Peña La Pepa Presents
The 3rd Annual New Orleans
Chateau Flamenco Festival
The magic of flamenco!
Join us on May 10th for a night of electrifying performances that bridge the soulful roots of flamenco and jazz.
This year we’re bringing you the debut of a brand-new performance of “Sonidos Gitanos” (Gypsy Sounds), curated by flamenco icon María Bermúdez, who returns to the festival after a standout appearance in 2023. She now brings her concept of the deep musical and cultural connections between New Orleans and Andalucía, leading by the hand seven world-class flamenco artists (read about the artists below).
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 8:00 PM
Where: Jefferson Performing Arts Center
Flamenco Masterclasses - One Day Only!
And for the first time ever, the Chateau Flamenco Festival will offer a rare opportunity to learn from the masters with two class offerings on the morning of the event!
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, starting at at 9:45 AM
Where: Peña La Pepa, Uptown New Orleans – 3301 State Street Drive Corner of South Tonti. Enter on Tonti street side (red door)
Gypsy Sounds from the Delta of Jerez to the Delta of New Orleans
Flamenco is more than a performance—it’s a journey of rhythm, soul, and raw emotion. This year, the Chateau Flamenco Festival explores “Gypsy Sounds from Jerez to New Orleans”, a theme that celebrates the historic ties between the vibrant streets of Jerez and the jazz-soaked heart of New Orleans.
Both cities have served as cradles of musical innovation, where diverse influences converged to create timeless art forms. Just as Jerez gave birth to flamenco, New Orleans nurtured jazz—and the echoes of Spanish, African, and Romani traditions can be heard in both. Prepare to be transported by the hypnotic rhythms of the compás, the deep cry of the cante, and the intricate footwork of baile flamenco as these sounds come to life on stage.
This year’s festival features a powerful collaboration between Executive Producer Maria Jose Salmeron and Artistic Director María Bermúdez. Bermúdez’s renowned production “Sonidos Gitanos” will debut a brand-new edition right here in New Orleans, making this a truly unique and historic performance.
Jerez de la Frontera, Anadalusia – Aerial View of Historic Alcazar – Photo Credit: Gagliardi Photo
Statue of Jerezana flamenco Singer “La Paquera” in Jerez’s San Miguel neighborhood – Photo Credit: Jerezplataforma, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A Star-Studded Lineup: The Artists
A gathering of seven internationally acclaimed artists (singers, musicians and dancers) come from the cradle of flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera, to deliver an unforgettable performance you won’t want to miss.
- María Bermúdez (Artistic Director & Dancer)
- Jesús Méndez (Guest artist, Singer)
- Manuel Valencia (Guitarist)
- Fernando Jiménez (Dancer)
- Ana de los Reyes (Singer)
- Miguel Rosendo (Singer)
- Bernardo Parrilla (Violinist)
María Bermúdez: Flamenco Ambassador
María Bermúdez is one of the world’s most celebrated and respected flamenco artists in the world. She’s also a passionate advocate for flamenco education and outreach. She was officially named the Flamenco Ambassador in 2022 by the city of Jerez de la Frontera for her outstanding contributions to the art form.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Bermúdez’s flamenco journey inspired the award winning documentary “Streets of Flamenco” (YouTube). Her quest began in the 90s when the untimely death of her brother, Alfonso, who was a flamenco dancer, pushed her to follow her own dream of dancing flamenco. She was drawn to the dance’s passionate energy and intricate rhythms, and she quickly immersed herself in its rich culture and traditions.
Bermúdez has performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including the Hollywood Bowl and The John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles, The Joyce Theatre and Lincoln Center Outdoors in New York, Festival de Beaucaire in France, the Palacio Das Artes, Brazil, and countless festivals.
Her guest appearances include the Australian Guitar Festival dedicated to Paco de Lucía and with the director of the Orquesta Santa Cecilia, Sonia de León, The Teatro Villamarta in Spain, the legendary “52ª Fiesta de la Bulería” in Jerez, and most recently, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles as artistic director and performer of the unprecedented “Fiesta de la Buleria.”
Bermúdez is a highly respected teacher and choreographer, and she has dedicated her life to sharing her love of flamenco with others.
Bermúdez’s performances are electrifying and deeply moving. She is a master of her craft, and she brings a unique blend of passion, artistry, and technical brilliance to every stage she graces.
She dazzled New Orleanians at our 2nd Annual Chateau Flamenco Festival in 2023. This year is yet another chance for us to experience the beauty and power of flamenco music and dance.
