Informal, audience-participation music gatherings happen in many cultures. In parts of rural America, such a song-swap was once called a hootenanny; in Ireland, it’s a ceilidh if it’s a house party or a seisiún if it happens in a pub. The Spanish version is the juerga, and may include dancing, singing, palmas (hand-clapping) or simply pounding in rhythm on a table.
When a café table isn’t being taken over for an impromptu display of flamenco skills, it may also serve to hold drinks and comestibles. In the juerga spirit, the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center in Tivoli will build on its ongoing relationship with Carlota Santana’s Flamenco Vivo dance company by presenting an evening of performance followed by wine and dinner with classical Spanish guitar accompaniment.
The special Juerga Flamenca event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 with a full performance by Flamenco Vivo. Then comes the Tapas Supper, prepared by chef Rei Peraza of Pan Zur restaurant in Tivoli. Dishes will include marinated olives and pippara peppers, tortilla Española, escalivada, gigante bean salad, jamón serrano, montaditos and artisan bread. David Temple, who teaches classical guitar at the Bard College Conservatory, will play during dinner.
Tickets for this memorable evening for all the senses are limited, going for $75 per person and $1,000 for a sponsor table of six. For information and reservations, call (845) 757-5106, extension 2. Kaatsbaan is located at 120 Broadway in Tivoli.
Join the family! 
