Penas flamencas recommendations

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eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

Penas flamencas recommendations

Hi all,

Me and wife are traveling to Spain again next month (finally !), and will be visiting (not a final list, but pretty close):
- Jerez de la Frontera
- Cadiz
- Malaga
- Marbella

We would like to see as much flamenco as possible. Last time we went to some tablaos, which was fine, but this time we'd rather go to penas, to see the more authentic shows (also cheaper ...).

We're really into traditional flamenco, and much less into flamenco neuvo (not to mention all the fusion flamenco available out there). Could you please recommend good penas to go to in those cities, which feature traditional flamenco ?

Thanks a lot.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 2 2014 10:20:09

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

I am also intersted, I was two months in Jerez but didn't visit any peñas flamencas even when I wanted to. It seems like they are socios so basically members only, but do they accept occasional guests to visit the tables?
Also I didn't read any opening hours... Going back to Jerez soon and I would really be interested in visiting peña where people sit at the table and sing one after the other, instead of just them going on stage(altough necessary when lots of people). Any suggestions? Morante, any comments?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 2 2014 13:12:00

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to tele)

I wasn't aware of them being members only.
I found one in jerez called "pena flamenca la buleria" in Tripadvisor.com, which seems to be open to everyone.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 2:44:53

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

This with being menbers only depends on where, how and who. It has something to do with legislation and the selling of alcohol and the attitude of the peña itself.

The peña in Albaicín, Granada (forgot the name) is members only, but when the show is not full they will sometimes let you in but dont count on it.
The Peñas in Huelva city are normally open to everyone. Huelva is very laid back and easy going.
If Morante reads this, he will know about the peñas in Cadiz and most probably in Jeréz as well.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 8:00:38

athrane77

Posts: 785
Joined: Feb. 6 2011
From: Reykjavik

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 8:14:44

bernd

Posts: 680
Joined: Feb. 15 2004

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

Málaga
- City: Peña Juan Breva
- Rincón de la Victoria: Peña El Piyayo

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 9:18:19

Morante

Posts: 2182
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

The are 3 Peñas in Cádiz.

Peña de Mellizo organizes Jueves Flamencos in August-September, otherwise there is little activity in the Peña itself, apart from occasional dance on Fridays. It is very small but everyone is welcome.

Peña de la Perla is housed in the old Matadero, where flamenco and toreo took form at the hands of artists such as Enrique el Mellizo or Sanchéz Mejías. It is big and the current president has made it into a personal negociation: there is dance every Friday, often students from a dance school. It is usually full of Erasmus students and tourists and I believe they have started to change entrance. However they also organize a national concurso de baile por Alegrías, the heats of which run for several weeks and attract good quality dancers.

Peña de Juanito Villar is dedicated to cante. Often, but not always, they is a show on Friday. The Peña is very small: everyone is welcome but often even the socios have to stand.

In none of these Peñas will you find people sitting at a table and singing in turn.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 9:35:21

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Anders, thanks for the recommendations.
Both Granada and Huelva are probably too far for us to reach on this trip (short trip and we're based in Marbella), but who knows

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 10:21:39

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to athrane77)

Thanks a lot jof, I've added "El Guitarron" to the top of my list for Jerez, seems really cool (I found its Facebook page).
I think we'll skip the second one, since we're only going to be there for a short while, and certainly not enough to meet anyone local

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 10:23:02

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Morante)

Thanks for the detailed recommendation Morante.
We're be there for a single day at the most. I'm more interested in cante and toque, and my wife is interested in baile.
Which of the second and third options would you recommend for us ?

Judging by their web/Facebook pages, the last one seems awsome ! I'll let my wife decide though

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 10:25:25

koenie17

Posts: 438
Joined: Feb. 25 2011
From: España

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

I'm a member of Peña la union del cante in Mijas costa(Málaga). We are a very active Peña with members singing and playing almost every fridaynight.
You and everyone else are welcome to visit whenever you like.
Just let me know if you want more info.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 11:09:54

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to athrane77)

quote:

ORIGINAL: jof

El Guitarrón in the calle bizcocheros is a nice bar in jerez, mostly young flamencos, lots of guitarist and singers. I hung out there every night for 3 months and learned a lot.
Santiago is not easy but you can give your best, it's better you know someone from there until you go there.

