The Blond Gypsies at The Palm Cabaret and 2015-2016 Season Schedule Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
December 3, 2015

Latcho & Andrea Puerto Vallarta Music Event Performers Gypsy Style by Promovisionpv.com (promovision)

Our longtime beloved couple returns reminding us why they are so adored. They combine their roots of gypsy, Flamenco and rumba with romántico and jazz. Such a rich and varied history and musical background. Latcho Bartelsen is a guitarist, singer and composer with Andrea Kast playing rhythm guitar, castanets and singing backing vocals and harmony.

Their gypsy music takes influences from around the world and back through time: two guitarists authentically producing the mysterious and passionate sounds of gypsy flamenco. To trace the origins of this amazing sound, go back thirty years to Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter of Granada, Spain, where Latcho moved, lived in elaborate caves and learned how to play Spanish guitar from the masters of Flamenco. Many a night they sat and strummed until dawn. He became a Flamenco gypsy guitarist of grand prowess. Life with them inspired writing songs and sharing with his group.

The duo started the night with strumming their guitars in a strong, driving force.

All of a sudden they would break into singing, mostly in Spanish. Songs from their last two CDs predominated including many self-penned tunes of Latcho. They felt the music in their soul and it flowed into the audience. Their permeating excitement was undeniable. With his rapid playing, he created blends of notes and tones displaying his accomplished prowess. I was flattered that they dedicated to me one song I loved for my years of support and promotion.

Standout songs are almost too many to cite, but "Rio Nilo", "La Malagueña" and "Moorish Solea" are notable for mentioning. Latcho related that gypsies traversed the continents, spreading everywhere. Originating in India, they dispersed throughout all parts of Europe including Turkey, Spain and southern France in particular. As they traveled, their music was taken with them, so there are many versions of gypsy music. Now they are settled also in Canada, United States and South America.

Before Act II started, a video from the couple called "Circus Life" showed Latcho and Andrea in younger days in European Wild West shows and circuses. They had lived in a gypsy clan and were the only non-gypsies. Surrounded by vast local talent in a constant occurrence enabled them to perfect the exact sounds of this music. Their playing was not school-learned. It came from the blood and long heritage of these kinsfolk.

A student of music can feel that this couple is in sync at all times. Latcho shared time with the renown Gipsy Kings and this evening he played a composition by one of their members. One particular song the twosome presented was concerning La Santa, the patron saint of the gypsies. Their voices and musicianship bring back their followers for an encore evening.
 
In 1996, Latcho & Andrea decided to leave Europe and relocate to Puerto Vallarta, much to our benefit and gain in being able to hear their talents displayed on stages in the Bahía de Banderas. Theirs is a special unique blend of traditional heart-pounding tempos and beautiful melodies sure to not only educate but bring pleasure.

The Blond Gypsies will be performing at the Palm Cabaret and Bar in Old Town Vallarta, Olas Altas 508. Pick up your tickets at the Palm Box Office or purchase online at Vallarta Tickets. Show dates are December 29, January 19 & 29 and March 15. All shows begin at 7:00 pm.

For the complete calendar of live performances by the Blond Gypsies in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, visit Latcho Andrea online.