The great flamenco guitarist Juan Habichuela, 'Tío Juan,' known as the best cante accompanist, passed away last week. You can read a poem written for him by guitarist Paco Cepero here (I translated it into English) as well as see a video of him playing and an interview where he talks about his life as a flamenco guitarist.

And here's another post by Julie from Spain. She reveals more about her experiences in Jerez: class with Mercedes and Ani, the important flamenco neighborhood we stay in, a visit to Mercedes's seamstress, Fatima... You'll love Julie's photos. (They're so good she actually sells them!) The Flamenco Tour happens October 19-November 2, and you can come too!

And speaking of that . . . As you know, I'm always on a bulerías high after Jerez, and I'm ready to share what I've learned with YOU! Join me this Saturday, July 9th for the Ins & Outs of Bulerias and Bulerías the Next Step. Both workshops come with accompanying ebooks.

And, finally, my friend Melinda Hedgecorth who resides in Sevilla, Spain will be performing in Portland on July 16 accompanied by guitarist Jed Miley and singer Alfonso Cid with the Peña Flamenca de Portland. Don't miss this show! (I personally can't wait to see it.) Get your tickets here.

Hasta pronto.

Un abrazo fuerte,
Laura

A JUAN CARMONA HABCHUELA
Paco Cepero

Hoy la Alhambra está de luto
Toda Granada está rota
El flamenco dolorido
Las guitarras mudas todas
El Sacromonte vacío
Los gitanos todos lloran
El Albaicin compungido
Las gargantas todas roncas
Hasta el aire de rodillas
Falta Juan ! Quien toca ahora !
Juan Carmona " Habichuela "
Patriarca de una estirpe
Su guitarra ha hecho historia
Adiós, compañero, adiós
Te están esperando en la gloria
Morente y Camarón
Quieren que les acompañe ahora
Quien les va a tocar mejor ?
Si ya lo saben de sobra
Te vamos a echar de menos! Juan
Pero esperándote están
Los Flamencos de la Gloria

Get the translation and see video here.

Summer Workshops: