One of the City’s most anticipated cultural events, the August 1 tablao of Laredo College’s annual FlamencoFest, offers once again the unique opportunity to experience the passion and tradition of flamenco.
The performance at the Kazen Student Center, is the culmination of the annual week-long FlamencoFest that includes hands-on workshops centered on one of the world’s most expressive and captivating art forms.
Tablao highlights the improvisation between the baile (dance), cante (song), and toque (guitar) performers and their engagement with the audience. Modern tablao emerged in the 1950s and became popular throughout Spain. Its intimacy among dancers and musicians has cultivated fertile ground for master artists to emerge for generations.
The generous support of the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation for FlamencoFest is a gift to the community, not only for the August 1 performances, but also for the five immersive week-long workshops that offer student and community participants the opportunity to learn from artists who have performed on stages around the world.
The workshops of authentic instruction include three dance classes at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, along with specialized workshops in toque and cante.
Led by acclaimed artists Andrea Lozano, Kayla Lyall, Illeana Gomez, Eloy Gonzales, and Vicente Griego, the sessions are structured to strengthen the technical skills of participants while offering them a deeper understanding of flamenco’s history, culture, and artistry.
Since its beginning three years ago, FlamencoFest has visibly grown in its capture of the interest and enthusiasm of the community. “It has evolved into a meaningful cultural celebration that brings people together, inspires artistic exploration, and fosters a deeper appreciation for this art form. Its growth reflects the community’s desire for high-quality arts programming and meaningful cultural experiences,” said FlamencoFest co-chair Cristina Greco, adding, “These performers invest in our community by sharing their knowledge, mentoring participants, and inspiring the next generation of artists.”
All workshops are free to current Laredo College students who may register by email at patricia.godines@laredo.edu. Registrants should include their full name, Palomino ID number, and the classes they would like to attend.
Each class consists of a four-day session from Tuesday, July 28, through Friday, July 31. Class fees for community participants are $150 per class, with discounted rates available for multiple registrations: $250 for two classes, $350 for three, $450 for four, and $550 for all five classes.
Non students can register for workshops at www.laredo.edu/flamencofest. To purchase tables or individual tickets for the tablao, go to https://laredocollege.square.site/flamencofest. Ticket prices vary by table location.
For additional information, email Godines or call (956) 794-4403.
