Tablao Flamenco 2 at Abanico

Returning to Abanico, Melissa Cruz presents a second tribute to the most popular flamenco performance format, the tablao. A tablao is an improvised show between all artists, who come together with distinct voices to magically create moments by connecting and conversing. This impromptu alchemy makes for a unique performance, never to be repeated. Abanico offers an intimate place for a small audience to experience the palpable energy of the performers, who are just a few feet away. The San Francisco Bay Area has enjoyed a long history with the art of Flamenco, the Andalusian art form granted Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO.

Artist Biographies

Melissa Cruz

Melissa Cruz is a Bay Area-based flamenco professional and has been a full-time flamenco artist and instructor for the past 20 years. As a mentor and educator, she guides her students in their development of flamenco knowledge and interpretation. Enjoying a concurrent musical career, she is percussionist/drummer/dancer with several active musical projects. She collaborates regularly with many flamenco companies nationwide and has been a featured presenter for World Arts West, the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and the Peninsula International Dance Festival. In addition to her accomplished artistic career, Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley and a Juris Doctor degree from University of San Francisco.