Written by Nicola Sofia Paracchini | 10 February 2010

Canteca de Macao, the self-proclaimed mestizo flamenco band from Madrid, will make their United States debut with a concert in Chicago on Friday as part of the 2010 Flamenco Festival, presented by the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago.

“The idea with the festival is to bring these artists to Chicago and give the community the opportunity to see something they’ve never seen before,” said Teresa Hernando, cultural coordinator at the Instituto Cervantes. “Flamenco is changing.”

Known for fusing reggae, ska, jazz and flamenco styles in their music, Canteca de Macao illustrates the festival’s theme: the blend of contemporary and traditional elements that is helping define flamenco today.  “Flamenco is a dynamic culture that is influenced by current trends,” said Amor Montes de Oca, owner of Arte y Vida Chicago, an online calendar of Hispanic art and cultural events in Chicago, one of the main sponsors of the festival.  “I’m happy that we are able to showcase what we think of as traditional flamenco, as well as someone more modern, more edgy.” Montes de Oca predicts the concert will be “a big smash” for flamenco followers in Chicago.

Canteca de Macao might be the stand out performance of the week, but according to Montes de Oca, festival goers will be equally appreciative of the work by other artists, who will bring genuine Andalusian elements to their events.  “In terms of flamenco in Chicago, the community is loyal, dedicated and knowledgeable on many levels…music, culture and language.”

The festival begins on February 10 with a performance by flamenco guitarist, Juanito Pascual at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The musician, who is from Boston, will work collaboratively with La Conja, a traditional flamenco dancer. The five-dollar suggested admission makes it possible for virtually everyone to attend the show. Accessibility to these events, particularly the Canteca de Macao concert, was a priority for the organizers of the festival. According to Hernando, the majority of funding for these performances comes from the Office of Tourism of Spain.

Before they head to New York to continue their mini tour in the U.S., Canteca de Macao will spend four days in Chicago and give fans the opportunity to practice music with them. “Students can hang out, partake in the music that they make, and learn their techniques,” said Montes de Oca. The workshop is open to anyone, including beginner musicians and fans of flamenco, who will get the opportunity to practice with professionals.

Arte y Vida Chicago, along with the other supporting cultural organizations, wanted to make the community participation in the festival a priority. “We take every opportunity possible to put together a lecture or workshop to incorporate as many audiences as possible and to make it as diverse as possible,” said Montes de Oca. The workshops, will give local artists and the community the opportunity to become familiar with flamenco culture on a more intimate level.

“Every year that we organize this festival, we have many followers…they develop a passion right after they get in contact with flamenco music,” said Hernando.

The festival also hopes to make an impact on those who aren’t as familiar with the art of flamenco and inspire them to join the following.  “We want to cultivate the culture here,” said Montes de Oca.  “If you go to one of the performances, and you love what you see, you might be inspired to take a class, or go see the artists perform in other places.”

IF YOU GO
Juanito Pascual
When: Feb. 10, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Admission: Free. $5 suggested donation.

Flamenco dance and guitar accompaniment workshop
with La Conja & Juanito Pascual
When: Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Canteca de Macao
When: Feb. 12, 8 p.m.
Where: Green Dolphin, 2200 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
Admission: $25 at the door, cash only

Cuadro Workshop with Canteca de Macao
When: Feb. 13, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Flamenco Arts Center, 3755 N. Western Ave., Chicago
Admission: $20 per student; $10 for students 14 and younger.

Orquesta Chekara Andalusí de Tetuán
When: Feb. 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio, Chicago
Admission: $20; $15 for students, seniors, IC members

Orquesta Chekara Andalusí de Tetuán
When: Feb. 19, 12:15 p.m.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Chicago
Admission: Free

Flamenco Perspectives: Idilio, El Payo, and Las Guitarras de España with Special Guest Timo Lozano and Andalusian flautist and singer Alfonso Cid
When: Feb. 20, 8 p.m.
Where: The Historic Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago
Admission: Advance, $25; door, $30

Concha Jareño
When: Feb. 21 5 p.m.; Feb. 23 and 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio, Chicago
Admission: $20; $15 for students, seniors, IC members

Festival Info: (312) 335-1996

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