LOVE ANGELES

Vengo: Flamenco All-Nighter! (Video)

The Floor is Shakin'

If you missed the article (including steamy clips) of Carolina Cerisola's opening of the Floor in LA don't fret, there's surely more to come... rock out this recent clip from the Floor submitted by LA guitarist, Walter Molina

Flamenco is Alive in LA

Last night, I had a blast listening to another live flamenco show at hotel le petit starring my dear friend and guitar instructor Walter Molina. The vibe was amazing as always including the people and the food. While sitting in the candlelight, taken away by the music, I couldn't help to think of the world's most famous flamenco guitarrista Paco De Lucia, who happens to be Walter's mentor's mentor. I guess that would make Paco my great mentor! Can you see the resemblance?

If you love dance, be prepared for this

As I have mentioned before, I've always been drawn to the art of flamenco and finally got the nerve to begin studying flamenco guitar under Los Angeles based Walter Molina. 

Check out the clip above of legendary Carmen Amaya (November 2, 1913 - November 19, 1963) who was a flamenco dancer and singer, born in the Somorrostro slum of Barcelona, Spain (Vila Olímpica nowadays). She danced from the time she was 4years old. In 1929, she made her debut in Paris, to warm acclaims and admiration of her dancing skill. She moved to America in 1936, where she went on to act in several films that broke box office records, including the Romeo and Juliet adaptation Los Tarantos, and the short film Danzas Gitanas (Gypsy Dances).

Trivia: Carmen was invited by Franklin Roosevelt to dance in the White House in 1944, and also by Harry S. Truman in 1953

Flamenco in Los Angeles

Walter Molina has been performing flamenco music around town for a handful of years. When I first came back to LA, I googled flamenco in los angeles in order to find a cozy spot to get out and listen to what I consider to be some of the most passionate music on the planet. I found a sleeper of a spot in the valley called Ole which has great happy hour tapas and most importantly, live flamenco music Tuesday nights. The first time I went I met the Walter, the featured guitarrista, and became a regular ever since. If you decide to check it out one night, let me know and I'll buy your sangria!    

Ole

I've practically become the Tuesday night regulat at Ole in the Valley. Why Tuesday, you ask? They showcase live flamenco/spanish gypsy music every Tuesday night at 8pm. Their tapas are pretty good and Walter, the lead guitarrista rocks! Actually, he's going to be my new flamenco maestro, beginning next weekend. Who knows, maybe I'll get good enough to jam with him in the next year or so?

Amore, Amore, Ole!