of the show is Vancouver's legendary singer from Madrid, Jose Lara. Born in Spain, he started singing flamenco cante at the age of 12. He has spent a 60-year career in Europe, and since settling in Vancouver in 1967, he has helped found the flourishing flamenco scene.
Though the Flamenco Morema dancers and singers will come from Vancouver for this show, there is likely to be a surprise appearance by a local enthusiast of flamenco dance, says Benaroya.
The group will perform three sets during the evening. Tapas (Spanish appetizers) and sangria will be available. That's on May 21 at The Club at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for $12 are available at Gaia's Fair Trade Gifts (Lower Gibsons), Roberts Creek Health Food Store and Ashley's Books and Records (Sechelt).
