Join us on May 21, 2023 as we gather at the legendary Hidden Valley Music Seminars grounds in Carmel Valley for a wine, tapas and Manouche Jazz concert to benefit Palenke Arts, an exciting multicultural arts center in Seaside.

Our featured artist for the evening will be Barrio Manouche, “Founded by Spanish guitarist Javi Jiménez, the group is honing a singular body of music that combines the instrumentation and signature rhythms of modern jazz, flamenco and (the jazz manouche tradition), the enduringly popular propulsive string-band style created in 1930s Paris by Sinti guitarist Django Reinhardt and French violinist Stephan Grappelli.” – Berkeleyside

Enjoy the delectable wines graciously provided by Sylvia and Walt Georis and Georis Winery and a wonderful array of Spanish tapas generously donated and prepared by Chef Alfonso Martínez. Our own Palenke Arts Latin Jazz Combo, directed by Paul Contos will perform in our pre-concert reception.

Palenke Arts is a safe, vibrant and inclusive home for the arts in Seaside whose mission is to educate, inspire and transform the community through the arts. We offer high-quality and culturally-rooted arts, music and dance classes and events to youth and family who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Palenke Arts was the proud recipient of the 2019 Arts and Culture Award from the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County and 2022 Champion of the Arts Award from the Arts Council of Monterey County.

The San Francisco-based acoustic ensemble Barrio Manouche performs a repertoire of original compositions with an emotionally charged sound that is difficult to classify yet instantly recognizable. The group’s international roots shine brightly in their music with members from Spain, Quebec, France, Brazil and California and is deeply influenced by a wide range of musical traditions. Barrio Manouche has been recognized for its surprise concerts, innovative style, complex technique, and its passion for musical improvisations. With latest collaborations including African sacred dance Brazilian dancer Emaye Ama Mizani, as well as Colombian singer Iván Rondón, Barrio Manouche plays what is perhaps the truest definition of World Music.

Our special guest performer for the evening will be fiery flamenco dancer Melissa Cruz