Giovanni, a personal friend of mine that I know from Salsa dancing at Cafe Sevilla, asked me to spread the word regarding a concert he is headlining at Anthology downtown this Sunday. His group is called Nadro John

A fusion of Flamenco Jazz and Rumba, Nadro John combines the spirit and energy that spans from California to Italy, Montreal to Madrid. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to him before in concert and the music is great.

The actual concert begins at 7:30 pm but I’ll be there early at 7pm with Biz to connect with Salsa Meetup members.

For more information Visit the The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group

Hello everyone. Jenn, the main organizer for the San Diego International/ English as a Second Language Meetup Group is hosting a salsa dancing night at Cafe Sevilla this Wednesday, November 28th. The ESL Meetup group is an interesting crowd that is primarily interested in cultural and language exchanges (as well as salsa dancing of course).

Wednesday night you should be able to meet both native English speakers as well as many English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) speakers. I’ve been to Salsa Meetup Events where the ESL group is present and it always makes for an interesting and memorable time.

For more information about the event please click here at the The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group

Here is some video from the Mission Valley Hilton Salsa Dance Event of the singer who had a cameo appearance. Again I’m still working on the sound quality of the video through Blogger but you can hear it just fine on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CudGfTpzZuo

There was buzz that he is a member of the original Buena Vista Social Club group. I did some research and I think it was Julienne Oviedo Sanchez, who played on timbales with the original ensemble. For more information about the Buena Vista Social Club go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buena_Vista_Social_Club

Hello Everyone! The Pre-Thanksgiving Salsa Extravaganza at the Mission Valley Hilton was a great event. Biz and I arrived sometime after 9pm and we came just in time for the beginning of general dancing. To be honest with you, I was really surprised to see so many familiar faces at the event given it was the day before Thanksgiving. It was nice to catch up with old friends, be mistakenly identified as my brother (which by the way happens quite a bit in the Salsa scene here in San Diego), and enjoy the great music of Johnny Polanco. We were also treated with some dance performances (see video above -the sound quality is not the best though, my apology) and even caught a cameo appearance of an original member of the Buena Vista Social Club (not 100% sure on this but Biz thinks he was, so I believe her ;-D).

All in all, it was a great event and I’ll be sure to visit the Mission Valley Hilton for Salsa in the future.

I can’t believe its Wednesday already! Tonight is the Pre-Thanksgiving Salsa Extravaganza at the Mission Valley Hilton. I probably won’t arrive until after 9pm tonight but it should be lots of fun. If you see me at the event feel free to stop me and say hello. There should be lots of meetup members there as well so don’t be a stranger. Take time to meet the other meetup members and make a new friend. Below is some repeat information regarding the event:

Mission Valley Hilton
901 Camino del Rio South, 92108

Ages 18 and over

Live Band: Johnny Polanco
www.johnnypolanco.net

Spectacular Dance Shows!

FREE Salsa lessons @ 8:30 pm by: Michael & Camille

When:

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 at 8:30 PM

Event fee:

USD12.00 per person

Apparently I’m not the only one in the world thinking about Salsa dancing all the time. I was recently contacted by Stuart (aka the Salsadaddy ) from the UK (United Kingdom for those not used to acronyms) who found my blog during some surfing on the Internet . He has a blog set up as well that is dedicated to Salsa Dancing throughout the UK. His blog address is:
http://salsasos.blogspot.com/

Unfortunately when I visited the UK last time I was not able to go dancing due to time constraints. There was Salsa dancing, though, in Ireland that wasn’t too bad. I danced primarily in Dublin and met up with a dance company called Afrimania . I met Dr. Rumba who was nice enough to give me an overview of Dublin’s Salsa scene. The one thing I remember about it all was that the Salsa was heavily influenced from its African roots. Many of the songs were actually in various African languages and it made for an interesting dance experience given I usually understand all the Spanish language Salsa.

If anyone has any Salsa travels or experiences to share please feel free to post on this blog topic.

Thanks and God Bless.

I didn’t realize that "El Cantante " was already out on DVD and I guess it doesn’t surprise me given that the reviews were not very good. I personally liked the film because of the exposure to Hector Lavoe’s music throughout the film and a view of Salsa history that many people don’t even know about.

