World Music Guide of Seville

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This report was made by Angel Romero with additional information provided by Alonso Montoya (Lunadisco) and Ricardo de Castro (Contradanza).

Introduction

Plaza de España. Imagen © Turismo Andaluz S.A.

The ancient city of Seville, together with Jerez, Granada and other locations, is one of the cradles of flamenco. The city is swarming with flamenco clubs (peñas), nightclubs (tablaos), dance schools, record labels, booking agencies, and performers. There is a fantastic flamenco biennale (Bienal de Flamenco) and an annual flamenco trade show, Feria Mundial del Flamenco. But there is more than traditional flamenco in the area. The Andalusian capital has produced numerous bands that create hybrid sounds, combining flamenco with pop, rock, Gypsy rumba, blues, hip-hop, world music, jazz, Medieval Andalusian and other elements.

Live music

It's important to know the difference between the various types of venues that offer flamenco entertainment. Flamenco bars and cafés provide traditional and modern flamenco concerts by singers and guitarists. For a taste of traditional flamenco, peñas are one of the best choices. Peñas flamencas are clubs created by fans and cultural associations, where outstanding professional and aficionado musicians can be found. Many peñas have a small stage and bar with tapas and home cooked meals. Tablaos are flamenco nightclubs, where dance is usually the highlight.

To find out what's happening in the city, pick up a copy of a local newspaper or the Guia del Ocio. You can also check online at these two sites: El Giraldillo and Andalunet.

Asociación Antigua Sevilla. Calle Castellar 50, presents flamenco, world music and folk.

Teatro Central presents jazz and flamenco. Calle José de Gálvez, s/n (Isla de la Cartuja), 41092 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 4460780. Fax: +34 95 4460880

El Cafetal programs jazz, blues, world music, folk and pop. Avenida Ciudad Jardín 5, Sevilla.

Casa de la Memoria de Al-Andalus is a cultural center dedicated to the ancient culture of Al-Andalus (Medieval Muslim Spain). It presents Arab-Andalusian, Sephardic, flamenco and other Andalusian styles. Calle Ximénez de Enciso, 28 (Barrio de Santa Cruz), 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 954 560 670. E-mail: memorias@teleline.es.

El Palenque stages pop, rock and flamenco concerts. It's located at Cartuja Island, next to the theme park.

Alcázar. Imagen © Turismo Andaluz S.A.

Flamenco cafés and bars:

Café Lisboa serves a wide variety of coffees and presents various music styles, including flamenco and world music. Flamenco nights usually take place at 10:30 p.m. Calle Alhondiga 43.

Bar El Mundo has flamenco Tuesdays at 11:30 p.m. Calle Siete Revueltas 5, Sevilla. Phone: +34 954-229695.

Bar La Sonata has flamenco Thursdays at 10 p.m. Calle San Jacinto 33, Sevilla.

Sala Mandra has flamenco performances on Wednesdays. Calle Torneo 49, Seville. Phone: +34 954-901430.

Peñas flamencas

• P.F. "Amigos de Manuel Mairena." Calle Guillen de Castro 26, 41007 Sevilla.

• P.F. "El Chozas." Calle Ricardo Palma 133, 41006 Sevilla.

• P.F. "El manantial." Calle Arroyo 82, 1ob dcha, 41008 Sevilla.

• P.F. "Nino de Arabal." Calle Algaba 4 y 6, 41006 Sevilla.

• P.F. "La fragua." Calle Calderos 30. 41014 Bda. Bellavista de Sevilla.

• P.F. "Los Cabales." Calle Burgos 3. 41015 Bda. San Jeronimo de Sevilla.

• P.F. Pepe Marchena." Calle Torrentera 19, 41016 Sevilla.

• P.F. "Pies de Plomo." Calle Dársena 22, Sevilla.

• P.F. "Torres Macarena." Calle Torrijiano 20, 41009 Sevilla.

• Peña Guitarrista "Niño Ricardo." Calle Monte Tabor 3 (local), 41007 Sevilla.

• Rama Flamenca de la Asociación "La Oliva." Bda. Ntra. Sra. De la Oliva, parcela 6, 41013 Sevilla.

