She grew up in East L.A., a Chicana with fiery passion and intense musical talent. Eighteen years ago she moved to Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, to study Flamenco. Today, her critically acclaimed performances have graced the stages of prominent venues throughout the world, including the Hollywood Bowl and the John Anson Ford Theatre in Los Angeles, The Joyce Theater and Lincoln Center in New York, Festival de Beaucaire in France, and the Teatro Villamarta in Spain as part of the prestigious Festival Flamenco de Jerez. She was honored in 2002 by the City of Jerez for her relentless dedication to the artistry of the region.
She is internationally acclaimed performer Maria Bermudez, also known as “La Cha Cha”.
This weekend, you can experience the thrilling “La Cha Cha” in a rare L.A. appearance, Maria Bermudez & Friends, October 30, 2011 at Barnsdall’s Gallery Theatre. Friends joining her on stage include one of her Spanish company members, “palmero” (hand-clapper) Luis de la Tota, and some of the very best U.S.-based flamenco artists including dancer Manual de la Cruz; singers Kina Mendez and José Cortes; guitarists Adam del Monte, Kai Nazero and famed bassist Reggie Hamilton; and celebrated percussionist Joey Heredia. This performance is a Special Flamenco Event.
Maria has been an important part of the Fountain’s Flamenco Family from the very beginning. After performing many years at the Fountain and in Fountain concerts at the 1200-seat John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Maria moved to Jerez (Spain’s “City of Flamenco”) to deepen her study and master her artistry. There she formed her own company, Sonidos Gitanos, touring worldwide as lead dancer and artistic director.
She formed Chicana Gypsy Project in 2007, drawing on her rich Mexican-American heritage and immersion in Gypsy culture. Combining her jazz-flavored voice with her earthy, sensuous Flamenco dancing, Maria creates a thrilling new art experience uniquely her own. She is married to El Pele, of the group Navajita Plateao (Gypsy Rock).
Maria began studying flamenco dance after the untimely death of her beloved and talented brother, Alfonso Bermudez. The unique and compelling story of how this beautiful, talented Chicana from Los Angeles moved to Spain many years ago and developed from a hungry young flamenco dancer from East L.A. into a world-renowned flamenco sensation accepted by the Gypsy community in Jerez inspired an award-winning documentary film “Streets of Flamenco”.
One of the top Flamenco artists in the world today, and a dear friend of the Fountain for twenty years. Once you see Maria burn up the stage, you remember it forever. Ole!
Maria Bermudez & Friends, Sunday Oct 30 at 8pm, at The Gallery Theatre at Barnsdall Park. (323) 663-1525 Get Tickets Now
What a phenomal show!! She is the best of the best. Sultry and full of passion. What a talent.!!!!
Isn’t she amazing? She’s been a longtime part of our Fountain Flamenco Family for many years. We adore her. Maribel, was this your first “Forever Flamenco” show with us? Have you seen others?