Sept. 10, 2022

Flamenco singer Pepele Méndez was born in Jerez de La Frontera, Spain, and is part of the Méndez dynasty of singers from the neighborhood of La Plazuela. As a child, he learned the art of flamenco at home listening to great artists such as “El Torta” Manuel Moneo, his cousins Paca and Manuela among others. Soaking in the presence of these amazing artists and without knowing it, Pepele learned how to sing and also the art of flamenco.  At the age of 16, Pepele began his first artistic steps at the Tokyo National Theater in the “Earth and Fire” show by Japanese Director Yoko Komasubara, as a palmero/percussionist and dancer. Later, he accompanied his aunt, famous flamenco singer La Paquera, on a tour in the Mont de Marsan Festival in France and the “Festival del Cante de las Minas”. Pepele branched out on his own to create new projects and has specialized in singing flamenco with a fusion influenced by Reggae, Latin, Funk, Rock and Jazz. With a very personal voice, he always looks for new aspects of traditional styles. While an incredible and traditional artist, Pepele Méndez leads us to the future with his conception of flamenco by making pure flamenco live alongside other genres.

Flamenco guitarist José Manuel Alconchel is one of the most sought-after guitarists living in the United States of America. His father, flamenco singer Pepe Alconchel, introduced José to the world of flamenco during his childhood in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. After studying the guitar for years as a child, José began accompanying singers and dancers in performances in his hometown and nearby cities at age 12. When he was 17 years-old, he received the award for best guitarist in the contest, Noches de bajo de guía in Jerez. After that, he began touring throughout Europe and later the world, performing with the biggest stars of flamenco. He won first place in the 2020 guitar competition presented by the Alhambra Guitar company. This accomplished musician is in residence in Miami, where he plays guitar in flamenco concerts three nights a week, when he is not touring with national companies.

Flamenco dancer Natalia Novela is formally trained in ballet, modern, and flamenco, and holds a degree in dance from Florida International University. Since 2004, Natalia has been a member of Siudy Flamenco Dance Theater and has performed in various theaters across the U.S.A., including in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. In 2021, She performed in the XXXIV Flamenco Festival of Albuquerque with Irene Lozano. Natalia Novela currently performs regularly at the US Tablao Cava Flamenco and is the Director of the department of dance at Downtown Doral Charter Schools in Miami, Florida.

Sept. 20, 2022

Flamenco singer and dancer La Macarena de Jerez is one of the most well-respected artists in flamenco across Spain. She is known for singing the grand songs of the flamenco canon, as well as for being one of the few females in the role of festera – a character who uses song and dance to create humor and excitement on stage. She debuted on stage at age 10 at the famous Villamarta Theater in her hometown of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. At 15, she performed her first solo concert at la Peña Los Cernícalos in the same city, and she was on stage in the important festival named the Bienal de Sevilla when she was 18 years old. She has since performed in major theaters and festivals across Spain and around the world. In addition, she has been recorded on flamenco albums, including Concierto Flamenco de Navidad (1995), Jerez Joven por bulerías (1996), and La Mujer y el cante en compás de origen (1999).

Flamenco guitarist Paco Fernández is part of a famous and important flamenco family in Seville, Spain. He began playing guitar when he was eight years old. His career as a performing artist developed alongside his sister, brother, and parents, all of whom are accomplished artists. Paco debuted on stage at age 12, and he toured Spain performing with his family at theaters and music halls. After that, he spent nearly a decade touring Europe, the United States of America, Japan, and India. He has performed with Camarón de la Isla, Antonio Núñez ’Chocolate’, Farruco, and other legendary and iconic artists of his time. He published his first album, entitled Sastipén Talí in 2005, collaborating with Dorantes, Diego de Morao, Potito y Antonio Fernández Montoya “El Farru”, as well as his siblings.

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