Join us for an evening of traditional and contemporary flamenco featuring acclaimed pianist from Madrid, alongside flamenco dance, song, and percussion.
Why see this show?
Witness live flamenco in Cleveland as Madrid-based pianist Alex Conde joins Abrepaso Flamenco for an intimate tablao performance. The up-close setting of the Bop Stop puts you right in the heart of the action, where you'll experience the spontaneity between the piano, voice, dance, and percussion that makes flamenco such a powerful art form. Conde's fusion of jazz and flamenco piano creates a rare musical conversation with vocalist Marija Temo, dancer Alice Blumenfeld, and percussionist Patrick Duke Graney that you won't want to miss.
This collaboration captures the essence of a traditional Spanish tablao—where flamenco thrives in its most natural setting—while having a contemporary take on the art form. The intimate atmosphere allows you to feel every rhythm, witness each gesture, and be moved by the emotion that emerges when these accomplished artists perform together. Whether you're a longtime flamenco fan or new to the art form, this evening promises the kind of authentic, spontaneous performance that can only happen when exceptional artists gather together to share their passion for flamenco.
Guest Performer Bios:
Alex Conde is a vibrant jazz and flamenco pianist, composer, producer and educator who lives in Madrid, Spain. Born in Valencia, Spain, Alex studied classical piano at the Jose Iturbi Conservatory in Valencia and later at L'Aula de Musics in Barcelona where he got a scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he graduated in 2009. Alex has studied and collaborated with jazz stars such as George Garzone, Danilo Pérez, Dave Santoro, and Grammy Award-winners Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider, Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding. Son of the legendary singer Alejandro Conde, (National Prize for the Spanish song 1981 and two gold records) Alex began collaborating with flamenco companies in the United States such as Theater Flamenco of San Francisco or the prestigious Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (California, New Mexico, New York, Miami and Boston) in addition to Canada Latin America and with artists such as Nino and Isaac de los Reyes, Kina Mendez, Ismael Fernandez, Sonia Olla, Carola Zertuche, Juan Siddi, Chuscales, El YiYi, Fanny Ara, Jose Cortés, Jose Luis de la Paz, Isidro Suarez, Ramon Porrina, Leo Triviño, Gypsy Flamenco Festival among other artists leading him to a nomination for the “Izzie (Isadora Duncan Dance) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Text in 2011”. Alex has worked with Grammy jazz artists such as Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon), John Patitucci (Chick Corea) among others.
Marija Temo is a classical/flamenco guitarist, flamenco vocalist, conductor, and former dancer. She has come into her own, combining her flamenco and classical abilities in unique types of performance. “Challenging the rules of traditional flamenco…She continues to break new ground…” Philadelphia Inquirer. A few highlights include: Vocal contestant on La Voz US, NBC TV; Composer/Arranger/Accompanist for the “Flamenco Nutcracker” production; Performer and judge at The Guitar Foundation of America International Guitar Festival and Competition; Performer with the Zac Brown Band, and has had two works for guitar and written for her by Loris Chobanian. Temo is Guitar Chair at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee, WI. She is an alumna of Baldwin- Wallace College and Peabody Conservatory of Music. www. Marijatemo.com.
Alice Blumenfeld is known for a unique and “fierce presence (her movements seem to arise from several feet beneath the ground)” (Thinking Dance) and her “sharp and exhilarating” energy onstage (Philadelphia Inquirer). Blumenfeld’s recognitions include: a Fulbright recipient in dance in Spain, a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and a two-time Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award recipient in choreography (FY20 & 22). She toured nationally with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, and has been a guest artist with Nélida Tirado, the American Bolero Dance Company, Antonio Granjero, Jácome Flamenco, among other companies and she has performed in Berlin and Spain. Blumenfeld holds an MFA in Dance from Hollins University and a BA in Comparative Literature from New York University where she graduated summa cum laude, with highest departmental honors, and Phi Beta Kappa.
Patrick Graney, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, is a multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and drum-set player. In 2017 he graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory with a Bachelors in Jazz Performance and in 2019 received his Masters degree as well as the “Outstanding Scholar” award at The Berklee College of Music in Valencia Spain. Upon Graduation Patrick relocated to Dubai, to teach music and be the head of the drums and percussion department at Studio Republik. Patrick has performed internationally in India, Brazil, Europe and all around the United States at places such as The Kennedy Center, Severance Hall, Pageant of the Masters as well as numerous festivals and Jazz clubs. He has shared the stage with notable artists such as Snarky Puppy, Jamey Haddad, Daniele Camarda, Flor De Canela, The Oblivion Project, The Dazz Band, Alon Yavnai, Dan Wilson and Banda Magda.