17 September, Antigua, Guatemala HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to my daughter, “Amazing” Grace (Sep 13) and to my youngest, dancer Aaron (today Sep 17). Although I am sad to be apart from them at this time, I am heartened to know that I’ll be with them both in two weeks. We SHALL celebrate! Additionally, I’ve been down…

…following a glorious night of inspired cante jondo. El Chele de Cai, accompanied by your’s truly—-Circus Bar, celebrating their 33rd anniversary. Excellent night of flamenco puro (sin aditivos!). With wine, rum, tequila and various-to-remain-unknown-substances— Upon arising, only one song dominates my gently throbbing head: Sunday Morning Coming Down. Thank you, Kris Kristofferson. You’re, if not…

I’m baaaaaaaaaaack! Can not stay away too long. Currently, I’m residing in the capital, zone 2, at Casa Canchitas—-the place with the great patio. My son, Aaron is with me for another week, before he returns to the US. He spent the summer training with Ballet Nacional de Guatemala (BNG). I rented a car for…

My sights are set on Guatemala, where I’m soon to return following nearly 4 months here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It’s been a fine time, for the most part. Weekly gigs with Rogue Tango are always a highlight. Solo gigs at Rincon 38, Ingredients, Cafe Latte along with weddings and corporate events are lucrative, fun, and…

Just got the news: Juan Carmona Habichuela has passed. A great accompanist of cante flamenco—one of the very very best, in my opinion. Always incredibly soulful, his toque. A true Master. The world of flamenco grieves.

April 19, 2016 I’m on the final leg of my return to Minnesota, maybe 2 hours out. Some reflections on my recent weeks in Madrid. SHOWS: Marelu with Paco Cortes’ and (top festeros!) Tony Maya and Enrique Pantoja. Her voice is pretty much gone but none of her funky, Extremenyo magic. She danced, too. I…

The menu of the day. Its offered pretty much everywhere in Madrid. Usually costs around 10 euros ($11.50). Today, for my 10 euros, I had: 1st course: a succulent plate of Paella Valenciana. 2nd course: grilled mero (grouper) with a tossed salad (oil and vinegar dressing); Spanish style baguette with a bottle of la Mancha…

I’ve been giving this one a lot of thought recently. A month ago, I had dinner with a friend I hadn’t seen for a long time. He surprised me by saying he’d taken up classical guitar. He played a few pieces for me and I was, indeed, impressed by his hard work and his progress.…

i felt good i felt really good a tropical paradise of sweltering beauty suchitoto el salvador la noche gitana green on green on green intense foliage intense midnight most exquisite night of my life de veras la cuca de grana’ el chele de cai yeye de salvador artists at their best this evening and i…

…was already an old man when I began studying classical guitar with him. It must have been around 1974-75. I’d auditioned for him, and been accepted—on condition of 2 1/2 hours practice daily—as a know-nothing 11 year old. I opted for baseball and basketball instead. Finally, years later, I was ready and we began weekly…