“OSCAR” – Homage to the Rebel Maestro of Flamenco
“Oscar” tells the story of the spectacular life and flamenco works of dancer, choreographer and maestro Oscar Nieto, brought to life by the professional flamenco dancers he mentored throughout his storied career and the musicians with whom he has shared the stage. A charismatic and consummate performer, Oscar has been called “a flamenco Fred Astaire” by the LA Times. His impeccable technique, striking choreography, and irresistible stage presence have brought countless devotees to the arts of flamenco and Spanish dance. “Oscar” is a work of love, created in collaboration with artists he has mentored, in celebration of all that he has given the flamenco and dance communities of Canada, and in close collaboration with Oscar Nieto himself.
Waleed Kush Afro Jazz – Vancouver 2 Shows
The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz Ensemble combines the impelling ancient rhythms of Africa with exhilarating, modern jazz improvisations. From Nubia, Sudan, to Harlem and Toronto. Waleed sings in over 15 African and Western languages, celebrating the African diaspora in Canada. As the band leader, Waleed has received numerous awards for different solo and group projects, being awarded and nominated for several Juno and Grammy awards.
Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz – Victoria Show
The Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz Ensemble combines the impelling ancient rhythms of Africa with exhilarating, modern jazz improvisations. From Nubia, Sudan, to Harlem and Toronto. Waleed sings in over 15 African and Western languages, celebrating the African diaspora in Canada. As the band leader, Waleed has received numerous awards for different solo and group projects, being awarded and nominated for several Juno and Grammy awards.
SEFFARINE with Manuel Gutierrez – Salt Spring Show
Seffarine's music embraces and extends Morocco's musical collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music. Featuring Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp, they are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, Persian instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo.
SEFFARINE with Manuel Gutierrez – Flamenco, Moroccan & Middle-Eastern Music & Dance
Seffarine's music embraces and extends Morocco's musical collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music. Featuring Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp, they are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, Persian instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo.
From Fez to Jerez – SEFFARINE with dancer Manuel Gutierrez
Seffarine's music embraces and extends Morocco's musical collision between Arabic, Iberian and West African cultures, forging vibrant original music deeply rooted in their backgrounds in flamenco guitar, oud and Arab Andalusian music. Featuring Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp, they are joined by the acclaimed, fiery flamenco dancer and percussionist Manuel Gutierrez from Spain, Persian instrumentalist Bobak Salehi, and Cuban bass player Yosmel Montejo. Co-presented with the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival.
LARA WONG & MELON JIMENEZ – Flamenco Jazz
Rooted in flamenco and tinted with jazz, Melón Jiménez & Lara Wong’s music echoes flamenco’s nomadic roots—from India to Africa to Latin America. Together, they share a unique musical dialogue between the Indian bansuri and the flamenco guitar—mysterious, bold, and passionate.
Balkan Vibes: Dumai Dunai and Super K
An evening of Eastern European vibes, featuring Slavic dub-punk missionaries Dumai Dunai from Montréal with local Balkan surf rockers Super K. Dumai Dunai brings the deep grooves of dub with the raw ecstasy of the blasting horns of Balkan wedding brass bands, and the joys and sorrows of Ukrainian village polyphony. Super K is a four-piece, instrumental group whose songs intertwine melodies inspired by traditional Balkan music with contemporary sounds of surf, psych and synth
TIO CHORINHO with FLAVIA NASCIMENTO – Free Brazilian Concert – Vancouver
Flávia Nascimento & Tio Chorinho is an epic pairing of two of Canada’s top Brazilian roots music artists. Hailing from the rich musical wellsprings of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, Flávia is a prolific performer at major festivals, concert halls, and street parties everywhere, wowing audiences with her soulful voice and boisterous presence.
AL QAHWA – Free Middle-Eastern Concert – Vancouver
Al Qahwa, a dynamic ensemble of virtuoso musicians from Toronto, for an unforgettable musical journey that bridges cultures and hearts. Led by the mesmerizing vocals of Egyptian-born Maryem Tollar, who also enchants audiences with her mastery of the riqq (Arabic tambourine) and qanun (Arabic table harp), the band features Ernie Tollar on evocative wind instruments, Iranian-born Naghmeh Fahrahmand on dazzling percussion, and Sudanese-born Waleed Abdulhamid on bass and vocals.