I believe in what poet Federico Garcia Lorca called duende. And Pozo Hondo was born from this powerful idea.

There is no direct translation of the term duende, but perhaps the closest would be to "to have soul or to have magic."  It originated in Spain in the art of flamenco.

The famous gypsy flamenco singer El Librijano said, "Whenever I am singing with duende, no one can come up to me."

And a flamenco guitarist added, "The duende is not in the throat.  It comes up from the inside, from the soles of the feet."

And "whatever has black sounds has duende."

As artists, we can experience this dark creative force.  As we struggle with deep and strong emotions, we open ourselves to mystery.  The blackness of that mystery allows us to connect with the roots of our art, moving passion through our bodies in our blood, and keeping our hearts burning an intense flame.

It's a beautiful and mysterious power.  I hope that you will embrace its mystery. And that you will invite it to rise up within you as you make music here, create art, and give it breath.

This is a sacred place.  Find time to let the roots from your hearts travel out the soles of your feet deep into Mother Earth and connect with her.  I ask that you respect the living things as well as the non-living art and beauty that make this place...have duende.

I'm delighted that you've chosen to take this extraordinary journey with us. Welcome.