On Thursday, September 22^nd, the festival will host a special flamenco concert dedicated to flamenco’s most important element – “Cante.”  Flamenco was birthed through the cante (singing) and was later accompanied by toque (guitar) and eventually baile (dance).  It is the heart and very essence of the art.  Song styles range from light and festive moods to earthy lamentations and the best cantaores (singers) have unique voices that can transmit joy, fear, love, and longing.  Flamenco cante is a highly respected art form in Spain, nearly equivalent to the respect of the greatest matadors and thus flamenco is not truly authentic without the cante.  “Cante” night at the festival will feature three internationally touring singers:  Gabriel Osuna, singer and guitarist and director of the Los Angeles trio – Encuentro Flamenco; Macarena Giraldez, Sevilla-born singer specializing in the festero style; and Vicente Griego, possibly the strongest flamenco cantaor in the country, hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico (the city called “The ‘Sevilla’ of North America”), who is studied in all forms of cante and especially the caña roto style.  The night will also feature a very special guest dancer, Fanny Ara, (for one night only) will dance a traditional “Martinete” – a piece that features the true talent of a singer’s abilities coupled with the beauty of pure flamenco movement.

What: 3^rd Tucson Spanish and Flamenco Festival Concerts:  “Cante,” “Baile,” and “Toque.”

Where: Casa Vicente, 375 S. Stone Ave.  Tucson, AZ 85701, 520-884-5253

When: “Cante” - Thursday, September 22^nd, “Baile” – Friday and Saturday, September 23^rd and 24^th, “Toque” - Sunday, September 25^th

Time:  Performances and Events – doors open 8:00 pm nightly.  Friday and Saturday performances go until midnight.

Cost: “Cante” and “Toque” - $25/nightly entrance. “Baile” $30/nightly entrance. Ticket packages available. To purchase tickets, visit our Store.