Chuscales at Taberna La Boca santa fe
Flamenco Guitar
Every Thursday 6:30pm~8:30pm
72 W. Marcy Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501 | View on Google Maps
http://www.labocasantafe.com/
505-988-3433
About
CHUSCALES
"Chuscales"
This was the name given to Jose Valle Fajardo by his Grandfather. Since then, the name Chusco has come to describe a guitarist of consummate skill and a profound understanding of the Flamenco traditions.
A native of Antequera, Spain, Chuscales grew up in a traditional gypsy family known for its professional musicians and dancers. His grandmother was among those who lived in the caves of Sacromonte, one of the legendary cradles of flamenco. Chuscales recalls, "there were shows with Gypsies from Granada who grew up in families that lived there. I wish you could see it, the families in the caves and the singing and dancing. There might be seven, eight, maybe nine caves, all with singing and dancing, and there would be more singing and dancing on the streets every day. It was unbelievable. It was a very formative time in my life. It was like a dream. This is where I learned everything — the rhythm, the beat, the guitar. I am still learning from those thousands of nights performing with my family, my father, my Grandfather, and my friends.
Chusco began guitar lessons at age six under the instruction of his uncle Joaquín Fajardo and Maestro Agustinillo, two prominent masters in the region where such greats as Segovia have studied. As a teenager, Chuscales found himself in the company of Paco de Lucía, who often performed in the area and would take time to play with the talented youngster and answer his questions. Meanwhile, he began his performing career as a dancer — an experience that gave him a detailed understanding of flamenco's rhythmic nuances. Chusco elaborates as the accompanying guitarist, "I can understand and follow dancers. I can see where they are going before they take their next step. I know what the dancer is looking for, how much tension is in the music, the right rhythm when to play strong or soft, so if a dancer asks me for something, I know what they ask." Chuscales' affinity for dance is delightfully apparent in his artistry; blending music and movement as he does is no accident. "It's something we learn through life," he says. "Many people don't have my luck to grow up in the caves, learning flamenco in a Gypsy family where the music comes from tradition to tradition, from legend to legend. I thank God I have been around such great musicians all my life.
Whether versed in flamenco traditions or not, audiences find Chuscales' music touching and exotic; his presence is engaging, and his skill as a guitarist is simply astounding. A Chuscales concert is an experience that audiences take with them.
Chuscales performed in many productions including “Memories of Granada” (2024), “Doce Mujeres – 12 Women – The Power of Women “ (2024), “Guitar and Tree” (2024), "Flamenco Passion" (2023), "Chuscales at Tulsa" (2023), "Four Seasons" (2023), "Chuscales & Friends" (Santa Fe, NM 2022), "Festival Flamenco 2021" (Albuquerque, NM 2021), "Lemon & Orange" (Santa Fe, NM 2021)("Tree of Life" (Santa Fe, NM 2020), "Gypsy Moon & Stars" (Santa Fe, 2019), "Tulsa Jazz Festival" (Tulsa, OK 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2019) "Feria de Abril in Santa Fe" (Santa Fe, NM 2019), "Monet's Moon" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "Holiday Dream" (2018), "Carmen La Golondrina" (Santa Fe, NM 2018), "The Little Match Girl" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Dance with Spirit" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Illusions in Arts "Calligraphy & Choreography" (Santa Fe, NM 2017), "Romance de la Luna "(Santa Fe, NM, 2016), "Una Nota de Lorca" (Santa Fe, NM 2021 & 2016), "Gypsy Book" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Flamenco Masters at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre" (Denver, CO 2015), "Houston Spanish & Flamenco Festival 2015" (Houston, TX 2015), "Flamenco X3" (Santa Fe, NM 2015), "Gypsy Passion" (Santa Fe, NM 2014), "Flamenco Fiesta!" (Santa Fe, NM 2014 & 2013), "Forever in My Heart" (Santa Fe, NM 2013 ), "My Gypsy Soul" (Santa Fe, NM 2012), "Chuscales at Old Main, Boulder" (Boulder, CO 2011), "Chuscales y Mina Fajardo con Las Tres Mujeres" (Las Vegas. NM, 2010), "Chuscales Live at MIT" (Boston, MA 2009), Telluride Jazz Festival (Telluride, CO 2008), "Chuscales at Tubac" (Tubac, AZ 2007), "Soul del Arte Tradiciones e Innovaciones" (San Francisco, CA 2005), "Ainadamar, Landscapes and Impression" Santa Fe Opera (Santa Fe, NM 2005), "A Night of Flamenco Magic" Lakewood Cultural Center (Denver, CO 2005), "Santa Fe Jazz and International Music Festival" (Santa Fe, NM 2004 & 2001), The John E. Morlow Guitar Series "Flamenco Night" (Chevy Chase, MD 2004), SJC Multicultural Arts Series "Flamenco" (San Juan Capistrano, CA 2003).
He played the guitar for the prince and Prince of Spain at Santa Fe in 2009. He appeared in films "Camelamos Nauerar" (1976), "The Flamenco Guitar of Jose Valle" (1985), "Gypsy Heart" (1998), "Flamenco Passion & Soul" (1999), "Viaje Al Duende" (2009), "The Spanish Table" (2010) and "El Payo" (2010), "Españoles en el Mundo - Nuevo Mexico" (2013), "CNN Hero – Roger Montoya" (2019).
