The FAF is dedicated to creating an environment that welcomes individuals from all walks of life, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the enriching world of the flamenco arts and the beauty of diversity in our community.
Salud Carbajal, U.S. Congressman “
There has been a concerted effort from important stakeholders to elevate the visibility of and appreciation for the flamenco art form ensuring that its cultural richness is celebrated and shared, an effort in line with the Access to the Arts.
My introduction to Spanish and Mexican folkloric dance came at the age of four when my parents enrolled me in a dance school in West Los Angeles. At the time it seemed to my parents like a long trek from East Los Angeles to the studio, but it introduced me to the world of dance that was to last a lifetime. At age sixteen, my love for folklórico morphed into my love for flamenco, and over many years that interest took me to Spain to see performances and study with the great masters.
After moving to Santa Barbara, I continued dancing, teaching and invited flamenco masters Belen Maya, La Tania, and Roberto Amaral to conduct workshops. Some years later while in Sevilla to attend the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla, the month-long flamenco festival where all the flamenco artists of Spain gather to showcase their work, an idea crystallized in my mind. Why not a flamenco festival in Santa Barbara – a city that was already a natural and nurturing environment of the Spanish arts?
Established in 1999 as a 501 (c)3 nonprofit, the Flamenco Arts Festival (FAF) produced its first event in 2000 with Madridbased artists Ángel Rojas and Carlos Rodríguez and their company of nine dancers known as Nuevo Ballet Español, and a seven-member musical group, Cañadu. Since that time, the FAF has hosted some of the most highly respected Spanish flamenco artists, including the legendary Cristina Hoyos, Eva Yerbabuena, Dorantes, Manuel Liñan, Patricia Guerrero, and Alfonso Losa. But the commitment extends beyond international artists. The FAF has also showcased U.S. based artists, such as La Tania, Antonio Granjero, Andres Vadin, José Luis Rodríguez, as well as talented artists from Santa Barbara and the local flamenco dance schools.
“ It has been a truly remarkable journey. “ “
“
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my father and FAF co-founder, Alberto Pizano, and to everyone who has contributed to the overwhelming success of the FAF over the last 25 years from past and current Board of Directors to volunteers, artists, creative teams, sponsors, community and media partners, and my family. It has been a truly remarkable journey.
This year we would like to thank Mercedes de Córdoba and Juan Alfonso Romero, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Hutton Parker Foundation, Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, SB Foundation, Salud Carbajal, our Mission Ambassador Arcángel, and the Lobero Theatre. Lastly, I would like to recognize the many people who attend the FAF events every year. Their attendance validates our mission.
Mission Statement:
The Flamenco Arts Festival mission is to place a spotlight on Hispanic heritage through the presentation of worldclass flamenco performances and related arts educational programs; promote and preserve the art of flamenco; make the performing arts accessible to families and children; diversify the performing arts calendar; and build bridges of positive experiences between people.
On the occasion of your anniversary, we cannot help but remember our pleasant and exciting appearance at the Festival –a festival that fully serves to enhance the universal art of flamenco.
–Ángel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez, FAF 2000
Concierto Para Los Niños, FAF 2012
Access Arts to the
Fostering vibrant arts experiences for all.
The FAF is committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all members of the community, and believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power and beauty of the flamenco arts. The FAF continues to make this a reality through the Access to the Arts (ATTA) initiative.
ATTA was established in 2001 by the FAF to reduce barriers and expand opportunities to those who would benefit from exposure to world-class flamenco arts programming. What started as a simple idea of providing complimentary tickets to children and families to attend FAF events has evolved into a program encompassing arts scholarships, familyfriendly concerts, and music and dance education for all skill levels and ages.
Over the years, the FAF has partnered with local organizations to distribute free community access tickets, such as Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, American Indian Education Program, CALM, Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Earlier this year, the FAF awarded arts scholarships to local flamenco dancers Georgey Taupin and Aleenah Soriano, and in August will offer accessible and affordable dance and music workshops, and partner with Franklin Folklórico Dance Academy to distribute tickets to dance students and their families to attend the GALA event (see Festival Details on the next page).
The FAF continues to work toward expanding its reach, enhancing its impact, and nurturing a deeper understanding and interest in the flamenco arts, and invites you to be a part of this important endeavor. Whether you choose to purchase tickets for the upcoming GALA event in August, or donate online, your generous contribution, no matter the size, will be instrumental in fostering vibrant arts experiences for all.
UPCOMING ATTA WORKSHOPS
Learn from the Masters
Intro to Flamenco Dance for Kids with Mercedes de Córdoba
Aug 3 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | FREE
This fun introductory class is open to beginners, boys and girls ages 8–12. No previous dance experience required. Limited to 30 participants.
Intro to Flamenco Cajón (Box Drum) with Paco Vega
Aug 3 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | $10
This beginner class for teens and adults is in honor of Paco de Lucía who is credited with introducing this instrument to flamenco. Limited to 20 participants. Cajónes provided or bring your own.
Intermediate/Advanced Flamenco Dance with Mercedes de Córdoba and Juan Campallo on guitar
Aug 3 | 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | $35 & Aug 4 | 9:00 am – 10:30 am | $50
For experienced dancers – learn the latest choreography, style, and technique. Limited to 30 participants. Early bird pricing ends June 30.
For details and to register go to FlamencoArts.org/workshops-2024
My time during the FAF workshops throughout the years has been nothing but an extraordinary learning experience for me.
–Isabella Ricci “
What a generous gift! Thank you so very much for the wonderful scholarship…I am incredibly honored.
–Georgey Taupin “
I have participated in several flamenco guitar and cajón workshops...I’m appreciative of the FAF bringing the best artists to SB to perform and teach. “
–George Quirin “
Free kids class with maestra Patricia Guerrero, FAF 2017
Cajón class with maestro Gerardo Morales, FAF 2023
2024Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for supporting our mission.
HUTTON PARKER FOUNDATION
ARTS FESTIVAL 25th
featuring Compañía Mercedes de Córdoba
FestivalDetails
Celebrating cultural diversity in the arts
It was wonderful to see so many people join in a cross-cultural event. It transcended beyond entertainment.”
–Tom Garner “
FRANKLIN FOLKLÓRICO DANCE ACADEMY
The FAF is a 501 (c)3 arts and education nonprofit info@flamencoarts.org | flamencoarts.org
The festivities start on the Lobero steps with complimentary wine tasting provided by RZN Wines and music by Tony Ybarra. Mix and mingle with fellow flamenco aficionados before the stunning GALA performance begins. Doors open at 7:00 pm.
GALA: Compañía Mercedes de Córdoba with Juan Campallo, Jesús Corbacho, Pepe de Pura, Paco Vega
Aug 2 | 7:30 pm | Lobero | Tickets start at $51
Mercedes is an exceptional dancer who has consistently wowed audiences with her strength, emotional depth, and unparalleled ability to bring audiences to their feet. She makes her West Coast premiere with a stellar line-up of musicians in the production of Ser...ni conmigo ni sin mí (Being…neither with me nor without me).
GALA VIP After Party
Aug 2 | 9:30 pm | Lobero Courtyard
Included in the VIP ticket price
This is a special event for VIP ticket holders featuring award-winning Spanish cuisine by L.A. based Chef Roger, great music, the opportunity to meet the extraordinary artists, and prize giveaways. No-host bar. Tickets to this event will not be sold separately or at the door.
Dance and Music Workshops
Aug 3 & 4 | See previous page for details and registration.