• Tertulia Cultural Flamenca "Jumoza III." Avda. Ciudad de Chiva Parque Alcosa, local 12, 41007 Sevilla.

• Tertulia Flamencas de Enseñantes "Calixto Sanchez," Facultad de Ciencias de la Información Avda de la Ciudad Jardin, s/n, 41005 Sevilla.

• Tertulia Flamenca "Cantes al Aire." Calle Castilla 47, Triana, 41010 Sevilla.

Tablaos (nightclubs)

• Casa Carmen is a new Flamenco tablao located in a 19th century palace. It is a small and intimate venue, with room for only 60 persons. The shows feature traditional Flamenco, top performers and vary from day to day. They last about 1 hour. They normally begin with a 12-15 minute guitar and song part, followed by 15 minutes of dance. Later comes solo guitar for about 12 minutes. The dance returns for another 15 minutes and the show ends with a final fiesta. Address: Calle Marques de Paradas nº30, 41001 Sevilla ( next to Triana bridge). E-mail: info at casacarmenarteflamenco.com.


• Tablao El Arenal presents flamenco shows with song and dance. Calle Rodo 7. Phone: +34 95 421 6492. Fax: +34 95 421 0468. E-mail: info@tablaoelarenal.com.

• Real Venta de Antequera is a restaurant and flamenco nightclub. Address: Avda. de Jerez, 2, Sevilla, Spain. Phone: +34 95 469 0202.

• At La Carbonería you can eat great tapas as you listen to flamenco. Calle Levies, 18, Sevilla. +34 95 456 3749.

• Taberna de Quitapesares has a reputation for having some of the best tapas in Sevilla. It also has flamenco shows. Plaza Padre Jerónimo de Córdoba 3, 41003 Sevilla. Phone: +34-95 422 9385.;

• Tablao Los Gallos. Calle Plaza de Santa Cruz 1, Sevilla. Phones: +34 95 421 6981 & 95 422 8522.
•  
• Tablao El Patio Sevillano has the look of a typical Andalusian patio and presents flamenco dance shows. Paseo de Colón 11, Sevilla. Phones: +34 95 421 4120 & 95 422 5191.

• Taberna Flamenca Triana. Bocacalle de Betis. Phone: +34 95 427 7154.

• Tablao "Las Brujas," Calle Gonzalo Bilbao 10, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 441 3651.

• Tablao El Palacio Andaluz, Avenida de Maria Auxiladora 18-B, Sevilla 41004. Phone: 95 453 4720.

La Giralda. Imagen © Turismo Andaluz S.A.

Festivals

Territorios Sevilla is an annual world music festival featuring well known international acts, with a different theme every year. It takes place in June.

Record stores

Compás Sur is an independent store that specializes in flamenco and other southern Spanish styles. Calle Cuesta del Rosario 7-F, 41003 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 5662. E-mail:
compasur@compas-sur.com.

Other indie stores are Discos Burial, Calle Alfalfar 7-11 interior, 41007 Sevilla; and Sevilla Rock, Calle Sierpes 81, 41004 Sevilla.

A well-known Spanish department store chain has a record store with a decent selection of flamenco and world music: El Corte Inglés, Plaza Duque de la Victoria, 41003 Sevilla.

Record labels

Most of the labels in Sevilla specialize in flamenco, rumbas and sevillanas (a popular song and dance style that is danced at city fairs, pilgrimages and other events).

Pasarela produces flamenco and popular Andalusian music recordings. Calle Jesús del Gran Poder 7 y 9, 41002 Sevilla. Phone: 34-95-437-5898. E-mail: pasarela@pasarela.com.

Ediciones Senador produces flamenco and popular Andalusian music. Calle Jesús del Gran Poder 70, 41002 Sevilla. Phones: +34 95 438 6381. E-mail: senador@ediciones-senador.com.

Lunadisco specializes in flamenco, singer-songwriters and popular Andalusian music. Address: Plg. El Torno, Ronda Torneros, Nave 1, 41710 Utrera (Sevilla). Phone: +34-955868005. Fax: 34-955868138. E-mail: lunadisco@lunadisco-sl.es

Sound & Production is both a label and recording studio. The label released the first recording by Mártires del compass. Calle Juan Pablos 3, bajo dcha, 41013 Sevilla. Phone: +34-95-423 5149. E-mail: tomani@svq.servicom.es.

