NEW ORLEANS BRASS BAND MUSIC AND FLAMENCO – Is there a connection? Is there evidence of Spanish roots? Spending my nights in rich imagination, a habit now for 20 years. I wondered the dark streets of New Orleans relighting the lamps placed here in the Spanish era. The most significant era of New Orleans. I can’t make you SEE this..it is in MY imagination. But I can make you HEAR it. I feel I am a reconfigured soul repurposed from that era. You can choose to not hear it and walk by or follow to the distant sounds that are getting closer as history approaches.
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When the United States took possession of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the city was an urban crossroads of languages, both spoken and musical with a complex Afro-Louisiana culture already in existence. By the time Louisiana became the eighteenth state in 1812, most of the elements that make New Orleans so visibly, and audibly, different from the rest of the country were already in place. Spanish influence is visible, it is alive, and it is a large part of the fabric of our heritage and culture of the State of Louisiana.
The journey started over 10 yrs ago when I started a non-profit called Mamacita Social Aid Pleasure Club. I have been involved in New Orleans Secondline society, realizing the affinity of New Orleans Brass band Jazz and Spanish Flamenco music and culture. Seven years ago I opened the doors to PEÑA LA PEPA” the first Peña flamenco in the US. I have had performers at the peña from all parts of Spain; AND flamenco performers that are here in the US. A Peña is a place where flamenco is allowed, a place where the culture and expression of the art is preserved promoted and performed. Most cities and towns in southern Spain have peñas….FOREVER, sharing music; culture that is ancient…NEW ORLEANS IS NO DIFFERENT.
I decided it was time to share that ancient culture because Louisiana goes back to 1528 when it was claimed by Spain even before it became a French colony in 1718. I presented the Premier of the New Orleans Chateau Flamenco Festival from November 2-5th 2022. November 5th at Loyola University Roussel Hall marked the birth of the historical and musical connection that is part of our city’s history. A connection that has been obvious to me for a long time. That instinct that spoke to me at every secondline on any given Sunday and a dream come true…realizing the affinity of the New Orleans brass band jazz and Spanish Flamenco music and culture. My concept of uniting both cultures on stage became a reality. The music and rhythm of New Orleans brass band music and flamenco in all its facets: The St. Louis Blues played by a traditional New Orleans brass band and the Fandango entrance of the master artists; Did it have The Spanish tinge? Being supported by a note of tango or habanera leading to a Fandango performed by the flamenco artists on stage. Yes! this is one of the connections but the are more….New Orleans is the key. 
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