FERIA MUNDIAL DEL FLAMENCO

Juan Peña 'Lebrijano'

Manuel Curado was in charge of presenting the book «Cádiz,
cuna de dos cantes» by Javier Osuna García, and this year’s
winner of the Lámpara Minera de La Unión, Rubito hijo, presented
his first record, «A Tomillo y Romero», with the backup of
guitarist Manolo Franco and critic Manuel Martín who praised the
young singer’s interest in traditional cante.

At midday the large auditorium filled right up thanks to Ojos de Brujo,
hard to classify or describe, but undoubtedly an original and delightful
group that is currently riding a wave of popularity.

Rubito Hijo & Manolo Franco

Racing from one show to the next, stopping now and again for provisions
at the cafeteria, we managed to chat briefly with Miguel Poveda, Antonio
el Pipa, Matilde Coral, El Nano de Jerez, Pansequito and other flamenco
luminaries who weren’t about to miss this grand flamenco event.

In the early evening it was a joy to rediscover the dancing of Carmelilla
Montoya. During the mid-seventies at the height of Lole and Manuel’s
fame, Lole’s cousin Carmelilla was the youngest star of the Familia
Montoya. The cante backup of three female voices included that of Encarnita
Anillo from Cádiz who lent her energetic compás and delivery
to a ‘fin de fiesta’ that brought the audience to its feet.

 
Carmelilla Montoya

The day ended strong with two young voices whose careers are taking off.
On the one hand Granada’s Marina Heredia filled the large pavilion
with her cante and flamenco-style song delivered with the sensibility
she’s known for. In the auditorium two members of Antonio Canales’
group, singer Rafael de Utrera and guitarist Daniel Méndez from
Morón de la Frontera, both in top form, demonstrated that youth
is not incompatible with good flamenco taste and a respect for tradition.

 
Rafael de Utrera

First day, October 23rd: