The King of Flamenco, the guitarist (with little hands of silver), 
Manitas de Plata, celebrated his 79 years Monday evening, in the 
bar of the Temple du Soleil a la Grande-Motte.  The star of the 
Gypsies cut his own birthday cake, surrounded by his children, 
Manolo, Ricao, Rey, Bambo and of course, Antonio Baliardo who 
will release his third album in September.

Antonio's son, Yanis, was very proud to be at his Grandfather's 
side, younger than ever, who came back from Berlin where some 
6,000 Germans gave him an ovation after a memorable concert.

At 6, Yanis is  ready to assume his Grandfather's position.  "I want 
to be as famous as Manitas," proclaimed the little boy who, with 
his guitar, won the  enthusiasm of everyone who came to celebrate 
the 79 years of the King of Flamenco, among them a musician from 
the Gipsy Kings.  Manitas understood the other night that the relief 
of his position  is assured.