PATIO FLAMENCO /LATINFLUENCE

The Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company in collaboration with jazz musicians Neil Gonsalves (piano), Demi Fernandez (jazz/flamenco guitar)present their exciting new double bill Patio Flamenco/Latinfluence to Durban audiences from November 13 to 16 at the UKZN Jazz Centre.

The first half of this exciting double bill showcases of the talents of Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves. These world-renowned musicians in their own right will present their own compositions in the intimacy of the Jazz Centre. Their unique style and talent continue to leave audiences spellbound. Their debut CD recording Latinfluence, released in November 2013, is the first instalment of their duo.

In the second half of the double bill, Neil and Demi together with percussionist Brian Stone will join the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Co in an exhilarating showcase of their combined talents in Patio Flamenco. This delightful mosaic of dance will include classical Spanish, flamenco and jazz fusion which will leave Durban audiences captivated. Spectacular new costumes, together with pulsating rhythms and exhilarating music and dance, will provide audiences with a feast for the senses and a taste of Spain - with only four performances, it is sure to be a treat not to be missed!

Linda Vargas is the founder and director of the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company. She has choreographed numerous flamenco dance productions as well as the opera productions La Traviata, Amal, Faust, Salome and Carmen. Linda co-founded the international organization AlianzaFlamenca and is a member of its Board of Directors, as well as its panel of international examiners. She currently lectures at UKZN and performs, examines and conducts educational and corporate workshops both nationally and internationally.

Neil Gonsalves holds a Masters degree in Music and currently lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has performed in various national music festivals with numerous South Africa jazz and Afro-beat luminaries as well as his own band, Tonk. He has also toured internationally, including a 4 year stint as part of Johnny Clegg’s band. He has released a solo album North Facing which represents a blend of modern South African and Nordic Jazz.

Demi Fernandez was born in Brazil of Spanish parents and spent many years living and performing in Flamenco Tablaos in Spain. Demi has also appeared as leading flamenco guitarist with numerous South African and international Spanish Dance Companies.  He is resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company and AlianzaFlamenca. He has composed musical scores for several SABC TV productions and also appeared in numerous productions including Guitars for Africa in Durban and at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He currently lectures in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jazz programme.

 Latinfluence CD’s will be on sale at all performances.

Patio Flamenco / Latinfluence double bill runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from November 13 to 15 at 19h00 and on November 16 at 15h00. Entrance R100 (R80 students/pensioners).

Bookings through Linda on:vargas@telkomsa.netor 031 201 0750 (mornings only). Tickets are limited for each performance so advanced booking is advised to avoid disappointment.