The Guitars of Spain ensemble formed in 1999, when guitarist, Carlo Basile was researching material for his Master's Degree Lecture/Recital titled "Flamenco Music and Spain's Nationalist Composers." Along with other guitarists and dancers who were studying flamenco music from Spain, Carlo put together a series of "Flamenco Night" performances (at Martyr's and then, later, at the Hothouse in Chicago) that gave everyone a chance to "practice their chops." The "Flamenco Night" series was quite successful and lasted for a few years. It also led to collaborations with many fine musicians and dancers from the Chicago music scene such as Doug Brush (percussion), Issa Boulos (oud), David Gonzalez (vocals), Patricia Ortega-Alonso (vocals), Tomas de Utrera (guitar), Peter Baime (guitar), Julie Goldberg (guitar), Hector Fenandez (guitar), Greg Nergaard (bass), Colin Bunn (tres guitar), Wendy Clinard (dancer), Kalyan Pathak (tabla), Siri Sonty (Indian dan...