Fonotron, S.L. specializes in the recovery of historical masters and old flamenco recordings. Calle Arrayan 40-42, B y C. Phone: +34 95 438 8357. E-mail: fonotron@.arrakis.es.

Discos Mercurio, S.A. produces some flamenco recordings. Avda. Manuel Siurot 3, bl.5, 8o, pta 6, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 423 3126.

There are many other small independent labels such as Alfaisan Records, Bolillon Records, Producciones Gramic, Triana Records S.L.

Instruments

Some of the world's best hand crafted guitars can be found in Seville. Most guitar luthiers specialize in classical and flamenco guitars. There are also a number of castanet manufacturers and shops.

Guitar shops:

• Guitarras Andrés Domínguez. Calle Covadonga 9, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 487 5370.

• Guitarras Bartolomé Lozano, Calle Matahacas 22, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 6893.

• Guitarras Alberto Pantoja Martin. Calle Pozo, 29, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 437 2877.

• Luis Postigo. Calle Mesón del Moro 12, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 422 7898.

• Valeriano Bernal sells handcrafted guitars made by Antonio Bernal at the Algodonales shop in Cadiz province. Calle Hernando del Pulgar 20, 41007 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 458 2679 / 63 044 4905, Fax: +34 95 458 2679. E-Mail: guitarras@antoniobernal.com.

• Francisco Barba. Calle Arroyo 18, 41003 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 4414786.

• Javier Cayuela Garcia. Calle Zaragoza 4, Sevilla.

• Andrés Domínguez. Calle Covadonga 9, Triana, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 443 2142.

Tamtam specializes in percussion instruments. Of special interest are several models of the flamenco cajón, derived from the Peruvian cajón. Calle Jesús del Gran Poder 37, Sevilla.

Castañuelas del Sur is a castanet manufacturer with a store. Calle Ornitorrinco 8, Sevilla. Phones: +34 95 425 6559. E-mail: castanuelasdelsur@incointer.net.

Castañuelas "Filigrana" has two stores: Calle León XIII, 73 and at Calle Bordadoras, 3. Phone: +34 95 494 2752.

Más Percusión sells percussion instruments as its name implies. Calle Antonio Díaz 6 -B, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 450 2063.

Sevilla Musical sells all kinds of classical and modern instruments. But you can also find traditional and international instruments, including Arabic uds.

Music schools

The Fundación Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco has degrees in flamenco singing, flamenco guitar, as well as palmas (flamenco handclap percussion). Calle Fabiola 1, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 7058, Fax: +34 95 422 8879.

Taller flamenco provides classes in flamenco guitar and palmas. Calle Siete Revueltas 5, Sevilla 41004. Phone: +34 95 456 4234. E-mail: tflamenco@interbook.net.

Dance schools

• Estudio Flamenco Carmen de Torres is a well known dance school founded by Carmen Torres, who also has her own dance company. Calle Lepanto 3, 41950 Castilleja de la Cuesta, Sevilla. Phone: (+34) 95 416 47 44. mobile: (+34) 619 638 581. Email: info at flamenco-carmendetorres.com

• Estudio Flamenco de Helena Pachón. Calle Marqués del Nervión 10, local 6, 41005 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 457 3202.

• The Fundación Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco has a school for flamenco dance. Calle Fabiola 1, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 7058, Fax: +34 95 422 8879.

• Taller Flamenco. Calle Siete Revueltas 5, Sevilla 41004. Phone: +34 95 456 4234. E-mail: tflamenco@interbook.net.

• Estudio de baile Alicia Marquez. Calle Cantabria 7, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 490 1097.

• Estudio Alicia Vega. Calle Jesús del Gran Poder 37, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 438 3559.

• Ballet de Cristina Hoyos. Calle Betis 14, local, 41080 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 434 0311.

• Ryo Matmumoto. Calle Fary Diego de Cádiz 35, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 490 3456.

• Andres Martin. Calle Doctor Letamendi 34 B, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 490 7428.

