Flamenco Palmas (Handclapping) Workshop February 24, 2007

Two-hour flamenco palmas workshop with visiting cantaor/palmero Ruben El Viejo (de Cadiz)!

Learn directly from the source! El Viejo, recently arrived from Cadiz (and only here for a short while) will teach you the rhythms and compas of flamenco, using palmas to explain how to identify the music-dance forms. The class will cover basic hand-positioning and technique, focusing on the ritmos of Bulerias and Tangos (and if time permits, Redobles). Learn how, and when, to clap Sordas (softly) and Claras (loudly), and when to use each form of palmas correctly depending on the rhythm and place in the music. Guitar and vocals will accompany the class.

Next time you attend a performance (or just listening to music), you will know when to begin clapping, what count to keep, and when to finish (Remates).

This will be an interactive class - in the tradition of learning flamenco in Andalusia, as part of one's heritage and birthright.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

RUBEN EL VIEJO was born into flamenco culture in the town of El Puerto de Santa Maria in Cadiz, Spain. His learning of palmas was a natural process, as was learning to walk and talk. His three brothers, parents, grandparents are (and those before them were) flamenco singers. All self-taught, El Viejo learned flamenco from his family in the customary and traditional manner. Only he and his cousin, Rocio Segura, have pursued singing as a professional career.

El Viejo also plays flamenco guitar, and writes original scores of flamenco compositions, which has culminated in the release in Spain of his most recent CD entitled "Canciones de Ruben El Viejo."

Having traveled throughout most of Spain, El Viejo has performed with such popular artists as Antonio Villar, Paco Cepero, and Paco del Puerto, among many others. He has made several appearances on national (including Canal Sur) and local Spanish television stations in Andalucia with Rancapino, Antonio De Los Reyes, Rafael De Los Reyes, and Los Cherokees.

$20 for 2-hour workshop with live guitar and singing

RSVP at http://flamenco.meetup.com/97

Official Website: http://flamenco.meetup.com/97