Jesús Mendéz: Voice of Tradition, Power, and Duende
Born in Jerez de la Frontera into the legendary Méndez family, Jesús Méndez carries the powerful legacy of his great-aunt, the iconic La Paquera de Jerez—one of flamenco’s most unforgettable voices. With deep roots in the rich tradition of Jerez flamenco, Méndez brings raw power, emotional depth, and a voice steeped in history to every performance.
He made his debut at just seventeen, and since then, has shared the stage with flamenco greats like Moraito Chico, Rocío Molina, Gerardo Núñez, and Carmen Cortés. Known for his mastery of bulería and soleá, Méndez’s artistry has taken him around the globe—from New York to Beijing, Paris to Buenos Aires—offering audiences a direct line to the heart of traditional flamenco.
His first album, Jerez Sin Fronteras (2008) (Apple Music, Spotify), featured collaborations with top-tier musicians including Diego del Morao and Santiago Lara, and earned the National Critics’ Award for Best New Album. His follow-up, Añoranza (Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify), released at the Flamenco Biennial of Seville, further cemented his status as a leading voice of his generation.
Whether performing solo or alongside renowned dancers and musicians, Jesús Méndez brings an unmistakable presence (YouTube)—one that connects the purity of old-school flamenco with the energy of a new era. At the Chateau Flamenco Festival, audiences can expect a performance that is both deeply rooted and fiercely alive, echoing the soul of Jerez in every note.
Manuel Valencia: Strings of Legacy and Innovation
Born in Jerez de la Frontera and raised in the La Asunción neighborhood, Manuel Valencia grew up with flamenco in his veins and a guitar always within reach. A nephew of the legendary Fernando Terremoto and grandnephew of Terremoto de Jerez, Valencia carries a powerful artistic lineage rooted in eight Gitano family names—Valencia, Medrano, Carrasco, Pantoja, Guerrero, Jiménez, Vargas, and Carpio.
Taught by his uncle and shaped by the sounds of Jerez, Valencia quickly rose through the ranks of flamenco guitarists. He began performing professionally in his teens, and by his early 20s, was touring Europe with Gerardo Núñez. His solo debut at the Festival de Jerez followed soon after, earning him critical acclaim.
Valencia’s style honors the depth and soul of traditional Jerez guitar while pushing it into fresh territory. He has accompanied flamenco giants such as La Macanita, Jesús Méndez, Manuel Agujetas, Vicente Soto “Sordera,” and Rocío Molina, and has performed on stages from Paris to Madrid to New York.
His 2016 debut album, “Entre mis manos”, (Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music) showcased his personal voice as a composer. In 2023, he premiered “Las Tres Orillas”, (YouTube, Facebook) an audiovisual trilogy that explores flamenco’s intersections across cultures. His playing has earned him numerous honors, including the Giraldillo Revelación from the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla and the Venencia Flamenca al Toque.
At the Chateau Flamenco Festival, Manuel Valencia brings both tradition and innovation—an artist shaped by heritage, driven by curiosity, and guided by the unmistakable gitano roots of his guitar.
Fernando Jiménez: The Pulse of Jerez on Stage
Born in the heart of Santiago, one of Jerez de la Frontera’s most iconic flamenco neighborhoods, Fernando Jiménez (Vimeo) carries flamenco in his blood. A direct descendant of the legendary cantaora Tía Anica “La Piriñaca” and related to José Vargas “El Mono,” his roots run deep in the tradition of gypsy flamenco.
Fernando first stepped on stage at the age of six and was already performing professionally by twelve. By seventeen, he was touring the Americas, and he has since brought his powerful, grounded style to audiences across Europe, Japan, and beyond. Known for his masculine elegance, rhythmic finesse, and commanding stage presence, Fernando dances from a place of deep cultural inheritance. His performances reflect the gatherings and celebrations of Jerez—weddings, festivals, and spontaneous bursts of duende (YouTube).
He has shared the stage with flamenco greats like La Macanita, Pansequito, Aurora Vargas, Rancapino Chico, and Jesús Méndez, and his solo work has been featured in festivals across Spain and internationally. His acclaimed shows, “Herencia Bailaora,” “Transiciones,” “Alfa & Compás,” (YouTube) and “Camino,” reveal both his reverence for tradition and his evolving artistic dance.
Fernando Jiménez is more than a dancer—he is a living expression of Jerez itself. At the Chateau Flamenco Festival, he brings the fire, rhythm, and soul of his homeland to New Orleans.
Ana de los Reyes: Flamenco Royalty
Born into a family of flamenco artists, Ana de Los Reyes is from the birthplace of flamenco, Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia and is the sister of three esteemed flamenco singers, Pelé De Los Reyes, Chiqui de Jerez, and Coral de Los Reyes.
