Fans flock for flamenco

Flamenco is an artful blend of singing, instrumental music, dancing and distinctive costumes in striking colors. Two flamenco artists at the top of their fields are coming together to bring you “Night Flowers, an evening of Flamenco” at the Primaltones Community Venue in Newport this Friday, Aug. 5.

Seattle-based flamenco dancer Savannah Fuentes and singer/multi-instrumentalist Diego Amador Jr., direct from Seville, will present a show unlike anything you will see on the Central Coast this year.

Fuentes is the only regularly touring artist in the Pacific Northwest region with deep connections to flamenco culture. She has independently produced and danced in more than 400 performances and workshops featuring internationally recognized Spanish artists, including Amador Jr., Saray Munoz and Jesus Montoya.

Born in Seattle to parents of Puerto Rican and Irish ancestry, her fascination with flamenco dance and singing came to her in early childhood, fueled by watching a performance on television. She considers flamenco a lifelong study, an artistic journey she began in her late teens that continues to this day.

Amador Jr. is a powerful singer as well as a sublime guitarist. He also plays piano, bass and percussion. Born into flamenco royalty, his father is the celebrated flamenco pianist/composer Diego Amador and his uncles are Rafael and Raimundo Amador (Pata Negra).

From a very young age, he began performing and touring with some of Spain’s top flamenco artists, including Remedios Amaya, La Susi, Lole Montoya, Farruquito and Joaquín Cortés. He has also worked alongside jazz greats such as Pat Metheny, Bireli Lagrene and Charlie Haden. The 27-year-old recently released his first full-length album, “Presente en el Tiempo.”

The evening of Flamenco begins at 8 pm at Primaltones Community Venue, 2925 SE Ferry Slip Road in Newport

Tickets are $26 general admission, $40 for VIP seating, $18 for students and $12 for children.

For more information, go to savannahf.com.