Tribute to Parrilla de Jerez – José Mercé – Moraíto, Niña Pastori, Fernando de la Morena, Tomasa la Macanita…

SOLIDARITY, FLAMENCO STYLE

Text and photos: Estela Zatania

The Jerez infrastructure felt the presence of those who
had come from outside to what promised to be the flamenco happening
of the year with the presence of well over forty main performers,
including some top stars. With still three months to go for the
Fiesta de la Bulería which annually attracts thousands to
the Jerez bullring for an orgiastic manifestation of local rhythm,
the tribute to guitarist Manuel Parrilla, ‘Parrilla de Jerez’,
which took place the night of Saturday, June 11th, was like a preview
of the fall festival.

The mayor of Jerez with Parrilla's daughters	Diego Carrasco
Paso a dos	La Macanita

Parrilla de Jerez, one of the most representative guitarists to
come out of this guitarists’ town, was left unable to exercise
his profession last November when destiny so disposed, and now the
world of flamenco, professionals and fans alike, offered this event,
not only as an economic boost, but as an unprecedented expression
of sincere affection and admiration.

José Mercé and Moraíto, Niña Pastori,
Juan Peña el Lebrijano and Paco Cepero are just some of the
major stars who contributed their respective performances. No less
important, althought they’re not international stars, noteworthy
names included Curro Malena, Rancapino, Luis el Zambo, Macanita,
Fernando de la Morena, Manuel Molina, Lorenzo ‘Ripoll, Dolores
Agujetas and Diego Agujetas among many others.

While the “Cuadro de Santiago y la Plazuela” squeezed
out all the rhythm and art the names of those two neighborhoods
imply, the youngest sector had nothing to complain about with a
cuadro that included Diego Carrasco, Navajita Plateá and
Tomasito among a multitud of performers congregated on stage to
show their support for the cause.

Dolores Agujetas	Manuel Molina
José Mercé	Navajita Plateá
Niña Pastori	Mercedes Ruíz

Dance was magnificently represented in the person of young Jerez
dancer Mercedes Ruíz with bulerías as only she can
serve it up – far from the typical short bit we’re accustomed
to, she offered a full-fledged dance without ‘desplantes’
or flash, delving into the one of flamenco’s most popular,
and most abused forms.

Jerez mayoress Pilar Sánchez, and Parrilla’s family
rounded out the ambience just right for the nearly six thousand
people attending, and the comic team of Los Morancos de Triana,
César and Jorge, shared the job of presentation with José
María Castaño of Ondajerez.

For many, the most magical moment came when a mounted horse pranced
with a flamenco dancer in a pas de deux to the compás of
Moraíto’s guitar por tangos.

An all-round emotional and entertaining evening of solidarity with
the great Parrilla de Jerez who continues to receive transfers and
personal checks from flamenco fans abroad wanting to join in the
tribute.