THE BAY AREA FLAMENCO PARTNERSHIP
SPRING 2008
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Diego del Gastor Centennial Tribute
ABOUT DIEGO DEL GASTOR
Diego del Gastor (1908–1973) was one of the most influential flamenco guitarists of the 20th century and to this day his music continues to inspire fl amenco artists and aficionados all over the world. He created a highly uniquely personal style of guitar playing characterized by strong rhythm and accents, understatement, savored notes, a subtle sense of humor and an emphasis on improvisation and the expression of genuine emotion.
Del Gastor was unparalleled in his accompaniment of flamenco singing and was sought out by many of the great singers of his day such as Antonio Mairena, Juan Talega, Manolito de Mairena, Perrate and Joselero de Morón. The legendary singer Fernanda de Utrera put it this way: "Diego and I were the most compatible team in all of flamenco. Each one of us was in love with the other's art. I was the strings of his guitar and he was the echo of my voice. No one has known how to pull out what I have inside of me like he has... ¡Viva Dios y viva Diego del Gastor!"
In the early 1960s, American flamenco scholar Don Pohren published The Art of Flamenco with extensive references to Diego and Gypsy flamenco The book was a catalyst that inspired aficionados from all over the world, many of whom travelled to Morón to study with the maestro and witness the spontaneous fiestas at the fabled bar Casa Pepe, a gathering place for some of the most renowned flamenco artists of the day. Del Gastor's impact on American guitarists, including many from Northern California such as David Serva, Benjamin Flores Graham, Kenny Parker, Chris Carnes and Daniel Staffler, has given rise to several generations of flamenco artists here who through exposure to his music have gained an understanding of Gypsy flamenco free of theatrical stereotypes.
Del Gastor's musical genius was matched by his extraordinary charisma and elegance as well as his worldliness and generosity of spirit. He
was a true bohemian artist and rejected most of the commercial opportunities that came his way, opting to remain in Morón with his arms open to the world, making it the epicenter of Gypsy flamenco during his lifetime.
ABOUT DIEGO DEL GASTOR
Diego del Gastor (1908–1973) was one of the most influential flamenco guitarists of the 20th century and to this day his music continues to inspire fl amenco artists and aficionados all over the world. He created a highly uniquely personal style of guitar playing characterized by strong rhythm and accents, understatement, savored notes, a subtle sense of humor and an emphasis on improvisation and the expression of genuine emotion.
Del Gastor was unparalleled in his accompaniment of flamenco singing and was sought out by many of the great singers of his day such as Antonio Mairena, Juan Talega, Manolito de Mairena, Perrate and Joselero de Morón. The legendary singer Fernanda de Utrera put it this way: "Diego and I were the most compatible team in all of flamenco. Each one of us was in love with the other's art. I was the strings of his guitar and he was the echo of my voice. No one has known how to pull out what I have inside of me like he has... ¡Viva Dios y viva Diego del Gastor!"
In the early 1960s, American flamenco scholar Don Pohren published The Art of Flamenco with extensive references to Diego and Gypsy flamenco The book was a catalyst that inspired aficionados from all over the world, many of whom travelled to Morón to study with the maestro and witness the spontaneous fiestas at the fabled bar Casa Pepe, a gathering place for some of the most renowned flamenco artists of the day. Del Gastor's impact on American guitarists, including many from Northern California such as David Serva, Benjamin Flores Graham, Kenny Parker, Chris Carnes and Daniel Staffler, has given rise to several generations of flamenco artists here who through exposure to his music have gained an understanding of Gypsy flamenco free of theatrical stereotypes.
was a true bohemian artist and rejected most of the commercial opportunities that came his way, opting to remain in Morón with his arms open to the world, making it the epicenter of Gypsy flamenco during his lifetime.
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The Bay Area Flamenco Partnership Presents
| JUAN del GASTOR and FRIENDS at LA PEÑA on SUNDAY, MARCH 16th | |
| The Bay Area Flamenco Partnership presents: Gypsy guitarist direct from Spain! JUAN DEL GASTOR  Part of the 2008 Centennial Tribute to Diego del Gastor (1908-1973). An evening with visiting artist from Spain, Juan del Gastor and friends. Live flamenco music & dance, plus stories & video about Gypsy flamenco from Morón de la Frontera. Guest artists include Lakshmi, Roberto Zamora, Luci Rozario, Keni el Lebrijano and Nina Menendez. SUNDAY, MARCH 16th 7pm show SOLD OUT! 9pm show SOLD OUT! La Peña Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley $25 adv. $35 premium seating (limited) Box Office hours: Wed-Sat. 1-6pm (510) 849-2568 ext. 20 www.lapena.org CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS! |
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JUAN DEL GASTOR RECITAL at UCSC |
 SUNDAY, MARCH 9th 7:30 pmJuan del Gastor has been appointed visiting Regents' Lecture in Music at UCSC for Winter Quarter 2008. He has been teaching guitar master classes and lecturing on Andalusian Gypsy Culture as well as giving some informal flamenco dance and singing workshops. To culminate his presence on the UCSC campus, Juan del Gastor will be offering a recital with some local guests including guitarist Daniel Staffler. UCSC Music Center Recital Hall Sunday, March 9th at 7:30pm. Tickets available at the UCSC Box Office Tues-Sat 12pm-4pm at 831-459-2159 or at the Civic Auditorium Box Office M-F 11am-6pm Sat/Sun 10-1pm at 831-420-5260 or online at www.santacruztickets.com Click Here to Buy Tickets! | |
