New York, New York!

I just returned from a fabulous trip to NYC. The concert with Calo Flamenco located at El Museo Del Barrio was an absolute success. Below are a few pictures regarding my time there.

NYC

Bernadette Gaxiola and I pose with the fabulous Omayra Amaya after a fantastic flamenco technique class.  Please visit Omayra’s Website for additional information on classes, workshops & upcoming performances.

Dinner with dancer, Julia Terrel & singer, Olivia Rojas at Yum, Yum Thai Restaurant.

Watching a phenomenal flamenco show at Xunta a few nights prior to the Calo Flamenco concert. Dancer – Martin Gaxiola, Singer-Chayito Champion, Guitarist-Chris Burton Jacome, Dancer-Bernadette Gaxiola and Dancer-Monica Herrera.

Chayito & Chris after their performance at Xunta.

My new friend and flamenco dancer, Jesus Munoz at Xunta after the flamenco show.

With my beautiful friend, former Calo Flamenco Dancer and amazing visual artist, Sara Hubbs. Check out Sara’s Website and her Flamenco Website. I love you, Sara!!!!

Rehearsing in El Museo Del Barrio prior to the Calo Flamenco Concert.

Phenomenal artists …and the three amigos during tech rehearsal.  Percussionist-Kris Hill, Bassist-Adrian Goldenthal & Guitarist-Chris Burton Jacome.

Chayito, Oliva and Chris backstage.

Awwww…. Que guapos!!

In the dressing room with dancers, Julia Terrel & Amalia Duran.

Snapping a shot of Casey in action during the lighting tech!!

Right before the concert with my beautiful friends, Julia, Bernadette & Molly.

After the concert at the cast party with Chris.

I had a fabulous time in NYC and I look forward to many more visits and adventures there in the near future.  I have to admit, it is nice to be home, sleeping in my own bed and drinking my own coffee.  There’s no place like home!  Please visit Calo Flamenco’s Website for more information on upcoming tour dates.

New York City Debut!!!

CALO FLAMENCO BEGINS 2008-2009 PERFORMANCE SEASON WITH NYC DEBUT

Tempe, Arizona: September 16, 2008 – One of Arizona’s only professional touring arts organization, CALO FLAMENCO: BALLET DE MARTÍN GAXIOLA, is set to rattle the floorboards in New York City for the first time this Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 7:30pm.

“We are very excited for our NYC debut performance,” said Martín Gaxiola, artistic director. “Presenters outside of Arizona have come to acknowledge the professionalism and artistic quality that we bring to the stage. This NYC performance will be extremely gratifying to us because it validates our hard work and determination to become a full-time touring company.”

The 1½ hour performance will include repertory from the company’s critically-acclaimed productions, “Nacimiento” and “Levanto”, both of which premiered here in Phoenix and Chandler within the last four years.  The performance will be held at the historic Heckscher Theater (part of El Museo del Barrio), 1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029.  www.elmuseo.org CALO FLAMENCO will follow up its NYC performance this season with special engagements all over the U.S, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina and Wyoming.

Since 2004, CALO FLAMENCO has been one of the few (and largest) professional touring flamenco ensembles based in the United States.  Based out of Tempe, Arizona, the group is a collection of over 15 local dancers and musicians working together under the artistic direction of Mr. Gaxiola.  Mr. Gaxiola brings over 14 years of professional training and performance experience to the company.  He has performed with such dance companies as Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco (NM), Flamenco Ole! (PA) and Flamenco Y Más (AZ).  He has created original choreographies for various dance companies/soloists around the United States and continues to receive critical acclaim for his work and performances.

Recording artist Chris Burton Jácome is the company’s musical director. Mr. Jácome lived and studied in Sevilla, Spain and combines the integrity of flamenco with melodic world music influences. His original musical compositions play a vital role in the success and uniqueness of CALO FLAMENCO.

CONTACT: Martín Gaxiola, Artistic Director

Sylvia Hardt Photography

Photo: Courtesy of Sylvia Hardt

I feel so fortunate in that I am always crossing paths with incredible and talented artists. In addition to being a wonderful friend and a true inspiration, Sylvia Hardt is also an amazing photographer. Whether she is taking shots for fashion and catalog or stills and portraits, Sylvia never fails to capture the ideal image – highlighting artistry and personality to the click of her camera.

Please stop by her website: Sylvia Hardt Photography

Flamenco Cante Master Class

FLAMENCO CANTE MASTER CLASS

WITH CHAYITO

IN THIS CLASS YOU WILL LEARN HOW THE “LETRA” WORKS IN THE     
FLAMENCO DANCE AND WHAT EACH PART OF THE CANTE MEANS AND SAYS TO THE DANCER.  
THIS WILL HELP WITH THE COMUNICATION BETWEEN THE DANCER, THE SINGER,
AND THE GUITARIST 

                        ALMA PERFORMING ARTS

                       10339 NORTH SCOTTSDALE RD. 

                    602 402 4660 WWW. almaperformingarts.com

                            EMAIL info@almaperformingarts.com

        TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 7:00 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.

                   COST $30.00 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10

                             $35.00 AT THE DOOR

Chayito Champion Flamenco singer, was born into a family of flamenco artist in San Antonio, Texas.  She began singing at an early age and has captivated her audiences worldwide.  Chayito has sung for such artist as Antonio Vargas, Pilar Riojas, Jose Greco Sr., Teo Morca, Luis Montero, and Antonio Hidalgo to name a few. She has performed in various venues, such as N.Y Repretorio Espanol, N.Y. Thalia Theatre N.Y. Carnige Hall, N.Y. Lincoln Center, Mexico City Bellas Artes, and Puerto Rico Bellas Artes.  Highlight of her career H.O.L.A. Actor Gil Award 2003 N.Y. city and A.C.E.Latinos critiques Award 2003, and 2004 Prime Minister of Shri Lanka’s ambasators award. Chayito wants to thank her parents for the wonderful gift of flamenco, and will always remember her father’s words, “Live Flamenco” and so she does.