Resources for Palmas (Rhythmic Flamenco Clapping)

Palmas provide the rhythmic backbone for Flamenco dance, guitar, and song. Solid palmas are an art, requiring an understanding of song forms, the ability to keep straight time, and musical sensitivity.

"When you’re a palmero/palmista you’re the human metronome and the support for the whole ensemble---you’re an anchor and you’re the strong roots of a tree, even though your role may seem trivial to the unknowing eye." Read the whole article by Ravenna about palmas from a dancer's perspective. Don't miss the excellent compás (rhythm) section of the site, where rhythmic cycles are demonstrated with audio clips.

Aside from listening to music and practicing alone and with friends, resources for palmas study include Solo Compas CDs and Jerónimo Utrilla's DVD: Learn and Practice "Las Palmas" - (Flamenco Clapping), available through all major Flamenco material vendors (see links section).

Cante Club Meeting - April 11 '09

The third singing meeting of the Flamenco cante learning/appreciation club will be held Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 11:30-1:30 in the Callingwood area (near Anthony Henday & Whitemud). Call Esperanza at 780-483-5960 to RSVP and get the address.

Anyone with an interest in Flamenco singing or accompanying Flamenco singing is welcome to attend, regardless of experience or level.

For general questions about the group, email flamencoedmonton-at-telus-dot-net.

Guitar Resources

There are vast amounts of resources on the Internet for flamenco guitarists. Oscar Nieto, a dancer, singer, and master teacher from Vancouver, BC has compiled an excellent list of sites for guitar, including tabs. Gracias, Oscar. At the top of Oscar's page, navigate to "Flamenco Directory" and "Resources for Guitarists".

Another excellent compilation of guitar tab resources at Ravenna Flamenco.

A recommendation for guitar study videos (thanks, Tosh):
Encuentro Productions.

Flamenco-teacher.com has an extensive searchable discussion forum for guitarists as well as streaming video lessons (some free exercise lessons & falsetas, others fee-based).

Performer Bios

Local flamenco performers who would like more public exposure on this site are invited to post a short performance-related bio and picture.

For text, please use the site's standard font colour, style, and size. Photo credits are not required but are a plus if posting images by local photographers.

Edmonton performers: if you have not already signed up to post on the site and would like to do so, contact flamencoedmonton[at]telus[dot]net.

A note: those seeking information on local performers are strongly encouraged to also use Google and Flamenco Alberta to find additional information about flamenco performers and performances in Edmonton and Alberta.

Cante Club Meeting - March 7, 2009

The second singing meeting of the Flamenco cante learning/appreciation club will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 11:30-1:30* in the Sherwood Park area. RSVP to Kim at 780-504-3723.

Anyone with an interest in Flamenco singing or accompanying Flamenco singing (guitar, percussion, dance, etc.) is welcome to attend, regardless of experience or level.

For general questions about the group, email flamencoedmonton-at-telus-dot-net.

*note: start time changed from 11 to 11:30.