Dancing with a King
June 12th, 2006 by Tracee
What are the Gypsy Kings doing at an Irish bar in New York City? Knocking me off my feet, that’s what. This might surprise you, but the Gypsy Kings are the biggest-selling French act ever. French you say? Oui. I can joggle your memory of the Kings with just one word…Bamboleo!
The Gypsy Kings gave a free informal performance June 2 at Puck Fair, a dark casual bar I frequent when working late nights in the area. I heard about the event last minute, but it was well worth the tired appearance post-work Friday. The moment I walked in and heard their throaty voices, everything was perfect. They took me back to summers in my kitchen as a kid, flamenco dancing to Baila Me with my mother. My friends prompted me to grab a beer (Corona, of course) and slide into my seat, right behind them.
The Kings, who were definitely aged but still very much alive, gave an intimate and slightly improvised show. I enjoyed all the classics from over the decades, performed by four of the originals, and thought this would be the peak point of my night. After their set, however, they settled back for a drink (or ten) and began a conversation with us about music, passion, and soul.
Uno Rey in particular, tells me to sing as he’s strumming his guitar, and I tell you - singing to a King is not something I thought I would be doing on a Thursday night. So instead, he begins an impromptu song…”Que calor, con su pelo en fuego…su cabello tan bello” (translation: That heat, with her hair on fire…hair so beautiful) which leads the whole back section of the bar to join. He then asks (demands) that I dance, and of course I do, my head swimming with a combination of sultry sound, and alcohol. The song ends with applause from the group and a sweaty kiss from the King, who then moves on to hypnotize another set of unsuspecting New Yorkers.
June 15th, 2006 at 9:38 am
OMG, love it! So jealous I wasn’t “in the know” to come seduce Spanish (French?) lovahs with you! Did they play “Lambada”? That’s hot. (And speaking of hot, that pic is on fire just like your hair.) - Lo
September 7th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
[…] I chose this night to go because a friend of mine knows the owner and wanted to say hello. We walked in right as the gypsy-kings-like cuban group started their first number, and I knew we had to stay. A spanish guitar, bongos, and an upright base created music that made my hips move in my seat. One more amazing glass of wine and I would be like Glamourite Tracee with the Gypsy Kings up dancing in front of everyone. Unfortunately, I can’t dance as well as she can so my show probably wouldn’t be as appreciated. I found out the group, called Yuca Seca, plays on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 9pm. I’ll definitely be back next week to enjoy more good wine and music. […]