INTERNATIONAL SPANISH FLAMENCO DANCER TO PERFORM AT THE CENTER FOR THE VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

March 8, 2010 –Alhambra, CA—Flamenco dancer Lakshmi “la Chimi” Basile will present a program of flamenco music and dance on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) in Alhambra.    

Her show, called “Claveles Entre Sevilla y Jerez,” (Carnations Between Seville and Jerez) is prompted by a temporary return to California, her native state, after eight years of living and performing in Spain.  She comes bearing gifts for Los Angeles audiences; two guest artists from the nearby town of Jerez de la Frontera; a singer (who also dances) and a guitarist (who also sings), whom she has hand-picked with care for their talent, unique styles of expression, and commitment to the purity of traditional flamenco.  “It will be an intimate, ‘rancio’ (aged like fine wine) program, as opposed to a commercial show,” says Basile.        

Basile, 28, is based in Seville, often called the “cradle of flamenco.”  As an American living abroad, 28-year-old Basile’s life is often a balancing act, a negotiation between two very different cultures.  Additionally, she misses her family, there are sacrifices, and the work can be difficult.  However, she says “when I’m here, I feel like I’ve come home.  It’s freaky how, when they (the Gypsies) sing for me and how I respond, as if I’d grown up with them.  I feel a spiritual connection here.”              

Guest singer Kina Mendez, a niece of the famous Gypsy singer la Paquera de Jerez, possesses a voice that has been described as one in which “descansan preciosos metales, (precious metals, beautiful timbres reside).”   Guest guitarist Jose Galvez, considered by critics as a “prodigious talent,” is the nephew of legendary guitarist Juan Parilla de Jerez.  He began playing and singing professionally at age seven and touring internationally at age 16.

Lakshmi Basile Video Clip: http://youtu.be/E8DEdRfC5K8