This Saturday night internationally acclaimed flamenco virtuoso Paco Lara will perform with Paul A. George from Tijuana Cartel for A Meeting of Strings, Spirit, and Story. This is a rare opportunity to see two great guitarists for one special night! Paco Lara is a true flamenco virtuoso, born and raised in Jerez de la Frontera — the heartland of flamenco in southern Spain. He is in demand and constantly touring, performing and recording, a true superstar of the flamenco scene. Paul A. George, is known for his work with genre-defying group Tijuana Cartel who blend classical, flamenco, and Greek influences with family roots in Crete. We were lucky enough to catch up with Paco and Paul ahead of their show at Bird’s Basement.
This is an exciting collaboration. Have the two of you performed together before, and are there plans to perform together again?
Paul: We’ve crossed paths a few times, but this is the first time we’re really diving into a full collaboration. Paco brings such fire and authenticity to the stage, and it’s been a joy finding where our sounds meet. We’d love to keep this going, there’s definitely talk of more shows together.
Paco: Absolutely. Paul has his own unique sound and energy, and combining it with my flamenco roots feels very natural. We already have plans to continue performing together in the future.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Paul: It’s a blend of worlds, raw flamenco guitar, deep grooves, improvisation, and some unexpected twists. We want people to feel moved, whether that’s sitting back and listening or getting pulled into the rhythm.
Paco: Passion, energy, and connection. Flamenco is about emotion, and this show is all about sharing that emotion with the audience.
How did you go about deciding on your set and what to present?
Paul: We wanted to honour Paco’s flamenco tradition while also weaving in my own influences, electronic textures, cinematic sounds, and the more experimental side of guitar. The set grew pretty organically from there.
Paco: Yes, it was very natural. We looked for places where our styles connect, and the setlist came together easily.
How does a venue like Bird’s lend itself to this kind of performance?
Paul: Bird’s has such an intimate atmosphere. The room has a warmth to it that really suits guitar music and improvisation. It’s a space where you can connect closely with the audience.
Paco: Flamenco was born in small rooms, with people gathered around the guitar, so Bird’s feels like home for this kind of music.
How did the two of you meet and decide to collaborate? Can we expect an album in the future?
Paul: We met through the music community, I’d been following Paco’s work and always admired his playing. When the chance came to collaborate, it felt like a natural fit. An album is definitely on the cards — we’re already talking about where the music could go.
Paco: From the very first rehearsal, the chemistry was there. I think the idea of an album is very exciting — it would be something different, with both our voices coming together.
What’s next for both of you?
Paul: I’m working on new solo material and also with Tijuana Cartel — lots of writing, touring, and collaborating.
Paco: I’m continuing to tour my own projects, but I see this collaboration with Paul becoming a big part of my future plans too.
You can catch Paco and Paul this Saturday night at Bird’s Basement. Book tickets here. Follow Paco on Instagram here and Paul on Instagram here.
