Camaron de la Vega, Flamenco Guitarist, Olé
Be kind to each other, slow down and take time to enjoy life ...
Any night of the week is a good night to indulge in succulent Spanish cuisine. But Thursdays and Sundays are particularly divine, when Camaron de la Vega and company descend upon South Bank Spanish hub Olé, transporting you La Rambla-side with their whimsical flamenco guitar. Camaron was first introduced to the flamenco sound by some French lads over on Christmas Island when he used to play at the casino there. From that moment he was hooked, the music an unstoppable force in his blood stream. Camaron then travelled to Spain to live, absorbing himself in the culture and gypsy jazz, studying at Taller Flamenco in Sevilla and spending time in Granada, learning from local guitarists to master this difficult style. These days, Brisbane-based Camaron records and performs solo work and with his band Rumba Sol. Find him at Post Office Square this Good Friday from 12:00–2:00 pm or on Sunday at Olé with with Kris Iwaniuk and Roger Gonazalez. The Weekend Edition caught up with Camaron to talk inspirations and weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
My weekend usually starts on a Friday morning and, I have to say, by sleeping in!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I love to go to the West End Markets for fruit and veggie shopping.
How do you like to unwind?
With a good book.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Good food, music and company.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Going to the beach.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I usually play over at Olé at South Bank, and that’s a lot of fun.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
My Greek friend is going to teach me to make spanikopita.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan.
What inspires you?
Great music of any genre, of course, as well as hearing stories of love and generosity overcoming hardship.
What was your childhood dream?
To play music.
What has been your greatest achievement?
To play music every day …
What is success to you?
To play music every day and be paid for it!
What are your words of wisdom?
Be kind to each other, slow down and take time to enjoy life.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … The kitchen, with my new coffee machine.
Relax … The park at the bottom of my street.
Dine … Sunnybank for fantastic Asian food.
Indulge … Chocolateria San Churro, South Bank.
Shop … Westfield Carindale’s new section is fun to explore.
Catch-up … The Boundary Hotel in West End on a Tuesday Night.
Be inspired … In the studio with a new project.