What do you mean by santiago is not easy?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 11:21:29

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to koenie17)

quote:

with members singing and playing almost every fridaynight

Hi koenie,

What about the rest of the week ? Is there live flamenco going on (as a show perhaps) ?
We'll probably be in Malaga on Thursday, is that a good day to visit ?
Unrelated ... are you a guitarist there ?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 12:16:26

Morante

Posts: 2182
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

quote:

We're be there for a single day at the most

In that case, you are more likely to miss flamenco than to find it

Peña Juan Villar has just finished a cycle of 5 Fridays, last Friday being sensational with great cante from Manuela Cordero and great toque from Joselito de Pura.

So Friday and possibly Tuesday would be best, though quality is variable.

Andalucía is already beginning to think of villancicos and Navidad.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 12:32:37

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Morante)

quote:

Friday and possibly Tuesday would be best

Is that true for Penas in general ?!

We will be in Spain from Thursday (at around noon) till Sunday morning. I was hoping to catch a show each night (one at each city). Is that impossible ?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 12:36:40

Morante

Posts: 2182
Joined: Nov. 21 2010

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

quote:

Is that true for Penas in general ?!

In Cádiz, yes. In bigger cities , such as Sevilla, you might find flamenco in a few bars. Or you could pay 200 euros and have a cantaor and tocaor in a juerga privada. Or go to Sanlúcar with Ricardo y Gerardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 3 2014 16:24:34

koenie17

Posts: 438
Joined: Feb. 25 2011
From: España

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

Choir practices villancicos on thursday so probably not the best day.
The peña is open every day and sometimes theres a nice reunion on an other day, but friday definately is the best day, always some cante on friday, some days great, some days not so great ;). Mijas costa is only like 20 minuted by car from Marbella!!
And yes I play guitar, but I prefer to listen to the guys that play really good, Im not one of them:)
At least not yet... jejeje

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 0:01:22

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Morante)

That's really disheartening

I'd really like to go to a show each night (3), or at least to two shows.
Maybe there are decent tablaos playing tranditional flamenco in those cities, places that are not too big and touristic, that are open on Thursday and Saturday evenings too ?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 6:31:19

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

By the way, I read online posts from people that went to visit guitarreros in their workshop. I would love to do that, but I feel uncomfortable asking someone to visit his/her workshop when I know in advance that I cannot afford to buy a guitar from them.

What do you think ?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 6:33:15

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

quote:

Andalucía is already beginning to think of villancicos and Navidad.

Yes, the Turron is ready on the shelves in the shops..
Thsi with visiting workshops... Depends a lot on your attitude and how long you stay (and your playing). You will be taking up working hours, so if you are not planning to buy, dont stay to long. I normally like visitors. I show them my workshop and a guitar or two and I invite for a cup of coffee/tea and a chat but not everyone is like that. There are many grumpys in this world.
Its natural to ask to play a guitar, but here we have the reason why we, the makers are a bit reserved or nervous. More than one time it has cost me a lot of work or a 500,-€ discount on a guitar because the tester couldn´t control his golpes and made dings in the soundboard.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 7:24:16

eitanfar

Posts: 68
Joined: Oct. 16 2014

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

because the tester couldn´t control his golpes and made dings in the soundboard

This is exactly the reason I would never dream of asking to try an unfinished guitar ! I would be way too nervous, and wouldn't rely on my ability to control my golpes.
I'm also aware of the fact that by visiting, I'm actually wasting the builder's time (since he could have been working instead), so I wouldn't dream on staying for long.
I'm not sure if there are any builders in the cities I'll be visiting anyway. Those I've seen are usually located in the bigger cities, like Sevilla.
I actually bought a new guitar a couple of months ago. If I knew that I'll be coming to Spain soon, maybe I would have waited and bought the guitar directly from one of the makers (would have saved me 150 euros on shipment as well !).

