It is an honor as a guitarist to be part of the February 11th celebration known as National Guitar Day. The versatility of the guitar in terms of the range of repertoire it covers and its portability is profound. Its origins are believed to be Persian, where in ancient times it was known as the “qitara” (Celebrate The Joy Of Music On National Guitar Day 2023 - National Day Calendar)

I have devoted my musical journey to the flamenco guitar. The flamenco guitar initially was used as an accompaniment instrument for cante (singing in the flamenco tradition) as well as baile (flamenco dance). Before long luminaries such as Ramon Montoya followed by Sabicas carried the instrument forward and established it as a solo instrument as well, capable of gracing concert halls with its passion.

Traditional flamenco guitar is played on a nylon string guitar, with the finger nails of the right hand similar to the classical guitar tradition. Techniques such as picado (rapid alteration of the index and middle fingers) are used to execute single note melodies, and the golpe (the percussive strike) on the body of the guitar are used to accentuate accent and beats in sync with the heelwork of the flamenco dancer. In short the right hand technique of the flamenco the guitarist distinguishes itself in its ability accommodate and match the cante and baile, while also able to summon unique melodies from the six strings at moment’s notice. A deft guitarist will have a vast library of melodic passages known as (falsetas) to complement each flamenco form.

In the spirit of the mood of the performance, the guitarist has the privilege to improvise and create embellishments. In flamenco (compas), which is the rhythm of the form being performed is must be adhered to.

I studied flamenco guitar with Theodore McKown (Ted), a founding member of the Orange County Classical Guitar Circle. Through his instruction I amassed a repertoire of traditional flamenco material and have developed own unique feel and approaches to the various palos (flamenco forms).

After several years of study, Ted introduced me to fellow student Kenji Bakuya and together we accompanied flamenco dancers at the Blanca Luz Dance Academy. Kenji and I became flamenco guitar comrades and best of friends and we founded Duende Flamenco in 2004, a performing flamenco troupe complete with flamenco dancers, singers, and percussion. In addition, we recorded two flamenco albums (Nina Mia and El Mas Triste Adios) with percussionist El Poeta.

Aida Ganddhini and Michon Downs (Michoncita) are Duende Flamenco’s core flamenco dancers who have performed since the founding of Duende Flamenco. Both are active members of the troupe presently. Aida loves involving the audience in the mood of flamenco. She will on occasion provide an impromptu lesson on castanet playing, and Michoncita’s smile invites the audience into even the somberest of numbers.

As of 2013 my dear Kenji moved with his family to Texas, but he still plays an active role in the group. His compositional ideas and knowledge of flamenco is profound and continues to contribute to the creativity of the group while maintaining the true spirit of flamenco.

Our troupe Duende Flamenco performed a weekly dinner show at Tapas Flavors of Spain Restaurant from 2005-2019. Furthermore Duende Flamenco performs yearly at the Annual Swallows Day Festival in San Juan Capistrano.

As a soloist I am currently performing for Ponto Lago Restaurant at the Hyatt Aviara Sunday brunch in Carlsbad California as well as Lena at Sendero located at the Ritz Carlton Downtown Los Angeles. I am also a musician for the Sherman Gardens Library and Botanical Gardens in Newport Beach California and the Crystal Cove Conservancy.

I take great joy in spreading the art of flamenco for events ranging from full group formats to soothing instrumental configurations. Flamenco adapts seamlessly to various moods, ranging from calm and reflective to upbeat. I am thrilled to introduce Duende Flamenco to the Palos Verdes Community!

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James/Sina Samimi – Guitarrista/Guitarist

Sina began his studies of flamenco guitar at an early age after being inspired by the poetry and artistry of world cultures and flamenco music. Federico Garcia Lorca’s poetic expression of the passionate moment of “Duende” brought him full circle to flamenco guitar. He immersed himself in the music of Paco de Lucia, Sabicas, and Paco Peña, as well as the work of various other flamenco luminaries.

He studied under the tutelage of a protégé of Sabicas, Theodore McKown, a founding member of the Orange County Classical Guitar Circle. He amassed a growing repertoire of traditional flamenco material and gradually began developing his own style. Along with Kenji Bakuya, Sina began accompanying flamenco dancers at the Blanca Luz Dance Academy. He has performed all over Southern California and was the founding member of Duende Flamenco in 2003, along with fellow guitarist, Kenji Bakuya, with whom he has recorded two flamenco music albums.