There are a few performers on my personal “bucket list,” and TWO of them performed TOGETHER last night in Mazatlán! Half the city turned out to listen, and not one seat remained empty in the entire Angela Peralta Theater. In fact, most members of the press were allowed only 40 minutes to photograph the event, after which they left as they had no where to sit. The show went on for a full two hours and the performers had the house on their feet, singing and dancing. It was one large karaoke and dance fest.
Diego Ramón Jiménez Salazar, known to the world as “El Cigala,” has that deep, echoing, passionate flamenco voice that half the world, myself included, are so fond of. He’s perhaps best known for “Lágrimas Negras” with Bebo Valdés. El Cigala is Spanish Romani, “gypsy,” born in El Rastro in Madrid. It would seem Mazatlecas are fond of that bloodline, as there were quite a few proposals and propositions shouted his way during last night’s performance. It was a joy to witness the freedom with which younger and older women alike showered their compliments on Diego while sitting right next to their loving husbands. I heard more than one woman say to another, “he is a widower, you know.” Click any photo to enlarge it or view a slideshow.
Omara Portuondo Peláez, in contrast, is Cubana, known for her clear renditions of boleros, jazz and son cubano, singer for the Buena Vista Social Club. She started as a dancer with the Cabaret Tropicana in 1950. At 87 years old Omara is nearly forty years Diego’s senior, but she is full of mischief and sparkle and made sure we knew she could still touch her toes and the floor, and swing her hips to the rhythm.
The two sang two different sets alone, and two different sets of duets; it was so much fun! We were serenaded with “Te quiero, te quiero,” “Amar y vivir,” “Lo que me queda por vivir,” “Si te contara,” “Lágrimas negras,” “Compromiso,” “Obsesión,” “Vete de mí,” “Silencio,” “Noche cubana,” “La última noche,” and “Dos gardenias para ti.” After a lengthy request for an encore, the two came out for one final song, “Bésame mucho,” like you have never, ever heard it sung before.
They were accompanied by a pair of excellent pianists (Jaime Calabuch playing for Cigala, though I preferred Omara’s pianist) , a bassist, drummer and percussionist. Sorry, but no where could I find the names of the musicians. It was truly a night to remember, and no doubt the highlight of the Festival Cultural Mazatlán 2017!
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I have to say that this was one of the best concerts I have ever attended, and I’ve been to many. If you like Cuban music and/or the Flamenco touch, this was the ultimate. It was long, but I didn’t leave and most others didn’t either; who could with what we were being offered. The enthusiasm from the audience as well as their participation contributed to the evening. I feel very fortunate to live in a city where this caliber of entertainment is available…and affordable.
Yes, I wrote that it was 2 hours, but I think it was closer to 2 1/2. People wouldn’t let them leave! We are so blessed here in MZT with the cultural offerings; it’s unreal.
I am heartbroken not to have been able to get back in time! But, bravo to Cultura Mazatlán for landing this pair.
So sorry you missed it, Suanna! Yes, it was truly wonderful. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to hear them somewhere else on your many travels. 😉
How do you get tickets? We heard they were all sold out weeks ago?
The concert has already happened, Mateo. Yes, it was completely sold out, but not weeks in advance. Tickets are sold at the Angela Peralta Theater box office.