Pepe Romero had dinner at my house

by Paul Ugalde
(South Burlington, VT)

I am a beginning student of classical guitar but it has been an influence in my life for years. My father was a professor of Spanish and a musician so there was Spanish music playing in our house all the time.

The university had a concert series and they would occasionally book a Spanish guitarist. They came to my dad asking if he would help to entertain the musician who usually didn't speak much English.

My father suggested that they should invite the artist to our house where my mother would cook an authentic paella and the table would be filled with other Spanish speakers and people interested in music. These dinners took place after the concert so these were lively events starting around 11:00 pm.

Over the years, that dining room had guests that included Carlos Montoya, Sabicas, and the whole Romero family. My parents have passed away but I own the house today. When I need some inspiration, I just remember who had dinner at my house!