Dorantes, Miguel Ángel Cortés, Paco de Málaga, Rosario Toledo, Arcángel and Jesús Serrano. Paco and Jesús are the local artists. February 12, 2009 10:31pm

2. To represent. Tell the artists about the local flamenco community.

Shameless self-promotion: thanks to my website, many many people all over the world are aware that there is a flamenco scene in DC. But when I go backstage, I always assume that the artists don't know that we have a constantly growing community of flamenco aficionados, students and performers. Of course, I'm very proud of our local community, but I'm not showing off. My intention is to make the artists aware that here in DC there are people that know and truly appreciate flamenco. One of the benefits is that if the artists know that are serious flamenco students here, next time around, they might consider giving one-day workshops in addition to the performance! What do you think of that?

Pianists comparing hands: Dorantes and Lenore Boulet. February 12, 2009 10:35pm

3. To capture the moment and document history.

You know me: I almost always have my camera with me and take pics of everything and everyone. Years from now, you might ask yourself, "When did Dorantes make his debut in DC?" And all you'd have to do is go to my website and find the answer in my flamenco events archive and even view some backstage photos in my blog. How cool is that?

Did you know that Vicente Amigo made his USA debut in Washington DC? And if it wasn't for me and my blog and relentless pursuit of photographing everything flamenco in DC, how would you figure that out? I can go on and on, but you get the point.

4. To tag along for the after-concert party.

I realize, this is bordering on groupiness, but c'mon, admit it. Wouldn't it be cool to party with the flamenco artists? Or at the very least sit down with them for a few drinks and conversation?

I can remember one time hanging out with Farruquito and his guitarist Raúl Perla after a Lisner concert in 2000 when they were touring with Torombo.

Backstage, I introduced myself to Raúl and interestingly he asked me (sort of like a test) who my favorite guitarists were. So I said, "Vicente Amigo, Tomatito, Gerardo Núñez and Moraíto."

So he seemed convinced that I knew good flamenco and he invited me and these two girls I was with (actually he was probably interested in hanging out with the girls more than with me, haha). So we got on the tour bus and there I was with the Farruco family and Raúl handed me his guitar and told me to play something. Despite my nervousness, they were so supportive with their jaleo as I played a brief bulerías.

Long story short...Farruquito, Perla, the two girls and I ended up spending a few hours in one of the girls apartments just hanging out and enjoying some flamenco, conversation and drinks. Um, yeah, I know...I'm just name-dropping. I'm allowed to do that every now and then. :-)

Anywayz, this Wednesday and Thursday February 25-26, 2009, Lisner Auditorium will be featuring what I believe is the most anticipated concert in this year's Flamenco Festival: Los Farruco. I'll be going to the Thursday night show and you can count on me to go backstage to meet the artists. See you there!