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 4 2014 8:05:58

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

quote:

I would never dream of asking to try an unfinished guitar

I´m not talking about unfinished guitars here. I´m talking about finished guitars ready to be sold, which have French Polish as their finish.
Its depressing to say by-by to someone, knowing that the guitar he just "played" will now give you 500,-€ less profit, or if you have the time you can spend several days and maybe keep it up to standard.

This with wasting time is relative. Contact with clients is part of the game, so if you are just a bit serious, then visit, if its just for the "museum appeal", then dont visit. Its annoying. Some makers in Granada are really tired of tourist visitors and I totally understand. When I lived in a village just outside Granada, a very well known builder asked me where I had my workshop and I told him on the second floor in a village. He said that it was very intelligent and that he felt stupid for having his workshop set up in street level in Albaicín.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 5 2014 7:23:52

Richard Jernigan

Posts: 3431
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

Last time I was in Granada I drove south into the Alpujarras to visit an acquaintance from the Foro. He and his wife were vacationing in the microscopic village of Ferreirola. It's about a two hour drive from Granada, literally at the end of a narrow and very mountainous road.

As we walked down the steep main street (nearly the only street) we passed a house with an open basement window. I was told that the window opened into the workshop of the well know luthier Andrés Marvi.

In addition to his extremely remote location, Marvi had one of the biggest German Shepherd dogs I have ever seen. Really huge. The dog didn't seem actually dangerous, but he ran loose and defended his part of the street with loud and aggressive barking. He was assertively inquisitive about the box with steak we brought back from lunch at the restaurant in the next tiny village, nearly knocking down the woman of the vacationing couple.

I doubt Marvi gets many casual visitors.

RNJ

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 5 2014 20:43:19

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Anders Eliasson)

quote:

When I lived in a village just outside Granada, a very well known builder asked me where I had my workshop and I told him on the second floor in a village.

We had some good times there, Anders and it is in our documentary forever. I am going to get back into filming again soon. Thinking about one about people that make things by hand here in Somerset. Local stone mason and engraver, violin maker/restorer, that kind thing.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 5 2014 22:26:08

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to eitanfar)

You might try Stephen Hill in La Herradura. He's a good guy and runs guitar building workshops, so he might be able to sell you a course

He seems to be doing quite well with it.

Here is a low-res short film I made of him in 2007.

His workshop has moved since then.

http://spanishguitars.co.uk/Hill_guitars/Home.html

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 5 2014 22:33:07

Anders Eliasson

Posts: 5780
Joined: Oct. 18 2006

RE: Penas flamencas recommendations (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

Thinking about one about people that make things by hand here in Somerset. Local stone mason and engraver, violin maker/restorer, that kind thing.

I think the most important thing is to find someone you "vibrate" with. This with getting in "under the skin" is what makes this kind of documentary vibrant. The subject can be whatever. In the end its often the object that shines through and makes the craft shine. If you can find someone who´s been in the game for long and who´ll let get close. That´ll be interesting.

some 20 years ago, there were a couple of documentarys in Denmark about two old brothers living on a farm in a remote area in Denmark. They never married, lived with mum until she died and they had never changed anything. They only had a few cows and everything was old and totally run down, falling apart. The docu just followed the daily life and they chatted a bit. They didnt say much. The series was an enormous succes and has been shown various time. Noone wanted to miss a chapter.
The maker had known the two old fellows remotely during his whole life and lived nearby, so he could get in there and be the fly on the wallpaper. He was close enough and far enough at the same time.

The subject is what creates the interest, but its the object that creates the story and in a world full of empty storys, just the smallest little piece of being there in the moment can be very fullfilling.

So just be there and make the object open up. You are at that. Then the story will create itself.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Nov. 6 2014 7:49:47