René Heredia, the premier proponent of Flamenco music in Colorado will perform with Harry Tuft for one night only as part of the Swallow Hill Music 40th Anniversary Concert Series.
Thursday, October 17, 2019, 7:00 pm
Swallow Hill Music – Quinlan Cafe
71 E. Yale Ave., Denver, CO 80210
Tickets: $10
Buy tickets now at Swallow Hill Music
About Harry
Harry Tuft grew up singing and playing a series of instruments – from the piano to the clarinet, ukulele, baritone uke, and, in college, a six-string guitar. Philadelphia’s lively folk scene provided the setting for Harry’s first ventures into public singing. From there, friendships with Dick Weissman and Roger Abrahams fostered a growing interest in Anglo-American folk music.
In 1960, needing a break from his studies (preparing for an architectural career), Harry traveled out to the Rocky Mountains for some skiing. He found a job at “The Holy Cat” in Georgetown, as a dishwasher, busboy, waiter, bartender, janitor, and – if there was a lull in the work at night – he could sing in the bar.
There he met Hal Neustaedter – owner of “The Exodus,” a folk club in Denver – who suggested that he look into starting a folklore center in Denver. With further encouragement from Izzy Young, owner of the first and (then) only Folklore Center, in New York’s Greenwich Village, Harry opened the Denver Folklore Center in March 1962.
Putting his energies into the store over the years, Harry has found time for teaching and occasional singing, as time allows. In his first album, “Across the Blue Mountains,” Harry was ably joined by old friends Dick Weissman, Jay Ungar, Ed Trickett, Artie Traum and Laraine Grady Traum.
In 1972, Harry and friends Steve Abbott and Jack Stanesco formed Grubstake – originally named “This Band Is Starving.” Their five albums include “What You Do With What You Got” and “Warts and All.”
About René
René Heredia ‘The man who brought flamenco to Colorado’
René Heredia is a leading figure in the development of Flamenco Guitar and Dance in the United States. He has contributed as a performer, teacher, choreographer, educator, mentor, composer and recording artist.
With roots in Granada, Spain, René was surrounded by masters of flamenco dance and music from birth. His father, a pure Spanish Gypsy, taught his impressionable young son the intricacies and elegance of the rich form of expression.
As performer, teacher, choreographer, mentor, and recording artist, René Heredia is credited with bringing flamenco to Colorado and has received numerous awards, including the Governor’s and Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. For over forty years René has brought the authentic sounds and sights of flamenco to the Denver region. Through his teaching, performances and connections with other artists, he has created an appreciation and respect for the art form that continues to develop.
“René Heredia is the most sensational young flamenco guitarist in the United States.” —Sabicas
“The guitar playing of René Heredia is the finest tradition of flamenco, creating a flaming intensity that cannot fail to arouse.” —The Denver Post
Tickets available at Swallow Hill Music
