Today in Casavieja, Avila, España the fourth generation of the Silveti dynasty makes his professional debut. Great Grandson of Juanito Silveti, “El Tigre de Guanajuato” and Grandson of “El Tigrillo” Juan Silveti, Diego Silveti will perform along side Españoles Román Pérez and Pablo Lechuga. They will face novillos from Villalobillos. Silveti has been preparing for this moment since 2006 by killing 60 novillos and toros on ganaderias in Mexico and Spain. There is much anticipation for the successor of the Silveti crown and by all indications Diego has inherited much of the characteristics of his great father, “El Rey David” Silveti. Suerte Diego!

In 2004 I visited the small town of Haro, La Rioja and established my affiliation with the superb wines from the heart of winemaking in Spain. Since then I’ve been challenged in trying to duplicate the wines I tasted. I’ve come close on some occasions, but I could never really find that one wine which took me back. Well, finally I believe I have found the wine. Viña Zaco is a hip new wine from that very region of Rioja which hit the spot when my wife and I shared a bottle last week. I found the wine at Henry’s for a great price of $11.99 and proceeded to relive the wines I had in 2006. This 100% Tempranillo was an excellent example of what Rioja has come to be. Winemaker Diego Pinilla has captured the best of Rioja and given it a modern hip check. Pick up a bottle, it is a jewel.

Tijuanense Alejandro Amaya confirmed his alternativa in Madrid’s Plaza de Toros Las Ventas on Sunday August 9th. Amaya did okay with his lot of Javier Pérez Tabenero toros who weren’t the worst of the day. That luck Antón Cortés drew. Alfonso Romero actually turned in the best work of the day to receive aplause in addition to Amaya’s work with his second toro. Amaya was tossed violently but rose to give an inspired faena which earned him saludos.


Toros de Javier Pérez Tabernero, bien presentados y de huego desigual, 1º, noble, aplaudido en el arrastre. 2º, manejable aunque bajo de casta. 3º, manso y rajado. 4º, manejable aunque bajo de raza. 5º, encastado. 6º, manso con genio y peligro.
Alfonso Romero, silencio y saludos
Alejandro Amaya, que confirmaba su alternativa, silencio tras aviso y ovación con saludos.
Antón Cortés, leves pitos tras aviso y silencio.
Video de Las-Ventas.com y fotos de varios

A few videos of the progression of a talent I only heard of recently. Maria Carrasco Jimenez is now 14 years old but already a veteran at Cante Flamenco. Maria is from Torrecera (Cádiz) who began performing in 2004. Her career was launched by numerous appearences on Canal Sur’s Menuda Noche. She has released three CDs, “Hablando con la Luna” in 2006, “Soñando Despierta” in 2007, and her newest with braces off “Entre tú y yo” in 2009.

In 2007

In 2008


And in 2009