Santa Barbara-based Flamenco Arts Festival (FAF) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Gala event Aug. 2 at the Lobero Theatre.
The festivities include a pre-concert reception, a performance by world-renowned flamenco dancer Mercedes de Córdoba and her company from Spain, and a VIP after-party.
Dance and music workshops are also being offered, including a free dance workshop for kids.
The Gala show consists of five scenes, depicting the various stages through which the main character travels via her memories, conflicts, fears and hopes.
The journey is guided and provoked throughout by singing, guitar-playing, and costumes that come to life and then are lost, mirroring the inner world of the artist as she grapples with what is, was, will be, could be, or should be.
Joining Mercedes de Córdoba onstage will be guitarist Juan Campallo; singers Jesús Corbacho and Pepe de Pura; and percussionist Paco Vega.
FAF is a Latino-organized 501(c)3 arts and education nonprofit established in 1999. It is dedicated to the art of flamenco featuring artists from Spain and the U.S., who perform and impart their knowledge through educational activities.
The festival’s programs are designed to deepen understanding, interest and appreciation for this traditional and ancient art form, while honoring and celebrating Hispanic heritage and cultural diversity in the arts.
“Founded in 1999 by me and my father Alberto Pizano, the festival holds the distinction of being the first flamenco festival in California,” said Vibiana Pizano, FAF president.
“I sought to create a flamenco festival in Santa Barbara after attending the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla in 1994, a month-long festival where all the flamenco masters gather to showcase their work and teach.
“My father, who co-founded the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival in 1995 with Salud Carbajal, had the know-how and experience to get it off the ground.,” she said.
“The Flamenco Arts Festival is proud to return with its annual programming to celebrate 25 years since the founding of the organization,” Pizano said. “Along the way, there have been many challenges for the FAF, and nonprofits in general, but we are here today because of past and current directors, volunteers, sponsors, partners and artists who have played a significant role in helping us to get to this major milestone. We are so very grateful for their commitment to our efforts.”
For tickets to the Gala performance and VIP after party, visit lobero.org or call 805-963-0761.
To register for workshops on Aug. 3-4, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/flamenco-arts-festival-17902301999.