Maribel

Oops,
The Sara Baras dates are Aug. 17-20, but online tix aren't available yet.

amsdon

Whoops as usual so many typos, so sorry.
Once again my excuse is medication (just got back from a small medical "procedure")

kimhe

Elanamig,

As amsdon does, I would recommend you to go and see Concha Jareño. Her solo career seems to be taking off these days, just got the 2009 Revelation Prize at the prestigious flamenco festival in Jerez. She is also casted for the great Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura's upcoming theater piece "Flamenco Hoy" which will premiere in Madrid the 18th of August. Here is a recent interview with her in one of the most important flamenco magazines (translated to english):
http://www.flamenco-world.com/artist...no04052009.htm

kimhe

Concha Jareño about dancing in Casa Patas in late June (from the interview in flamenco-world): "Now I use the tablao as a laboratory. I’m thinking about new ideas and I test them. Now I’ll do it at Casa Patas, I’ll go alone, I want to display new ideas, record myself… It’s that laboratory point, I go for just a week, I satisfy the itch. I don’t want to dance alone at theaters, that magic you have so up close, the improvisation … it’s wonderful."

elanamig

Maribel, amsdon and kimhe, thank you for your advice.

I'm planning to get tickets for the 27th for Concha Jareno. I have read on some sites that if we go to dinner, we will get better seats for the show. Is that so? And what is the theater like? Does sitting closer to the stage really make that great of a difference? We would like to go to the midnight performance, but we're not thrilled about having dinner at 11pm.

Thank you for your help once again!

amsdon

You absolutely want the midnight show.

Yes you do get better seats, and wait less in line too when they start seating for the show. And unlike most tablaos the food is ok there. I also (nicely) asked to be seated near the stage when I called to reserve. Shortly befor dinner ended & I saw the line starting I mentioned it again to the hostess when she was not busy, (casually & cordially)
But keep in mind they may be full that night & they may be extra busy.

Personally I do not like to be so close that I feel practically "on top" of the peformers, you actually would be looking up at them. But it is preferable to an obstructed view.

The restaurant is in one long (hectic) front room with a long bar & tables. The show area is a separate room. The stage is set to the right side slightly if I recall and definately has a front & one side only.

When we were there in front of the stage they placed a row of approx 4 tables with 4-6 chairs each. While they seem the best reserved seats, here people may have to turn to see well.

After that row of tables starts another configuration of chairs facing the stage (as you might see at a wedding) These IMO were better, you face front, they have tiny cocktail tables in between.

Again since it's a special artists they may do away with tha first row of bigger tables and just seat theater style that night.

We made reservations for 10:30ish for dinner. There is a transitional time when they seat the show area so you do not want to feel rushed, allow more time.

Wherever you end up sitting just relax and enjoy. You might want to take a look at you tube or listen to some real flamenco beforehand if you are not that familiar with the sound of the cante (singing)

Tim's radio is a free flamenco station online
http://www.flamencoradio.net/

elanamig

amsdon, Thank you for such a detailed reply. Reserved a midnight performance with a 10pm dinner, and asked for a second row seat for the performance. Lets see if that will happen.

They have a slightly awkward reservation page - no "confirmation" page before you hit the final button, and no confirmation email yet either... I hope everything goes through.

amsdon

Well that's odd. When do you arrive in Spain?

amsdon

Can you call them?

elanamig

amsdon, I plan to arrive in Madrid on the 27th, on the day of the reservation. I will call them in the morning. Do you know if they speak English?

amsdon

I think they may yes but I think that is too late to call.
You should call sooner, asap actually.

amsdon

Well now I won't panic.....let's see what happens tomorrow perhaps the e mail is delayed...we'll check in with you mañana. Otherwise if you need help I can call for you.

elanamig

amsdon, thank you so much! I have just emailed them. I'll try to reach them and speak with someone, and if I will have any trouble with Spanish, I will ask you for help. Thank you so much!

elanamig

All's well that ends well . Martha from Casa Patas has replied and confirmed my reservation. Can't wait

amsdon

Hurray!

amsdon

Elana thought you might want to read this article,
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/...ne-452298.html

elanamig

Thanks amsdon.

I'm here to bug you again. In addition to Casa Patas, which I'm visiting on June 27, I would also like to catch a performance at Corral de la Moreria on July 2. However, I cannot find the July schedules on their official site (http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/ingles/flamenco.html). It's mid-June already, and it's hard to believe that they still do not have the July schedule.. Maybe I'm missing something on the site?

I've also checked http://www.atrapalo.com/restaurantes...#reservatumesa And I only see reservation options for one week ahead (but my Spanish is bad, so maybe I am not looking where I'm supposed to...)

Do the dinner ("menu") prices on this site include the charge for the show, or only for the meal?

And also, do you find the dinner there worth the expense?

Thank you for your help!
Elana

elanamig

This is the Corral de la Moreria official site. The one in the previous post caught a parenthesis at the end.

http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/ingles/flamenco.html

amsdon

I agree the site is not always up tp date. The newslette is not always consistent either. I will keep looking.

Elanamig it has been 3- 4 years since I went there & I did not have dinner just a couple of tapas & drinks. The show pricy (as most tablaos are) if I recall included drinks but it may have changed.

Looks like Cadamomo has Belen Lopez in June/July.
Yheir site is quirky so I would try to get more info on that one (it should be good) you might consider it too
it says daily but do be sure first
http://www.cardamomo.net/

kimhe

Cardamomo at Calle Echegaray, 15 (close to Plaza Santa Ana) should be great. A genuine flamenco bar that quite recently started to stage performances every night from Tuesday to Saturday at 11pm. Somewhat more informal than the long established tablaos and frequented by some of the top artists that are based in Madrid. Used to be improvised jam sessions there earlier, and if you are lucky José Mercé or Diego el Cigala will join in during the night. Free entrance to the bar and you pay 20€ if you want to go into the concert area.

Here is a clip from Telemadrid's presentation of the new concept at Cardamomo earlier this year. The catalana Belén López is dancing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVxEVopCR1c