EL RETO 'THE CHALLENGE' Flamenco Show Comes to Sherman Oaks Tonight

Spontaneous, authentic and commanding -- raw emotion is on tap this Saturday when the original contemporary flamenco production EL RETO "THE CHALLENGE" presents a line-up of artists from the heartland of France, Spain, Israel, Cuba and Los Angeles for one night only show at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks, tonight, October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm.

The company's unrestrained energy, raw emotion and commanding virtuosity have produced overwhelming responses from international audiences and reviewers alike. This dynamic company represents the finest of traditional and contemporary trends in flamenco.

Explosive dancer Manuel Gutierrez has the blood of Cordoba in his veins. Manuel was born in Montpellier, France, but his veins as filled with the blood from the capital of Andalusia. His parents introduced him to flamenco at a very young age by giving him training with the great masters of the discipline Jose Galvan, Lita Peiro, Javier Latorre, Joaquin Grilo. He won his first flamenco dance award at the age of eight, and continued his career in the Spanish tablaos such as Casa Patas, El Palacio del Flamenco and Cordobes. Manuel is also a choreographer, teacher and composer. He continues to tour with legendary artists such as Juan Carmona, Chispa Negra, Chicuelo, and Duquende. He currently is nominated for the coveted Isadora Duncan award for his work with Juncal Street and dancer Fanny Ara.

For all of these artists, Flamenco is a deeply rooted tradition, and what they bring to the stage is nourished by those who came before them. The intricate guitar playing by Andres Vadin is punctuated by bass player Yosmel Montejo along with percussionist Joey Heredia spearheading this program of original music. A gifted guitarist Cuban-born Andre?s Vadin studied at the Conservatorio Amadeo before moving to Miami, Florida. Both Vadin and, bassist Yosmel Roldan also from Cuba skillfully deliver attack and grace combining their natural sense of modern Flamenco with traditional forms. Joey Heredia joins these artists with his own expressive style and technique. Joey is a master percussionist who has played on the "Scott Henderson-Gary Willis Tribal Tech" 1991 album. He has also worked with Stevie Wonder, Sergio Mendez, Herb Alpert, Poncho Sanchez, Sheila E., Tania Maria, Dianne Reeves, Steve Lukather and Billy Childs.

This powerful collaboration includes special guest dancers Irit Spector from Israel. Irit was a lead dancer in the Israeli Flamenco Company "COMPAS," and has studied in Tel-Aviv with Mijal Natan and later in Sevilla, Spain with such teachers as Manolo Marin and the late Javier Cruz, with whom she also performed. Additional dancers include exciting performances from Marcela Aguayo, Helena Piet Nuñez and Claudia Flores. Together they will fill the stage with their powerful styles in this intimate theatre setting along with surprise guest artists.

Experience rapid-fire footwork punctuated by profound moments of thrilling flamenco performances with a full range of emotional intensity. El Reto, 'The Challenge' brings together musicians and dancers who honor their traditional flamenco yet push the boundaries of expression with contemporary themes.

MandaEvents in collaboration with Vida Flamenca Productions presents EL RETO "THE CHALLENGE" for one dynamic show at the WhiteFire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, California (between Coldwater Canyon Blvd. and Woodman Avenue. Tickets: $25.00 advanced sales; $30.00 at the door. TIX: http://flamenco.brownpapertickets.com or manuelguterrez.brownpapertickets.com.

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