SOCORRO, N.M. ­– Valentine’s Day, love and the rich romance language. It’s a natural fit. Add a bit of mystery, and it’s easy to see why gypsies and their music have long been associated with romance.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Barrio Manouche (literally neighborhood gypsies) will woo the Socorro audience with its Flamenco-Latin/gypsy-inspired music. The Performing Arts Series concert on Friday, Feb. 14 at New Mexico Tech’s Macey Center will be preceded by a Spanish-themed Club Macey Schmooze, Booze and Bites.

“Tocamos la música inspirada por los barrios en donde nacimos y en los que hemos vivido después, aquellos que nos preceden, basada en el espíritu nómada,” (“We play music inspired by the places we come from and the places we have lived, those that have come before us, and the nomadic spirit.”) says Javi Jimenez, the band’s leader.

Barrio Manouche promises to be a jaw dropping perfect blend of Flamenco, Gypsy Jazz, and more. With members from Spain, Quebec, France, Brazil and California, this San Francisco based sextet draws on their roots, combining complex techniques and innovative style into a visual and auditory feast that is pure magic!

“Barrio Manouche makes magical acoustic music mashed together from all corners of the globe — a new form of Americana, if you will, where flamenco guitar drifts above Brazilian beats, clashing with Gypsy-jazz melodies. It could very well qualify as Americana in another decade or two. Or maybe its rich, gorgeous blend of acoustic Latin-French jazz will always remain distinctly Barrio Manouche,” writes concert reviewer Aaron Carnes.

The members bring their international roots to form a truly unique sound that is hard to classify yet instantly recognizable. Deeply influenced by a wide range of musical traditions, with an original style and passion for musical improvisations, this group brings true World Music to the Macey Center stage.

“Barrio Manouche is one of the most exciting additions to the Bay Area Gypsy swing scene,” comments doubleOone, a unique arts organization based in San Francisco.

The band released a new album last November after a year of collaborations and studio work. Titled “Despierta,” it was lauded as one of the year’s “wildest” albums by a California reviewer, describing its global fusion and inspiration to dancers.  Included are “El Joven” in collaboration with Electric Squeezebox Orchestra’s horns and “La Leyenda Del Tiempo,” Nuevo Flamenco’s 1973 milestone.

“I am very excited about this concert,” chimes PAS Director Ronna Kalish, who discovered the group on the Western States Art Federation’s IMTour roster of Independent artists, a group of performers who have been deemed ready for “launch” to tour the United States.  Ronna adds that there will be room for dancing for those so “moved!”

The players for Socorro's show are Javi Jiménez, guitar; Alex Zelnick, guitar; Cyril Guiraud, saxophone; Sacha Jacobsen, bass; Luis Jiménez, cajón; and Melissa Cruz, Flamenco Dance.

Come early for tastes of Spain at Tech Club Macey’s Schmooze, Booze and Bites, and enjoy a “Dynamic Duos Competition,” based on the Newlywed Game. Featured Spanish Tapas are: beef churrasco and garlic shrimp, Pa Amb Tomaquet (bread with tomato, a traditional Catalan cuisine), arroz con coco y mango, and a sangria drink special at the cash bar.  This pre-show event is free for members, $15 for non-members. Tech Club Macey is a 21+ social club.

The concert received support from the IMTour Program, National Endowment for the Arts and New Mexico Arts; with additional sponsorship provided by VHG Architects; Bodega Burger Co. and Lounge; and KUNM Public Radio. Lodging is provided by Holiday Inn Express. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $8 for youth 17 and under. New Mexico Tech students will be admitted free with their student ID at the door, or can pick up one ticket each at the New Mexico Tech Bookstore.

Tickets also can be purchased online at nmtpas.org, or at the following locations: New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center), Sofia’s Kitchen, John Brooks SuperMart at the Customer Service desk, or the PAS office (call 835-5688 for directions).

— NMT —