Flamenco Virtuoso Chuscales performs May 6-7 at Teatro Paraguas in Santa Fe. Courtesy/Teatro Paraguas

TEATRO PARAGUAS News:

Flamenco Virtuoso Chuscales and friends return to Teatro Paraguas 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 at Teatro Paraguas, 3205 Calle Marie in Santa Fe.

One of the most accomplished and captivating flamenco guitarists in the world, Jose Valle Fajardo “Chuscales” grew up in a traditional gypsy family of musicians and dancers in Antequera, Spain. His grandmother lived in the caves of Sacromonte, one of the legendary cradles of flamenco.

“There were shows with Gypsies from Granada who grew up in the caves,” Chuscales recalls. “It was unbelievable. It was a very formative time in all my life, like a dream. This is where I learned everything—the rhythm, the beat, the guitar. I am still learning from those thousands of nights performing with my family and my friends.”

Chuscales has performed around the globe, including appearances at Lincoln Center, Telluride Jazz Festival, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and the Santa Fe Jazz & International Music Festival. He was musical director and principal guitarist for the prestigious Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco for nearly two decades and he is the recipient of many awards.

Joining Chuscales onstage are Mina Fajardo (vocals), Matias Rodriguez (guitar), Oscar Gamboa (cajón), Monze Diaz (palmeras) and Argos MacCallum (spoken word).

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at door, and $20 for seniors and students.  

Online tickets may be purchased at teatroparaguasnm.org, or reservation made by calling 505.424.1601.

This project is made possible in part by NM Arts/Dept. of Cultural Affairs, and the Santa Fe Community Foundation.