The Sound of Flamenco

Fiesta may be long over, but flamenco enthusiasts thronged to the Lobero for dancer Maria Bermudez’ Sonidos Gitanos, a 90-minute show showcasing the art of flamenco.

Santa Barbara-based Bermudez, who was named an official Flamenco Ambassador by her hometown of Jerez de La Frontera in 2022, has promoted the dance art for more than 30 years and splits her time between our Eden by the Beach and her native Spain.

The Gypsy Sounds concert featured nearly a dozen revered superstars of gypsy flamenco performing in an intimate evening of passionate music
and dance.

Direct from Andalusia, Spain, by way of a performance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic the night before, Sonidos Gitanos featured true legends and several of the next generation of dancers, singers, and musicians.

The entertaining showcase included José Maya, Diego Amador, Diego Carrasco, Pelé de Los Reyes, Carmen Grilo, Curro Crisco, Manuel Valencia, Ané Carrasco, and Coral and Ana de Los Reyes.

“These flamenco artists are highly accomplished performers recognized individually for their artistry and evolution, but they never forget the essence of the deep-rooted culture of Spain,” says Bermudez. “The audience experiences the full gamut of flamenco shades, colors, and history through the generational range of the artists’ styles.

“Flamenco is ever evolving and always full of surprises, but a sense of community is always at its core.”

Supporters turning out included Denise Sanford, Dacia and Jack Harwood, David Bolton and Gonzalo Sarmiento, Rick Oshay and Teresa Kuskey, Vibiana Smith, Wendy Acosta, and Rick and Denise Ornelas.