MARIEMMA; THE FIRST LADY OF SPANISH DANCE

MARIEMMA is not a household name in Spain; although she should be. That all may change in the near future as a Documentary about her life has just been produced and shown in her hometown of Iscar near Valladolid.

At the age of 91 she passed away in 2008 leaving behind her a legacy in Spanish dance that shall live on for possibly the next 100-years or more! But unless you happen to be involved in the world of Spanish dance or have experienced the delights for yourself in major theatres of Madrid, Barcelona or Andalusia, then chances are good that you’ve never heard of her.

When she was only two years old her family emigrated to Paris. At age nine she joined the Théâtre du Chatelet ballet school where as a teenager she became the prima ballerina and danced with the company throughout France and Switzerland. In 1936, at the age of just 19 she composed her first choreography for ‘El Amor Brujo’ before retuning to Spain in 1940 where three years later she debuted in Teatro Español de Madrid. Fast forwarding to 1955 she set up her own dance company, Mariemma Ballet de España and she gave several international tours, which included much of Europe and North and South America.

The link with Torrevieja is a strong one as former dancer, choreographer and teacher Eva Tejedor, one of her prodigies, spent many years training with Mariemma, finishing her studies with first honours, danced all over the world and eventually took up a post in Valladolid, as head teacher of her school of dance. Nothing too special about that except that perhaps the most remarkable facet of Mariemma is because of her work as a dance teacher and not as dancer.

She gave her first lessons in 1960 and in 1969 became head of the dance department of the Real Conservatorio de Arte Dramático y Danza de Madrid (Royal Conservatory of Drama and Dance in Madrid ). Under her influence she helped to develop the style of Classical Spanish Ballet, a mixture of the four categories of Spanish dance, bolero, folkloric, flamenco and stylized dance, which coupled with classic ballet has come to be recognised as Ballet Espanol.

In 1970 she starred in a program on TVE, ‘Encuentros con la música’ (Encounters with music), explaining these theories on Spanish dance, which to date is the only major programming to breach the subject. In the 1980's she founded her own dance academies in Madrid and Valladolid and in her 70’s she gathered together all her knowledge in a book ‘Mariemma, mis caminos a través de la danza’ (Mariemma, my ways through dance), possibly the definitive book about Spanish Dance which helped form the studies at the Royal Conservatory, laying the foundations for the regularization of the educational system of Spanish dance in Spain.

Before moving to Miami and then Torrevieja, Eva Tejedor worked not only as her head teacher in Valladolid for seven years but also as advisor on modern dance styles and the new athleticism of today’s dancers. The documentary about the life of Mariemma is directed by Daniel G. Cabrero and titled ‘Mis caminos a través de la danza.’. He is presently in discussions with TVE and major film festivals regarding broadcasting the film, which may also become the basis for a Biopic film about her life.

The only museum in Spain that is dedicated to dance is the Museo Mariemma, located in her hometown of Iscar, a thirty-minute drive from Valladolid. Eva Tejedor is looking forward to returning to the world of dance and hoping to spread her knowledge to a new generation of dancers that might not have heard of Mariemma until today. Remember the name, as although not a household name as yet, if the likes of Penelope Cruz were to take up the mantle for a Hollywood movie about her, remember that you read about it here first and that name again: Mariemma.

JAZZ SAN JAVIER

THE MAYORESS of San Javier, Pepa Garcia, and the Festival Director, Alberto Nieto, presented the official poster and advanced programme for the XIV edition of the San Javier International Jazz Festival on Wednesday 16th March to the media at the Town Hall press room. Supporting the occasion were representatives from festival sponsor's, Caja Murcia, La Caixa and La Opinión. 

The presentation of the poster is always a highlight in the diary for the Ayuntamiento de San Javier as it marks the start of the annual proceedings for one of the top jazz festivals in Spain. Designer Ramon Torres was on hand to pose for photos along side his “cool” masterpiece. The festival director pointed out, “The poster is intended to convey a casual photo-realistic free spirit that characterizes the jazz festival.” 

This year's festival will be staged from June 25 to July 30, and is dedicated to the memory of Gary Moore and Solomon Burke. It will feature some of the best guitarists in the world. "The festival will have a large presence of guitarists, like Lee Ritenour, John Scofield, Elvin Bishop, and Albert Lee," explained Nieto. 

Other artists due to appear include top names such as the grand dame of jazz, Rene Marie, and Brazilian singer Leny Andrade. The Romanian-born French violinist Costel Nitescu, who will perform with the Spanish group, the Biel Ballester Trio, and the French jazz/pop/swing ensemble Pink Turtle. 

Speaking about the concerts, Nieto revealed the presence of Californian, Lee “Captain Fingers” Ritenour, who returns to San Javier after a spectacular appearance at the VIII edition. Ritenour is considered to be a pioneer in the contemporary jazz and jazz-funk genres of music. Guitar Player Magazine awarded him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2010. This time he appears with a band of world class sidemen including the great American pianist and composer Dave Grusin, co-founder of the legendary jazz label GRP Records. Grusin has composed many scores for feature films and television, like "The Graduate" with Paul Simon, "The Fabulous Baker Boys", and "3 Days Of The Condor". He has won numerous awards for his soundtrack and record work, including an Academy award and 12 Grammys. 

