History Happy Hours: Aula de Flamenco with Dr. José Miguel Hernandez Jaramillo
History Happy Hours: Aula de Flamenco explores the history and cultural traditions of flamenco through a presentation by ethnomusicologist Dr. José Miguel Hernandez Jaramillo. The program combines historical context with live flamenco music and dance demonstrations by artists associated with TorcuArt, offering an opportunity to experience this UNESCO-recognized tradition as well as learn about its development.
Flamenco emerged in southern Spain from the blending of traditions associated with Andalusian Romani communities, who arrived in Spain during the 15th and 16th centuries, and Moorish Muslim and Sephardic Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula. The art form brings together song, dance, and guitar music to express stories of emotion, history, and daily life.
When: October 9, 2026
Showtimes: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Run time: 90 minutes
Venue: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
Presented by: Sandy Spring Museum
Program: The lecture format of the museum’s monthly History Happy Hours series is paired with live music and dance demonstrations. Light refreshments will be served. VIP tables include table service with refreshments and complimentary sparkling water.
Presenter: Dr. José Miguel Hernandez Jaramillo, an ethnomusicologist born in Seville, Spain. He holds a master’s degree in advanced flamenco studies and a PhD in ethnomusicology, and is recognized for his expertise in flamenco history and traditional styles.
Lineup: TorcuArt flamenco artists, including Manuel Sanchez, Alma Rodriguez, Paul Vilmoare, and Estela Velez.
Performers: Manuel Sanchez is an executive and entrepreneur whose flamenco practice is connected to his Spanish cultural heritage. Alma Rodriguez, from Murcia, Spain, trained at the Superior Conservatory of Murcia, co-founded the award-winning Skandalo Teatro, and has toured internationally as a performer. Paul Vilmoare is a flamenco guitarist who trained and performed extensively in Spain and has collaborated with dancers, musicians, and scholars in Spain and the United States. Estela Velez, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, trained with flamenco masters in Spain and the United States; she founded and directs Furia Flamenca Dance Company and also teaches throughout the Washington, DC region.
About TorcuArt: Founded in 2020, the cultural nonprofit promotes classical flamenco, Spanish guitar, dance, song, poetry, and visual arts in the United States through performances, conferences, workshops, and related programs.
Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 museum member admission; $10 student admission. The student rate does not receive an additional museum-member discount. VIP tables cost $150, or $120 for museum members, and accommodate four people.
Ages: Not specified.
Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available for this event.
Parking: Free parking is available.
Contact: (301) 774-0022; info@sandyspringmuseum.org