I had the joy last night of seeing a live performance at the bar downstairs. Teré (short for Terésa) works days at El Sanedrín waiting tables, tending bar, and making people feel at home. Three nights a week, she sings at a club outside of town — a club too far for us to easily visit without a car. So, we were elated when she told us that she would be performing right here in our building on Halloween night.
Teré is one of those people who brightens any day just by being in it. We see her and get to visit with her every morning when we go downstairs for café con leche and breakfast #2. The first time we met her, she warmly welcomed us as neighbors and gave us both “Spanish kisses.” She speaks little English, just some pat phrases she has picked up over time. But her pronunciation is impeccable. It must be her musical ear. I arrived downstairs around midnight and Teré, dolled up like a mod Bride of Frankenstein, was already mid-song. What a voice!
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| WHETHER SINGING SWEETLY OR BELTING IT OUT, PHENOMENAL TALENT. |
Between numbers, Teré actually introduced her friend “Mee-TCHELL” to the audience. During her 10-minute break between sets, she grabbed me and asked if I wanted to head next door to Dos de Mayo so she could get a quick snack. Unfortunately, Dos de Mayo was closing up for the night. No food for Teré but, as a consolation prize, all the guys behind the bar sang to us.
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| SLOW ON THE DRAW WITH MY CAMERA, I MISSED CATCHING THE DOS DE MAYO QUARTET IN FULL SONG. |
After her break, Teré sang a bunch more songs in English, phonetically — some that I knew, some that I did not. She also sang several songs in Spanish that were a huge hit with the audience. She even sang one song in Portuguese, also phonetically. The music, the spontaneous rhythmic clapping (Flamenco style) carried me away. I, who don’t dance, was actually swaying like a Spaniard at times. (From what I’ve seen, Spaniards — well, Sevillanos — know how to move.) Her delivery was so powerful, whether she was belting or singing a ballad, that I was moved even when I didn’t understand all that was being sung. I had tears in my eyes by the end of “Killing Me Softly.” Move over, Roberta Flack!
The small bar was filled with admirers, some clearly knew what they were
in for. Others were — like me — blown away. I wish she had a CD. I
wish she had a video on YouTube. I wish she would sing to me every
morning while I’m drinking my coffee.
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| THE STAR THIS AFTERNOON. BACK BEHIND THE BAR. |
Sounds like you're really getting into native life there as a proud Sevilliano – la musica y las canciones, si, pero donde son los gay bares y discos ? [If I've made a mistake or two there it's only 'cos I'm trying to make you feel at home. 😉 ] There must be SOME gay venues in Seville that we've yet to hear about. Or are you just avoiding the 'scene' because you've got all that you need?
Btw: Am I missing something or is that really Tere also in the final photo? If so, how has she shed 20 years (at least)?
Hello Mitch:
How absolutely splendid and we can, from your description and photographs, so easily imagine the scene last night which must have been huge fun. Clearly you have made a fast friend in Teré who, without a shadow of doubt, is both a very lively person and one who has considerable talent. You are most certainly entering the spirit of Europe!!
Raybeard:
Yes, that last shot is also of Teré, I wasn't clear. She wasn't just dressed last night like the Bride of Frankenstein, she was also made up like the Bride of Frankenstein!
As for the gay bars, there are several not far from us — in the neighborhood of La Alameda. We just don't get around like that anymore. There were gay people at the bar last night, if that makes it any better. We are everywhere in Sevilla!
J&L:
Teré is one of those people I feel fortunate to know. And she made me feel so welcome and so special last night. I wish I had video of her performance but am glad you're able to get a sense of the night.
She's a pretty girl!
Next time, grab your video recorder.
m.
Mark:
I went down at 11 with the camcorder (on my phone) but without my good camera. Went back down at midnight with the good camera and no camcorder! Next time.
M and J
Happy belated boo day.
I and my friends have had lots of joy at your expense through this blog.
Come and see us…
thanks
Theaterdog:
Feliz Halloween to you, too. So glad it's past.
At my expense, huh? Thanks! But, where should I come and see you?
Amazing that she wasn't 'discovered' before this. Doesn't Europe have this big 'talent show', Euro Vision I think, for amateurs? She would be a shoe-in! Now that expression would be 'lost in translation, I bet cha!
Jim:
"Shoe-in"… That's one for my Spanish conversation morning with Lola tomorrow. I can't imagine there's a Spanish equivalent.
I don't know what Teré's aspirations are. Will have to learn more.
You should record her one evening and post Mee-TCHELL.
Nubian:
You're so right. I wish I had done so Monday night.