The legendary American jazz guitarist and composer John Scofield, often referred to as "Sco," will  be playing for the first time at the festival with a band of super luxury star-studded sidemen; composer and pianist Mulgrew Miller; drummer Bill Stewart; and bassist Scott Colley. John Scofield worked for 3 years in Miles Davis' band, has recorded 30 albums, played and collaborated with Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Pat Martino, Mavis Staples, Billy Cobham, George Duke, Jaco Pastorius, John Mayer, and many other well known artists. At ease in the bebop idiom, Scofield is also well versed in jazz fusion, funk, blues, soul, and other forms of modern American music. 

Nieto referred to Elvin Bishop as "one of the best bluesman in Chicago Blues active today." Bishop returns to San Javier after his "historic" concert at the 3rd edition of Musicas del Alma. The strong presence of the guitar in this edition is ever present with country rock star, Albert Lee, one of the most admired guitarists in the world. Albert Lee will perform with his band, The Hogan's Heroes. 

For fans of vocal jazz, Nieto announced the return of the grand dame of jazz, Renee Marie, "a sensual voice with an absolute command of the stage," he said, “an American singer that moves  

with great skill between jazz, soul, blues and gospel.” Bossa Nova, will also be included in the programme with another world class female vocalist, Leny Andrade, and Sambop, a band that features some of the most prominent jazz musicians in Brazil, including the legendary trumpet master, Paulinho Trompete. 

The Festival Director predicts "a big surprise" for the public with the inclusion of the Parisian combo 'Pink Turtle', consisting of seven instrumentalists together with singers who have turned into one of the best selling groups in France. 'The Pink Turtle' was a hugely successful band in the 60's and returned after a long absence in 2008, to continue with it's free pop jazz swing style. Their latest album, 'Pop In Swing' released in 2009, covers popular tunes such as "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple, and "How Deep is Your Love" by The Bee Gees.

Finally, the inclusion of the Mallorcan guitarist, Biel Ballester and his trio together with Romanian violinist Costel Nitescu, "two great European jazz virtuosos" playing music in the spirit of the great Django Reinhardt. Both have performed before separately at the festival, and now they will play together on the same stage for what promises to be a memorable night of “gypsy jazz manouche”. 

The full festival programme will be presented mid March, and will most likely double to 12 nights of concert, which will all fall between June 25 to July 30. Without disclosing any more names, Nieto hinted the presence of "one or two big bands and a big dose of blues." The Mayoress guaranteed "affordable ticket prices, everything along the same lines as in recent years." Pepa García noted that "despite the cut of 10 percent, due to the financial crisis, the festival has succeeded not only in maintaining, but has increased the quality, through hard work, enthusiasm, and more enthusiasm." 

In 1998 the San Javier International Jazz Festival was born as a result of the efforts of Alberto Nieto and a group of jazz fans, with the aid of the San Javier Town Hall through its Cultural Department. In less than a decade this festival has matured into one of the most important cultural events of the Murcia Region of southern Spain, with a great national and international resonance.  

The Mayoress concluded by stating “the jazz festival is a flagship of San Javier, and this region of Spain,” and confirmed that "under our agreement of collaboration with Spanish TV station TVE, the festival will be recorded and broadcast in the autumn”.  She thanked the sponsors for their support, and those who attended the presentation represented by Matthew del Cerro de La Opinión, Sara Abelló by La Caixa, and Francisco Lozano, for Caja Murcia. Plus Aguagest and Estrella de Levante, who are other sponsors committed to the festival.

For more information visit www.jazz.sanjavier.es

NHW DONATE BENCH WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS

Neighbourhood Watch (Vecinos Cooperando) were back in the news this week and for a complete change, for something not related to crime or the thwarting of!

Instead, thanks to an initiative from La Roseleda/Los Frutales branch of Neighbourhood Watch, the headland off the old N332a, Avda de Alfred Nobel and Calle de Severo Ochoa, on the way north to La Mata, now has three benches, one of which was donated by NHW to the Town Council.

On Tuesday 5th April at 10.00 am a bench was officially handed over to the Town Hall. paid for by funds raised by the members of the local branch for the benefit of the area. The councillors present were Eduardo Dolon, Eduardo Gil and Pedro Valero along with Graham Knight Director of the Foreign Residents Office.

The wooden bench, simple though it may be, is a delightful resting spot offering spectacular views along the Torrevieja coast will be enjoyed by local residents and visitors for many years to come.

Eduardo Gil, councillor for Parks and Beaches returned the gift in kind by adding two more sitting areas to the headland. Eduardo Dolon commented that the area was one of Torrevieja’s hidden gems in plain sight and hoped that more residents and visitors alike would visit the area to enjoy the breathtaking views along the coast.

