Located in Hollywood, California, the Fountain Theatre has long been the home for exciting and “sizzling hot” Gypsy flamenco dance and music since its founding in 1990. Forever Flamenco was inaugurated as a series in 2003, with the Fountain Theatre quickly becoming L.A.’s go-to venue for the art form. Following the pandemic, the organization built an outdoor stage to present three, 3-night performances of Forever Flamenco at the end of July, August and September 2021 of some of the best-known and respected flamenco performers in Southern California. The series is currently produced by longtime Fountain associate producer James Bennett.
Each performance of Forever Flamenco will be directed by a different artist and the series will also include special guests from New Mexico, New York and Spain. The exact dates are July 30 through August 1; August 27 – 29; and September 24 – 26, with all performances beginning at 8 p.m. (PST). More details below.
The Fountain Theatre built its outdoor stage this spring in the theater’s parking lot and audiences have been enjoying performances of the Los Angeles premiere production of An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins since June. Performances of An Octoroon are scheduled through Sept. 19.
Fanny Ara – Photo by Antonio D. Gamboa
The first performance of Forever Flamenco this summer will occur on Friday, July 30, and will be directed by bailaora (dancer) Lakshmi Basile “La Chimi.” A tribute to the late cantaor (singer) Jesús Montoya, the evening is sub-titled Pinceladas Escandalosas (“Scandalous Brush Strokes”). Featured artists include cantaors Antonio de Jerez and Reyes Barrios; guitarristas (guitarists) José Tanaka and Kambiz Pakan; and special guests David Castellano, Laura Castellano and Cristina Moguel of “FlamencoFlavor,” direct from New York City.
Lakshmi Basile – Photo by Bruce Bisenz
On Saturday, July 31, Briseyde Zárate directs and performs alongside bailaoras Vanessa Albalos and Cristina Lucio “La Tigresa”; cantaor Antonio de Jerez; and guitarrista José Tanaka.
Subsequent performances will be directed by Vanessa Abalos (Aug. 1); Reyes Barrios (Aug. 28); Ethan Margolis (Aug. 29); Fanny Ara (Sept. 24); Alexandra Rozo (Sept. 25); and Antonio Triana (Sept. 26), with specific line-ups to be announced.
Antonio Triana – Photo courtesy of the Fountain Theatre
WHAT: Forever Flamenco, the Fountain Theatre’s sizzling hot signature flamenco series, moves to the Fountain’s new outdoor stage
WHEN: All performances at 8 p.m.:
- Friday, July 30: Artistic director Lakshmi Basile “La Chimi”
- Saturday, July 31: Artistic director Briseyde Zárate
- Sunday, Aug. 1: Artistic director Vanessa Albalos
- Friday, Aug. 27: Artistic director TBA
- Saturday, Aug. 28: Artistic director Reyes Barrios
- Sunday, Aug. 29: Artistic director Ethan Margolis
- Friday, Sept. 24: Artistic director Fanny Ara
- Saturday, Sept. 25: Artistic director Alexandra Rozo
- Sunday, Sept. 26: Artistic director Antonio Triana
WHERE: The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90029 (Fountain at Normandie)
TICKETS: Tickets to Forever Flamenco range from $40–$65. Seating will be socially distanced and masks required as mandated by the County of Los Angeles on the date of each performance. The Fountain Theatre is located at 5060 Fountain Avenue (at Normandie) in Los Angeles. To purchase tickets, call (323) 663-1525 or go to www.FountainTheatre.com.
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton form press release by Lucy Polluck.
Featured image: Forever Flamenco’s Lakshmi Basile – Photo courtesy of the artist.