He received the Dora More Award for outstanding sound design/composition (2010, 2009 & 2007) Isadora Duncan Awards for composition, arrangement, and direction (2011 & 1997).CDs: "Al Alba" (1988), "Formas e Imagenes" (1991), "Forever in My Heart" (1996), "Soul Encounters" (1999), "Midnight in Madrid" (2001), "Best of Narada New Flamenco Guitar" (2003), "El Payo" (2010), "Azafrán" (2018), "A Time of Silence" (2020), "Natural Meditation (2020), "O Holy Night" (2021).
Flamenco Fiesta de Santa Fe 2025 Spring - Return to the River, Return to Lorca
World Premiere of "Return to the River, Return to Lorca" at Teatro Paraguas
Santa Fe, NM – Teatro Paraguas proudly presents the world premiere of Return to the River, Return to Lorca, a mesmerizing new flamenco production by the internationally acclaimed artists Chuscales and Mina Fajardo. This highly anticipated performance serves as a revival of their popular flamenco show Una Nota de Lorca (2016 & 2019) and pays tribute to the legendary Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. Audiences can experience this unforgettable event on May 23, 24, and 25, 2025, at Teatro Paraguas in Santa Fe, New Mexico.Blending the soul-stirring rhythms of flamenco with the poetic legacy of Lorca, Return to the River, Return to Lorca brings together an exceptional cast of musicians, dancers, and actors to honor one of Spain's most revered literary figures. Chuscales, renowned as a master guitarist and composer, will serve as Music Director, while Mina Fajardo, an esteemed choreographer, singer, and dancer, will lead as Artistic Director.
The performance will feature:
- Chuscales – Music Director, Composer, Guitarist
- Mina Fajardo – Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer, Singer
- Argos MacCallum – Actor
- Jojo Tarnoff – Flutist
- Gretchen Williams – Singer
- Monze Diaz – Principal Dancer
- Lacey Romero, Katherine Pavuk, Micah Birdshire, Dani Mouw, Allison Hoyman, Alandra Lopez, Angelique Cordova, Giovanna Chavez, Jode McGinnis – Dancers
- Jeff Tarnoff – Lighting Designer
Return to the River, Return to Lorca transports audiences through time and emotion, reflecting the beauty, tragedy, and passion of Lorca's words through the expressive power of flamenco. This poetic and visually stunning performance promises an evocative experience rich with rhythm, storytelling, and artistry. The production will feature select pieces from Lorca's works, including Baladilla de los Tres Ríos, Los Cuatro Muleros, Romance de la Luna Luna and Nana de Sevilla, interwoven with flamenco music and dance to bring his poetry to life on stage.
Performance Details:
Dates: May 23, 24, and 25, 2025
Time: at 7:00 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 24, 2025at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 25, 2025
Admission:
$28 for general admission
$25 for seniors and students
Online Tickets:
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/teatro-paraguas-nm/return-to-the-river
Venue: Teatro Paraguas @ 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, NM
Website: https://teatroparaguasnm.org
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/teatro.paraguas
For More Information, Contact: teatroparaguas@gmail.com
505-424-1601
Flamenco Paraguas - Flamenco Wednesdays 2025 Summer
Teatro Paraguas and Compañia Chuscales & Mina Fajardo present
Flamenco Paraguas
This summer, experience the passion and artistry of flamenco as Compañia Chuscales & Mina Fajardo bring their mesmerizing performances to Teatro Paraguas with Flamenco Paraguas, a special Summer Flamenco Wednesday series. Running from June 11 to August 27, 2025, this thrilling showcase will captivate audiences with the soulful rhythms of flamenco guitar, powerful singing, and the electrifying energy of flamenco dancers.
Legendary flamenco guitarist Chuscales and renowned dancer, singer, and choreographer Mina Fajardo lead an extraordinary ensemble of artists, including Santa Fe's own Monze Diaz and talented members of their flamenco company. Each performance will offer a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flamenco, delivering an unforgettable experience celebrating this beloved Spanish art form's deep cultural roots and vibrant spirit.
Summer 2025 Wednesdays
- June 11
- July 2, July 9, July 3
- August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
To make this incredible series accessible to the community, Teatro Paraguas offers a special ticket price of only $20 per performance! This is an amazing opportunity to witness great flamenco at an intimate venue known for celebrating diverse artistic expressions.
Don't miss this fiery and passionate flamenco experience in the heart of Santa Fe! Secure your tickets early and immerse yourself in the magic of Flamenco Paraguas.
Admission:
$20
Online Tickets:
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/teatro-paraguas-nm/flamenco-paraguas
Venue: Teatro Paraguas @ 3205 Calle Marie, Santa Fe, NM
Website: https://teatroparaguasnm.org
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/teatro.paraguas
For More Information, Contact: teatroparaguas@gmail.com
505-424-1601
Gloria Bendita by Chuscales
In Caló, the language of the Spanish Gypsies, Chusco means the crunchy end of a loaf of bread. Chuscales, or Chusco for short, refers to a person who is a "guitar-cruncher." José Luis Valle Fajardo, better known as Chuscales, is a guitarist with consummate skill and deep understanding.
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