After years of honing her craft, she joined the dance company of Joaquín Cortés, “Arte y Solera” in Japan and then subsequently joined “Sonidos Gitanos,” the dance company of María Bermúdez, captivating audiences around the world.
Ana is a recording artist, participating in several albums including “Nanas Flamencas“, “Duende y Compás“, (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music) “Soul y Pasión Gitana“.
She is a master of traditional flamenco dance forms, but is known for her innovative contemporary choreography. Her performances are deeply moving and she has shared stages with artists such as Sara Baras, Javier Barón, Rafael Campayo, Domingo Ortega, Adrián Galiana, Aida Gómez, José Gálvez, Antonio Malena, María del Mar Moreno, and many others.
In 2013, Ana joined the Japanese company Hiro Sako where they performed at the Festival de Jerez (Vimeo). In 2014, they performed at the Palacio Villavicencio where she was a featured soloist. And in 2016, they performed the show “Sentimento y Pureza” at the Alcazar of Jerez.
Since then, she’s performed with María Bermúdez at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, at the 52nd Fiesta de la Buleria in Jerez, and “Navidad de Coral” (YouTube) at the Teatro Villamarta de Jerez.
Returning after performing at our 2nd Annual Chateau Flamenco Festival, Ana de los Reyes promises to deliver another powerful performance that’s both a tribute to her jerezeno roots and a testament to her innovative spirit.
Miguel Rosendo: A Voice Shaped by Tradition and the World
Born into the rich flamenco tradition of Cádiz, Miguel Rosendo (YouTube) began his career in the heart of the art form—singing in peñas like La Perla, Juanito Villar, and Enrique El Mellizo. It was in these intimate, community-rooted venues that he developed his voice: soulful, commanding, and steeped in the depth of cante jondo.
Rosendo’s path quickly expanded beyond Spain. After performing at Tablao Flamenco Cordobés, he spent four years in Japan, where he worked with renowned dancer Yoko Komatsubara and brought the spirit of flamenco to new audiences across Asia. His time abroad added depth and nuance to his style, while reinforcing his commitment to the roots of the art.
Upon returning to Spain, Rosendo became a sought-after singer for some of flamenco’s most celebrated dancers, including Cristina Hoyos, Javier Barón, Antonio El Pipa, Israel Galván, Andrés Peña, and Edu Guerrero. His voice has traveled the world—heard on stages from France to Chile, from Tel Aviv to New York.
Today, Miguel Rosendo is a fixture at the iconic tablao Gallo Ronco in Málaga, where his performances continue to captivate locals and visitors alike. With each note, he honors the legacy of the peñas that shaped him while continuing to expand flamenco’s reach across the globe.
At the Chateau Flamenco Festival, Rosendo brings his world-traveled voice and unmistakable duende to New Orleans for a night of soul-stirring song.
Bernardo Parrilla: The Soul of Flamenco, Bow in Hand
Hailing from Jerez de la Frontera, Bernardo Parrilla (YouTube) is the epitome flamenco violin. He brings a rare blend of precision, passion, and gypsy soul to every note he plays. Self-taught and deeply rooted in flamenco tradition, Parrilla began studying violin at age 17 at the Santa Cecilia Academy in Madrid, quickly forging a style that has become his own.
His unmistakable sound can be heard across the flamenco world—from major films like Gitano and Carlos Saura’s iconic flamenco series, to recordings with legends such as Enrique Morente, Carmen Linares, Manolo Sanlúcar, Navajita Plateá, and Diego el Cigala. He has performed on international stages alongside Tomatito, Joaquín Cortés, Antonio Canales, and the groundbreaking group Ketama.
Parrilla is also one-third of Alburejo (TikTok), a dynamic trio he formed with his brothers Juan (flute) and Manuel (guitar). Together, they blend traditional flamenco with fusion elements, creating music that respects the past while exploring new sonic landscapes.
With a bow that sings and a heart that listens, Bernardo Parrilla (Apple Music) continues to redefine what’s possible in flamenco. At the Chateau Flamenco Festival, his violin becomes both voice and pulse—bridging tradition and innovation with effortless grace.
Flamenco Masterclasses - One Day Only!
For the first time ever, the Chateau Flamenco Festival will offer a rare opportunity to learn from the masters on the morning of the event!
Join us for exclusive flamenco classes at Peña La Pepa in Uptown New Orleans. No experience is necessary, and no flamenco shoes are required—just come ready to immerse yourself in the art of flamenco.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025, starting at at 9:45 AM
Where: 3301 State Street Drive Corner of South Tonti. Enter on Tonti street side (red door)
$35 per class | Both classes $60
Limited spots available – Reserve now!
