Caminos Flamencos Presents Canciones 2 12/18-12/20

Where music meets passion and dance meets dedication, there you will find Yaelisa's Caminos Flamencos (www.caminosflamencos.com). Following last year's artistically innovative presentation of "Cancioñes " the 2009 season expands on the concept with Cancioñes 2-- bringing a distinctly Spanish flavor to the holiday season. Offered for three performances only on Friday & Saturday, December 18 & 19 at 8pm and Sunday, December 20 at 3pm at the Cowell Theatre (Fort Mason Center, San Francisco), Cancioñes 2 incorporates contemporary and original songs and fuses them with flamenco-inspired choreographies. Tickets are $30 - 35; children 12 and under, $15; students / seniors are, $ 25. To purchase call (415) 345-7575 / www.fortmason.org/boxoffice

"Cancioñes 2 was born out of a desire to stretch the boundaries of the flamenco language and explore its relation to other musical forms," said Yaelisa, Emmy-Award winner and Caminos Flamencos' Founding Artistic Director. "Although I am devoted to flamenco, I grew up listening to and loving soul, classical and Latin music, everything from Stravinsky to Aretha Franklin. In this production, I work with a wide variety of musical styles."

This year's Cancioñes 2 expands on Yaelisa's influences, including the music of Diego Carrasco, Stevie Wonder, Dave Brubeck, Iron and Wine and the Beatles along with the deeply traditional flamenco styles of Peteneras, Siguriiyas and more.

"I want Cancioñes 2 to challenge audiences to view this mysterious art form in a new light," continues Yaelisa, who has brought together a cast of 13 dancers and four musicians for this year's holiday themed Cancioñes 2. "This format provides a platform for me to bring together diverse elements in music and dance rock, pop and folk music through formal flamenco choreography as well as improvisations within those genres."

Cancioñes 2 features Yaelisa's husband and artistic partner, the extraordinary guitarist and musical director Jason McGuire ("El Rubio"). McGuire contributes several new compositions performed live with young prodigy Roberto Granados, a 10-year old who performed for President Obama this year at a fundraising event in Los Angeles along with Jennifer Hudson and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also onstage will be Paco Borrego, direct from Spain, singer Felix de Lola from Sevilla and Spanish Gypsy singer Jesus Montoya. Cancioñes 2 provides audiences with an alternative to the traditional fare of the holiday season with both contemporary and traditional pieces choreographed by Yaelisa and the dancers of Caminos Flamencos.

The idea for Cancioñes can be traced back to 2006 when Yaelisa collaborated on a production with the great tap dancer Savion Glover in which Brazilian funk music, Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck songs were used as a vessel to combine flamenco and tap to great audience and critical acclaim at the New World Flamenco Festival.

Cancioñes 2 will feature holiday treats for the kids and a Saturday evening "Meet the Artists" post-performance reception with wine, tapas and holiday offerings.

The mission of Caminos Flamencos is to create and present contemporary, traditional and theatrical dance programs showcasing artists from Spain and the United States, who reflect the changing face of Flamenco in the 21st century. Based in San Francisco, California, the ensemble tours extensively and offers ongoing classes and workshops throughout the Bay Area to introduce Flamenco to new generations and audiences.