reviews
20 July 2006
Here's a picante Spanish import to add a little spice to what has typically been a very white-bread festival.
Ricardo Garcia and co-creator Julie Gunn create a rousing hour of entertainment, fusing Garcia's tasty licks on flamenco guitar with the spirited dancing of Rae Bowhay and hypnotic percussion of Roberto Benson on the cajon. There wasn't much interchange in English with the audience in Montreal, as the trio communicated primarily through their talented fingers and feet.
Flamenco acts are a rarity on the fringe circuit, especially ones this outstanding. Flamenco lovers are in for a treat, especially with Bowhay, whose use of the castanets stirred shouts of "Ole!" at the conclusion of her pieces. For the novices, Flamenco Con Fusion 2 is a great change-up from improv, stand-up and dramasthat dominate the schedule.
KEVIN PROKOSH