• Juana Amaya. Calle Juan del Castillo 12, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 7695.

• Academia Juan Triana. Calle Quevedo 7, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 438 1902.

• Jose Galván. Calle Venecia 12, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 442 1245.;

• María del Mar Berlanga. Calle Vicente Araniz 29, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 442 3996.

• Academia Manolo Marín. Calle Rodrigo de Triana 30-32, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 434 0519.

• Centro Profesional y Superior de Danza Matilde Coral. Calle Castilla 82-24, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 433 9731.

• La Toná. Calle Lealtad 24, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 445 2654.

• Compañía de Israel Galván. Calle Fabiola 1, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 7058.

• Academia de Baile Flamenco Antonio el Farruco. Calle Salteras 1, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 466 0998.

Espacio Meteora provides Middle Eastern (also known as Oriental) dance classes. Calle Duque Cornejo, 16A (San Luis barrio), 41003 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 490 4183. E-mail: info@espaciometeora.com.

Booking agencies:

Aldaba represents the leading non-flamenco world music artists in Seville. Aldaba Produccuiones, Plaza de San Francisco 3, 41004 Sevilla.

Macandé S.L. is one of the top flamenco agencies. Its activities include stage productions, management, tours, event coordination, recordings, film and television. Address: Avda. República Argentina, 24 2º A - Mod. 3, Torre de los Remedios · 41011 Sevilla, Spain. Phone: +34 95 427 17 00, Fax: +34 95 427 85 08. E-mail: macande@macande.com. Represents: Tomatito, Moraíto Chico, Carmen Linares, Enrique Morente, El Potito, Estrella Morente and many more.

Montoya Musical is a leading flamenco agent. Calle Manuel Bermudo Barrera 3, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 954-336162.

Flamenco Libre S.L. represents many well known flamenco acts. Manuel Pulpón Jr. Calle Pages del Corro 142, 1o dcha. 41010 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 427 1187. E-mail: mpulpon@hotmail.com.

Jondo, S.L. Plaza del Duque de la Victoria 1, 1a planta. 41002 Sevilla. Phone:+34 954 22 20 58. E-mail: jondo@jondoproducciones.com.

Radio

Canal Fiesta Radio, part of Canal Sur, RTVA de Andalucía.
has a world music show called Corazón de Melón, which plays from son to Latin jazz. The show is on the air Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 5 pm. aAddress:Pedro Rodrígez Espejo,  Dpto. de Programas, Edificio Canal Sur, Avda. Jose de Gálvez nº 1, Isla de la Cartuja,  41092 Sevilla. E-mail: prodrigueze@rtva.es. Phone: +34 955055923.

Trade shows:

Feria Mundial del Flamenco is an annual international trade show featuring the Flamenco industry: record labels, booking agents, instruments, accessories, institutions, etc. In 2003, the Feria Mundial del Flamenco will also host WOMEX , the largest world music conference and trade show. Phone: +34 95 447 8700. E-mail: general@fibes.es.

Foundations

The Fundación Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco supports young flamenco performers, providing grants and scholarships. It also has a school for flamenco music and dance. Calle Fabiola 1, 41004 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 7058, Fax: +34 95 422 8879.

Fundación Machado is an important ethnographic research center dedicated to the study of Andalusian traditions, including flamenco. It has a series of flamenco conferences and publishes books about flamenco, Andalusian dances and other traditions. Calle Jimios 13, 41003 Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 4228798. E-mail: fundmachado@retemail.es.

Flamenco clothes and accessories:

There are quite a few stores that cater to flamenco dance aficionados. Accessories include shoes, boots (for men), dresses, skirts, castanets and other items.

• Calzados Mayo specializes in flamenco shoes, boots, castanets, as well as skirts and dresses for dancers. Plaza de la Alfalfa 2, Sevilla. Phone: + 34 95 422 5555.

• Trajes folclóricos "Lina" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Lineros 7, Sevilla.

• Trajes de flamenca "Pardales" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Cuna 23, Sevilla 41004. Phone: +34 95 421 3709.

• Mantilla "Feliciano Foronda" specializes in Andalusian shawls. Calle Alvarez Quintero 52.