More information on Neighbourhood Watch can be found on their new website at www.nhwinspain.com

RICKY VALANCE TO OPEN A NEW BRITISH ROCK & ROLL CLUB

Ricky Valance, the Costa's very own 60s legend, is to return to the UK for a short trip to perform the opening ceremony at the British Rock & Roll Clubs special event taking place on April 30th at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage.
Before he goes, he has committed to two fund raising shows her on the Costa Blanca. Then, he will complete another in May before returning to the UK for his summer tour there at the beginning of June.
It's all go for Ricky again this year and he is excited about renewing his working relationship with Jukebox Legends again in April and May. Norah Bond from Help at Home say's "we are so grateful to Ricky for helping and very pleased to have him and Jukebox Legends favorites Peter Day & Fiona McLean as Patrons. They all put in a lot of time and effort to help us at PUMA22 and it's very important to us as we get the HAH venture set up and running and their efforts are very helpful.
Jukebox Promotions have just completed a fantastic Buddy's in Town "Buddy Holly tribute" mini tour and it was a sell out at each venue. As with all their 2011 tour shows, these were fund raising events for our cause and we are very excited that with Ricky also featuring in April, along with four Johnny Zeller shows too, there should be a great return for our kitty which will enable us to push things forward much quicker than originally expected"!
The Ricky Valance 60s special with Jukebox Legends is a new show that features a different range of songs and music than has been performed on previous shows. It will appear at:
La Rustika (Los Arcos), Avd. Baleares No 34, Torrevieja on Thursday 21st April (A great start to the Easter weekend) - 965703685
The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja on Tuesday 26th April - 966922134
Casa Nicolas, Altos del Limonar on Sunday 22nd May - 966789368
Tickets for all shows are just 8 Euros and available now from the venues listed. Tickets for Casa Nicolas are also available at La Bodega, The Square, San Luis. All shows start at 8-30pm and are full three hour events.
A special ticket helpline is available on 695135134.
Pre show meals are available at La Rustika and Casa Nicolas and snack / basket meals at the Lounge Bar.  Please contact the venues direct for details.  
The very popular "will the key turn" competition that Jukebox Promotions have at every tour event is proving a successful fund raising feature and people have started to win the special 50 Euro prize on offer. "It's a great idea and we know of many people who have said that it's a breath of fresh air instead of lengthy raffles etc that take up so much time and kill the shows" say's Norah "Now, we understand Jukebox Promotions are also launching the new "put another nickel in" venture for us!  This is where they will ask people for donate their odd copper coins (weighing down their pockets and bags) into a special jar that counts as it stores!  What a great idea as it's a case of 'take care of the pennies and the pounds, or euros, take care of themselves'! Please come along and support the Ricky Valance shows and of course, the Help at Home fund raising need.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EXPO ATTRACTS 40,000

Torrevieja’s first International Business Expo came to an end on Sunday April 3, after five full days and 60-hours spent highlighting some of the city’s small and medium sized businesses.
APYMECO, Torrevieja’s small and medium business association coordinated this ambitious undertaking with assistance from Torrevieja’s Town Hall and the commerce department in Valencia. Housed in the largest ever exhibition Marque that the city has ever erected, 84-local business centres offered their services to the visiting public and other business people.
The Marquee Tent erected in the fairground area was double the size of the Outlet Fair from last year, at 2,800 square meters! Wednesday was set aside as a professional day, for networking among local business people followed by four days open to the general public.
As an International fair, all stands had to have staff that spoke English and Spanish, with the majority of exhibitors coming from Spain and Scandinavia. On display were such services as car sales, insurance, mobile phones, shoes, property sales, trophies, health services, churches, computers, travel and tourism, antiques, beauty supplies,, jewellery, fitness, satellite TV, furniture, lifestyle and many others.
Only a few British companies were displaying including ‘Award A Trophy’ plus the Business Group Espana, representing all of their members. APYMECO’s objective is to promote small and business outlets in Torrevieja while BGE are primarily a networking group who put a strong emphasis on word of mouth recommendations.
This first show was also a networking event for APYMECO’s members and closer ties have now been forged between the two entities. Each day also featured a full line up of entertainment, demonstrations, fashion shows, and Radio broadcasts on the centre stage.
Although Thursday and Friday were steady days for foot traffic, it was non stop action on Saturday and Sunday and with opening hours from 0930-2130, it was a full day for those working their stands.
As the fair was free to enter it’s difficult to come up with a figure of attendees but an estimate based on activity from other shows put the figure at more than 40,000 visitors over the five days; an excellent result for a first event. The Fair is earmarked to become an annual attraction with its aim being two-fold; to help boost trade and commerce within the city and to promote local Spanish and International Business Services.
There are close to 300 members of APYMECO. They are keen to attract more International Business people and it’s not expensive, as membership is a very reasonable €15 a month.
Any Torrevieja businesses interested in joining APYMECO or finding out more, please telephone 96 670 59 09 and ask for Alfonso or Antonio, who both speak English, send an email to apymeco@salitel.com or drop into their offices located close to the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre at 145 C/ Ramon Gallud, Torrevieja.