On June 30th at 8pm at the Taberna del Alabardero 1776 I street in Washington DC, the great Flamenco singer Manolo Leiva will offer a concert (the first in the US) on the puriy of the Flamenco Art.

Accompanied by Marija Temo (a triple threat guitarist) and Henry Jova (a magnificent guitarist and flamencologist who will do an introduction and explanation of the styles Manolo will be singing), Manolo will sing from the roots of this Andalucian art. He is a veteran singer, with a profound knowledge of cante flamenco and who can perform styles which are rarely heard nowadays -particulalrly in this country, but even in Spain. He will be singing an extensive repertoire of serious songs, many which fall into the Cante grande category and others which are rarely heard such as two styles of Malaguenas and the Serrana. He will also sing traditional tunes such as: toná, martinete, carceleras y deblas. Polo, Soleá apolá, caña y el macho de la caña, livianas, serranas, alegrías romeras y alegrías de Córdoba, tarantos y cartageneras.

Manolo knew and worked with singers of another era many of whom are regarded as "old masters" and from whom he learned particular styles. He came to the USA as a singer with the Ballet Jimenez Vargas and stayed in Washingto where for years he worked at the El Bodegon with the famous guitarrist Carlos Ramos. As you know, I am an aficionado of flamenco and studied guitar in Madrid with Paco Cruz (who was here with Gerardo Nunez) and in Wash DC with Paco de Malaga.

Flamenco had its roots in the music of Al Andalus, having moorish and jewish influences. Its culture originated in Andalusia in southern Spain but has since become one of the icons of Spanish music and even Spanish culture in general.

In the last 20 years, Flamenco has become universal in its appeal and it has spread like wildfire to places as distant and diverse as Russia, Japan, Indonesia and, of course, the United States. During this time, Flamenco has acquired new rythms and has been influenced by other musics such as Jazz, modern salsa, regaeton and even classical.

Using his tremendous singing voice and unique style, Manolo will transport the audience to the beginnings of the true Flamenco origins and give it a purity and clarity not heard in a long time.

Call the Taberna del Alabardero for reservations at 202-429-2200