• Abanicos "Casa Rubio" sells traditional fans, which are sometimes used in flamenco dance. Calle Sierpes 56, Sevilla.

• Zapatilla "Coral" sells flamenco shoes. Plaza de la Gavidia 9, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 437 6003.

• Vestidos "Crisso" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Francos 16, Sevilla. Phone: +34 954-212382.

• Vestidos "Elena Bernal" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Cerrajería 12, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 422 9048.

• Vestidos 'Arte y ensayo" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Jesús del Gran Poder 39, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 438 6757.

• Vestidos "Ciudad de Londres" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Cerrajería 2, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 422 4690.

• Vestidos "Aurora Gavino" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Blanca de los Rios 1, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 421 1069.

• Vestidos "Paco Alvarez" sells flamenco dresses. Calle Castilla 11, Sevilla. Phone: +34 95 434 3232.

Gift stores

El Azulejo has Andalusian ceramics, tiles and crafts. Two locations: Calle Mateos Gago 10. Phone: 95 422 0085 & Calle Joaquín Romero Murube 1A. Phone: 95 421 8088.

Torre del Oro. Imagen © Turismo Andaluz S.A.

Sightseeing

Sevilla has a long and rich history. The Romans founded a colony there called Italica. Its ruins are a popular tourist attraction.

The biggest influence on the city, however, is the legacy of the Muslim period. For several centuries the city was under Muslim rule, until 1248. The Reales Alcazares, at Plaza del Triunfo, is a beautiful complex of palaces, gardens and patios left by the Arab rulers and expanded by the Christian kings. The Jardines del Alcázar gardens feature Arabic, Ranaissance and modern elements. Other monuments from the Muslim period include: La Giralda, at Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, a legendary tower built by the Almohads; La Torre del Oro (the Gold Tower), at Paseo de las Delicias, (known as Borg-al-Azajal by the Arabs) was built by an Almohad governor as a guard tower; and the Triana barrio will give you an idea of what a medieval Moorish Sevilla neighborhood looked like.

The Parque de María Luisa, at Plaza de España, is a delightful urban park donated in 1893 by Royal Princess María Luisa Fernanda de Borbón y Borbón, Duchess of Montpensier. It was designed by French engineer Jean-Claude Forestier, who added Andalusian and French elements to the park. The Museo de Artes y Costumbres populares (Museum of Popular Arts and Costumes) is located by the park at Plaza de América. Phone: +34 95 423 2576.

Parque de Maria Luisa. Imagen © Turismo Andaluz S.A.

For many years, Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together in Sevilla. The Jewish quarters are known as juderías. Walking through calle Céspedes, you will be in the heart of the Barrio de San Bartolomé, which, together with the Santa Cruz barrio, formed the old Jewish Quarter of Sevilla. The Iglesia de San Bartolomé church, used to be a synagogue until the 14^th century.

After the Muslim period, Sevilla became the gateway to the Americas. Many ships returned to the port of Sevilla from the American colonies. The Archivo de Indias (Archive of the Indies), located at Avda. de la Constitución s/n, is one of the world’s greatest archives. It includes Christopher Columbus’ diary, as well as thousands of documents related with the Spanish presence in the Americas.

As other major European cities, Sevilla also has impressive Christian houses of worship. The Cathedral is located at Plaza Virgen de los Reyes, right next to La Giralda. There is also the Basilica de la Macarena, at Calle Resolana s/n, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and houses one of the city’s oldest Holy Week religious brotherhoods.

Casa de Pilatos (Pilate’s House), located at Plaza de Pilatos is a magnificent 16^th century Seville-style palace built by the Marquee of Tarifa.

If you like theme parks, go to Isla Mágica, www.islamagica.es at Cartuja Island, where the 1992 World Expo took place. It is dedicated to Spanish exploration and the Americas, including areas dedicated to the Maya culture, the Amazon, etc.

There are many other monuments, museums and cool places to visit. For more information about Sevilla, check out the city’s tourist information site: http://www.turismo.sevilla.org

Booking agencies
Dance schools
Festivals
Flamenco clothes and accessories
Foundations
Gift stores
Guitar stores
Instruments
Live music
Music schools
Radio
Record labels
Record stores
Sightseeing
Trade shows