The traditional melodies and rhythms of flamenco will provide a suitable finale for Los Caprichos (The Caprices), a display of 80 highly influential first-edition etchings by 18th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. This special exhibition at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art ends June 10 and the final weekend will literally kick off on Friday, June 8, with the group Aire Flamenco dancing against the backdrop of Goya's exquisitely detailed sociopolitical commentary on the vices of his native Spanish society.

The five members of Aire Flamenco trained and worked extensively in the birthplace of their art form, the Andalusia region of southern Spain. "With our artists inspired themselves by decades of viewing Goya's extraordinary work at the Prado, this setting is perfect to experience flamenco's intensity, statement and sensuality," says Keni "El Lebrijano," Air Flamenco's lead guitarist. The group includes singer Nina Menendez. Known for the distinctive timbre of her voice, Menendez regularly performs with many of the top flamenco artists in the western United States and she is director of the Bay Area Flamenco Partnership. Also in Aire Flamenco are acclaimed dancers Monica and Marina, and guitarist David Gutierrez, who has studied flamenco in both the United States and Spain. The group's performance at the Goya exhibit will include a range of traditional dances, including alegrias, solea por bulerias, bulerias, sevillanas, tientos and tangos.

Aire Flamenco perform on Friday, June 8, at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. 8pm. $20–$25. 707.939.7852.

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