The Flamenco Poets Society began its Café Cantante Series in 2007 to enhance the drama of our readings and introduce the audience to the relationship between music, dance and film.   The first program presented talented flamenco guitarist, Randy Cordero at the Freed-Montrose Public Library.

For the 2008 series we presented poets Guadalupe M. Méndez, Julietta Parra Ducote and an encore of Randy Cordero for our event held at the Brazilian Arts Foundation and supported by the Poets & Writers, Inc.

Our summer event “Lorca:  Poetry and Dance” was sponsored by the Freed-Montrose Public Library as part of the library’s summer adult reading program, and featured guest artist, flamenco dancer Ana de la Peza.

Recently The Flamenco Poets Society presented "Fiesta Flamenca" sponsored by the Artery in collaboration with guitarists, Randy Cordero and Jeremy Garcia - Soniquete Flamenco Dance Co., under the direction of  Ana de la Peza and Alexandra Simmons with dancers, Sandra Muñoz and Sianey Montes de Oca, and cantaora, Irma “La Paloma”.   A portion of their performance can be seen by visiting our link at:  “Fiesta Flamenca”.

Café Cantante Series 2009 - Passages of 3 Women
Featuring Diana X. Muñiz, Gioconda Mojica & Lorena B. Fernandez,
Randy Cordero - Flamenco Guitarist

This particular program was inspired by women writers to express their feelings & creativity.  What do we mean by passages?  It can be the struggle of a child growing into adulthood, the journey of an immigrant coming to a new country
for a better life or passages can be a life long challenge of accepting ourselves. 

These journeys are a common thread in the human experience that we can identify with.

Randy Cordero 
Flamenco Guitarist 

Randy Cordero known as  “El Garrobo” is a San Antonio based flamenco guitarist.  He has studied both in Spain and  the U.S.  with  prestigious guitarists such as Rene Heredia, Roberto Castellon, Paco Garrigues, Kai Narezo, Chuscales, Jose Luis Rodriguez, and Domingo Rubichi.  Randy's musical style is a blend of traditional Jerez style flamenco and contemporary influences.  An up-and-coming flamenco guitarist of great passion, he is in great demand to perform with flamenco groups throughout Texas.   In addition,  Mr. Cordero has collaborated with other professional flamenco artists and dance companies in Colorado and Mexico.  

Randy Cordero has been featured on national television commercials and many local television and radio broadcasts including San Antonio’s WOAI Morning Show, Musica Suave 90.3 in Corpus Christi, the Sonny Melendrez Morning Show, and San Antonio’s Fox 29 News.  For the past two years  Randy has collaborated with The Flamenco Poets Society, Houston for "The Fiesta Flamenca  and  "The  Story of Three Women" poetry and music  which received a grant from Poets and Writers, Inc. 

Randy works closely with Flamenco Cantaor and guitarist Paco Garrigues and their duo, “Garrobo y Garrigues” strives  to offer Texas a new perspective on flamenco.  As an instructor, Randy teaches the basics of flamenco guitar to students of all levels.  Using  patience and dedication,  Randy believes in passing down his skills to the next generation by emphasizing the traditional techniques of flamenco and exploring more modern influences.  At present he is the artist in residence for The Flamenco Poets Society – Café Cantante Series.

Alexandra D. Simmons N.
-La Baronesa-

A native of Venezuela, Alexandra fell in love with flamenco at the age of 15 while taking classes at the Tatiana Reyna’s Flamenco Academy.  In 2000 she became part of their Compañia Profesional de Baile Tatiana Reyna, and performed with the company at local restaurants & theaters.  She studied with many outstanding master teachers such as Helena Pachón of Spain, Daniela Tuques & Anita Loynaz of Venezuela.  In 2006 Alexandra moved to Houston where she continues to teach flamenco and perform.  She danced with La Esencia Flamenca Dance Co. and has collaborated with the Flamenco Poets Society's Café Cantante Series.   In 2008-2009 she co-directed Soniquete Flamenco Dance Co.  with Ana de la Peza and performed at numerous venues.  Presently Alexandra is a freelance dancer with a new independent project "Hierro Forjado" and continues maturing as a flamenco dancer by taking workshops with artists including Belén Maya, Timo Lozano, Antonio Granjero, Estefania Ramirez, Pilar Ogalla and Concha Jareño.  She is a passionate dancer and strives to present the art of flamenco at its highest level.

Photo Courtesy of Hung Le, SPECTROSONIQUE LLC spectrosonique.com