The "Flamenco" on Saturday night....
July 27, 2009
This cold I kicking me in the butt. I feel better today but Jesus! Who gets a cold on the hottest day of the year?!?!? I managed to hold it together with the help of an assortment of cough and runny-nose suppressants, which made my MC-ing for the “Flamenco for Life” event, less than funny. I felt flat and unfocused the whole night. But, I had fun and was really impressed with the entertainment. (And god bless the young woman who came over and complimented me on my job as MC)
Herb Stanley’s flute playing is so fine. He opened the evening. Heart Rhythms is an enthusiastic and energetic group of women playing with beat, chanting, and sound. Good fun. The People’s Poets were amazing. I gotta call out Khadija for her vocals. I mean, the whole group was great, but Khadija’s beautiful voice had me yearning for more. I’m still yearning for more.
The Flamenco part of the evening was simply stunning. Ramon Matinez and Company put on a wonderful display of flamenco dance and music. The musicians and the dancer wove a spell that took everyone to Spain for the better part of an hour. Francisco Vinuesa Gambero’s guitar cut through the room with a profound sadness – a melancholy mixed with beauty. And Israel Mera Rodriguez’s percussion was matched so perfectly to Ramon’s dancing. The dance! The dance was like watching the best matador in the world – watching him move the bull around the ring, taunting and teasing. It was sexual, and poetic, and fun, and PASSIONATE!!! I have saved Francisco Luis Trinidad Angel for the end. This man opened his mouth to sing and my jaw dropped. The pure beauty of his voice was indeed “angelic.” This man is a master. I was awed. But at no point did his voice reach outside the perfect mix of the ensemble. It was flawlessly woven into the “Flamenco experience.” High, high praise to Francisco Luis Trinidad Angel. I am a fan.
My wife and I walked out of the Sutton Place Hotel and into the hot, breezeless night that could have been Spain. The “Flamenco” still whirling in my head and heart, we went home and took more cough medicine (which is not exactly romantic or “Flamenco”). But we’ll remember the Flamenco for when we are well.
Twenty-nine days until Waiting for Columbus!!
1 Comment
1. Rachel Sentes had this to say: Aug 07, 2009 ~ 19:17 ~ #
Thanks Thomas and Cindy Lou for coming down to our fundraiser. We are so glad you enjoyed yourselves and are glad that despite your cold, you enjoyed the evening. We are all waiting for your book and I’m sure Ramon will want a copy in Spanish. Thank you from Kyla and Rachel, and theGrandmothers to Grandmothers group. All the best for your big launch!!