Two High-profile Shows For Las Guitarras De Espana

Chicago, IL (Top40 Charts/ Las Guitarras De Espana Official Website) Feb. 16, 2012. 2011 was a breakout year for Chicago's Las Guitarras De Espana. The flamenco/world music group, led by guitarist Carlo Basile, vocalist Patricia Ortega and dancer Wendy Clinard, released the acclaimed CD Tantas Cosas (which was submitted for Grammy ballot consideration), performed at the Chicago Theater and staged a successful series of shows at Mayne Stage.

2012 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Las Guitarras De Espana, as well. The group will be returning to Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse in Chicago, on March 9 and will then make the pilgrimage to Austin, Texas for an official SXSW Music Conference showcase on March 13.

The Mayne Stage show, which begins at 7PM CST, is a collaborative endeavor with a delectable line-up of music and dance numbers including Indian, Flamenco and Arabic beats. The evening will feature instrument leads from Carlo Basile (guitar) and Sara Ranganathan (veena). The dance leads will be Wendy Clinard (flamenco) and Viji Ranganathan (bharatanatyam). Writer and broadcaster Catalina Maria Johnson will be on board as the evening's host.

Las Guitarras De Espana's SXSW showcase will be held at Valhalla, 710 Red River St. in Austin. The band will perform from 8PM-8:40PM CST.