BULERÍAS DE JEREZ (BAILE) – FERNANDO JIMÉNEZ
- 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
- Learn to move with the rhythm and passion of la Bulería de Jerez, one of flamenco’s most exhilarating styles! Fernando Jiménez will be joined by a live singer and guitarist, making this an unforgettable experience.
FLAMENCO SINGING (CANTE) – JESÚS MÉNDEZ
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Discover the secrets of flamenco singing (cante) with Jesús Méndez, a master vocalist from a legendary flamenco family. Whether you are a singer, dancer, or just a curious learner, this class will deepen your understanding of flamenco’s powerful emotional core. Bring a notepad and pen to take notes!
How to Register:
- Reserve your spot by paying directly via PayPal: FlamencoNOLA PayPal
- After payment, email your name, contact details, and the classes you are attending to nolachateuflamencofestival@gmail.com
2025 Ticketing & Contact Information
Secure your spot for this one-night-only event and experience the passion, rhythm, and fire of authentic flamenco!
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003
Email: lapepaneworleans@gmail.com
Our Sponsors
The 3rd Annual New Orleans Chateau Flamenco Festival would not be possible without the generosity of the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF). Elevating New Orleans to the World.
Thank you to Arts New Orleans: This program is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans as administered by Arts New Orleans. Thank you to The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation for your continued support.
History of the Chateau Flamenco Festival
Did you know that in the 1960s New Orleans had its very own flamenco tablao (place where flamenco is performed)? Located in the French Quarter, not far from Preservation Hall, it was founded by the acclaimed flamenco dancer, Teresa Torkanowsky. Torkanowsky moved to New Orleans with her husband, Werner Torkanowsky, when he accepted the position of music director and chief conductor of the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. She invited her colleagues from Spain to perform with her and named the tablao Chateau Flamenco.
The founder of Peña La Pepa and The New Orleans Chateau Flamenco Festival, María José Salmerón, was Teresa’s student. After Teresa’s death in 2021, María José began planning what would become this annual flamenco festival and dedicated the inaugural event to Torkanowsky.
Our goal is to honor Teresa’s legacy and the incredible artistic beauty that comes to life when people, cultures, and art blend together to form something new. It’s a beauty that created the many palos (styles) of flamenco, and a beauty that defines what so many people love about the city of New Orleans.
Read about 2nd Annual Chateau Flamenco Festival and watch the highlights!
Peña La Pepa: Our Story and Our Mission
Peña La Pepa of New Orleans is home of the Mamacita Social Aid Pleasure Club, Inc., dedicated to research, history, presentation, and education of Spanish art and its roots in New Orleans.
Established in 2012, the organization’s mission is to integrate into New Orleans Culture an appreciation and continuum of the art of flamenco through performance and education programming by exceptional flamenco artists.
Our President and Executive Director, María José Salmerón, started a non-profit called “Mamacita Social Aid Pleasure Club” with a board of directors and its own charter.
The history of the New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs goes back to Spanish Caribbean social constructs of the 17th century. Through her involvement in New Orleans Second Line society, María José recognized the affinity of New Orleans brass band jazz and Spanish flamenco music and culture.
When she opened the doors to “PEÑA LA PEPA” it was the first Peña Flamenca in the US. Our organization has had international artists from all parts of Spain in the peña along with traditional New Orleans brass band musicians. Over the years, we’ve conducted numerous master classes, shows, and educational endeavors and engaged audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Through social aid, we aim to support our historic indigenous culture and revive the historic Spanish presence through art, dance, music to entertain and enlighten.
Message from the Director
Maria Jose Salmeron, Executive Producer
New Orleans and Jerez de la Frontera are connected in ways that are deeper than many realize. Both cities are legendary for their music, storytelling, and improvisation. Just as the sounds of jazz were born in the streets of New Orleans, flamenco was shaped in the heart of Andalucía. As a New Orleanian who spent my early years in Barcelona, flamenco has always been a part of me. My journey led me to Jerez, where I traced the roots of Spain’s influence on our city’s musical heritage.
This festival is more than a performance; it is a celebration of our shared history. Each year, we aim to bring these two worlds closer together by showcasing the unparalleled beauty of flamenco. I invite you to join us for an unforgettable night, where the rhythms of Jerez meet the soul of New Orleans.
Peña La Pepa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating flamenco’s rich cultural history in New Orleans. Through performance, education, and community engagement, we continue the legacy of Spanish influence on the city’s musical and artistic heritage.
Join us for a night of passion, rhythm, and cultural fusion at the Chateau Flamenco Festival 2025! We can’t wait to see you there.
