Once upon a time we were all storytellers, artists, and musicians. Even as potters, builders, healers, metalworkers, children, soothsayers, and elders; in the evenings we were all human. And we shared our life vision through music, dance, and art. A "Peña", a cultural gathering space for creative exchange and expression, might have been one such place we gathered to be human together, to learn and to forget.

Today we have become scientists, factory hands, economists, bankers, and sportsmen 24 hours a day. But there are still a few places, a precious few places, where we can find that creative spark. A place of music and dance, and love of musicians and dancers. And for me Peña Pacha Mama (1630 Powell @ Union, San Francisco) is just such a place.

There is live music and dancing here almost every night of the week (they're open Wednesday through Sunday) and the atmosphere is cozy yet energized. Most importantly, Eddie and Quentin and the Pacha Mama community here are some of the most welcoming, friendly people I've met, and make you feel right at home in their little musical "cave" in North Beach.

Organic, local food? Check! (A couple of months ago I raised a curious eyebrow at a group of happy loud men in 10-gallon hats, and was told that "our" Marin ranchers that supply the beef had stopped by for a meal! Talk about being connected to your food chain. In fact the Peña Pacha Mama gang are themselves accomplished musicians and performers!) Mojitos, Sangria? Double-check! Quality live performances? Prompt seating? All that and so much more that's better experienced than told.

Here's what SF Weekly says about Flamenco Thursdays: "Best Flamenco Show" (EVERY THURSDAY)

The reasons to come participate in the magic of Peña Pacha Mama are multifarious, but primarily, I go for the art, for the love, and for the people!

-Arvind

Una Noche de Flamenco / With Yaelisa, Felix de Lola, Jason McGuire, Geoffrey Hawkins, Marina Elana y Las Flamenkitas

Sunday, July 6
Una Noche de Flamenco

With Yaelisa, Felix de Lola (just returned from Spain), Jason McGuire El Rubio, Geoffrey Hawkins, Marina Elana y Las Flamenkitas.

"Flamenco Open Stage"
1317 San Pablo @ Gilman
Berkeley, CA

$10 at the door (General Seating)
Refreshments and snacks available

« Photo at left by Andy Mogg

A Traves De Sus Ojos / Directed by Fanny Ara

AZAHAR DANCE FOUNDATION presents
"A TRAVES DE SUS OJOS"

Premieres July 26th at the Mountain View Center For The Performing Arts, 8:00pm

Acclaimed flamenco dancer Fanny Ara directs a work which explores some crucial and cruel moments of a woman's life through the powerful and subtle art of flamenco music and dance; joined by dancer Melissa Cruz, singers Vicente Griego and Jesus Montoya from Spain, guitarist Jason McGuire, and pianist Gonzalo Grau.

Mainstage - $29 adults; $25 seniors/students; $18 children (12 & under)
TICKETS: Call 650-903-6000 or Order Tickets on line at www.mvcpa.com

500 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94041

www.myspace.com/atravesdesusojos
www.myspace.com/fannyara

Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT presents...
Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos

featuring:
Yaelisa, dancer
Felix de Lola, singer
Jason McGuire "El Rubio," guitarist

Downtown Restaurant
2102 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704

July 18th & 19th
Friday & Saturday
Dinner seating begins at 5:30
Performance begins at 8:00


$15 Cover for seating in the Dining Room $5 Cover for Bar seating
On this evening we will be serving an ala carte dinner menu featuring several Spanish inspired dishes.
For reservations call: (510) 649-3810
info@downtownrestaurant.com

Flamenco Workshops with Fanny Ara

Saturday July 12th and Sunday July 13th

BEG/INT:
12:00- 1:15PM: Technique
1:30- 2:45: Choreography

FEE:
Drop in: $30
2 classes: $50
4 classes: $90

Los Gatos Ballet and Pilates
16 Lyndon Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
408.399.7577
www.lgballetpilates.com

To register please email FANNY at fannyara@hotmail.com

Fanny's video on Youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CDOG066mfV0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lWQiU3jxaqE

Arte y Pureza Flamenco Workshop with Cihtli Ocampo and Ethan Margolis

AZAFRAN Flamenco Presents
Flamenco Workshop with Cihtli Ocampo and Ethan Margolis

Download the PDF Flyer for Detailed information: Workshop Flyer PDF

SAN FRANCISCO
August 2nd and 3rd, 2008
Contact: Miriam Phillips
(415) 259-6377
LaMiriFlamenco@hotmail.com

SANTA CRUZ
August 5th - 12th, 2008
Contact: Amit Barson
(831) 234-0340
amitbarson@gmail.com

Arte y Pureza - A Little Piece of Spain

Workshop link: http://www.arteypureza.com/index-home.html

A LITTLE PIECE OF SPAIN FLAMENCO WORKSHOP (Atlanta and San Diego only)
Intensive workshop presented by Arte y Pureza Flamenco Company with:

Saray Montoya
(Granddaughter of the legendary El Farruco)
Jorge El Canastero
Cihtli Ocampo
Ethan Margolis


Atlanta July 18-20 (No more spots available)
San Diego July 23-27 (Contact: Marisol Apostol at solflamenca@mac.com)

For more information please read "Workshop Descriptions"