Pioneering a sound that blended Puerto Rican and American influences, Lavoe’s humble beginnings as a singer in Puerto Rico to his days as a Latin idol living in New York City are chronicled. Marc Anthony gives a good performance as Lavoe , pulled by stardom to the United States in the early 1960s, quickly capturing the praise and attention of local musicians and New Yorkers. When Lavoe meets Puchi , Lavoe’s wife, played by Jennifer Lopez she gives him the confidence to dive head first into the music business. Recording albums, selling-out shows and producing hit after hit, Lavoe’s lifestyle catches up with him as he becomes involved in drugs.

Although the film really focuses on the stressed lives of Lavoe with Puchi , it also presents the Salsa scene in a way I have not seen before in a movie.

If you haven’t seen the film check it out. The music alone in the film is worth it.

More information about the film: www.elcantantemovie.com

Many people have been asking me about the upcoming Salsa pre Thanksgiving Extravaganza coming up this Wednesday, November 21st at the Mission Valley Hilton. The artist performing is Johnny Polanco.

Johnny Polanco is one of the most sought-after band leaders around in Southern California. His band CONJUNTO AMISTAD was formed in February, 1993. He has gained the distinction for making the type of contagious Latin Music that is truly appreciated by the dancing connoisseurs. As a professional musician for the last 35 years, the leader of L.A.’s Conjunto Amistad has achieved a high degree skill with 13 instruments that include the tres and cuatro guitar, trombone, vibes and many more.

Johnny Polanco has toured/recorded or performed with many salsa and mambo greats including Johnny Pacheco, Cachao, Ray De La Paz, Charlie Zaa, Herman Olivera, Tito Puente Jr., Jimmy Bosch and many others. His T.V. credits include MOESHA, NEW LOVE BOAT, BUDDY FARO, FIRED UP and others. Film credits include DEATH WITH SMOOCHIE, DANCE WITH ME, CONTACT, I LIKE IT LIKE THAT and KNOCKOUT. T.V. Commercials include MILLER LITE BEER, NIKE, and others.

This band has influenced the growth and popularity of Salsa music for a while now.

To find out more information about Johnny please visit his website at:

http://www.johnnypolanco.net/

Hey everyone. We had a great time at Cafe Sevilla last night, albeit I arrived a little later in the night. I arrived, though, right before the band started (which is the best time to arrive I might say) and had some pretty good dances.

Biz had a great time, although, I need to brush up on my bachata moves!

Anyway, make sure to check out the Salsa Meetup reviews at: http://salsa.meetup.com/150/calendar/6723500/

Just a quick update for everyone going to the Salsa Dancing Meetup tonight. I won’t get there for the salsa dancing until after the lesson commences, which should be around 9:30 or so. I know some members are going to be taking the Salsa dance lessons beginning at 8:30 pm tonight so keep your eyes peeled for me.

You all know what I look like so don’t be a stranger. See you tonight.

Okay, it’s Tuesday night and I’m already looking forward to going Salsa Dancing tomorrow at Cafe Sevilla. This is a regular occurrence and one that I’m sure most people in the salsa dance scene often experience. You know what I am referring too. You could have a million problems, concerns, and obligations to attend to but you know that during the normal course of the day that there is always that nice reward at the end of the day of going salsa dancing.

The ability to put aside your problems, at least temporarily, and to focus on something that is positive and fun at the same time is one aspect of salsa dancing that I appreciate. I’ve talked to many people, for example, still dealing with the effects of the San Diego Wildfires and they have fortunately been able to get out and go salsa dancing to take their minds off the stress. To think that a simple dance can help people do that is amazing.

Thank God for Salsa Dancing. See you at Cafe Sevilla tomorrow night!

Juan and the rest of Majesty in Motion are going to be hosting this salsa dance event this upcoming weekend. If anyone has ever seen Majesty in Motion in action you know that they are all very capable dancers that always please the crowds. You can check out the information below and pre register for the event at the Salsa Dancing meetup link (see below):

Announcing a new event for The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group!

What: Salsa @ Synergy Dance Zone

When: Saturday, November 17, 7:30 PM

Event fee: USD 7.00 per person

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Event Description: Dancer’s Night Out Salsa Social

A Dancer’s Night Out!!

Hosted by:
Juan Carlos Hernandez and Majesty in Motion Dance Co.

Location:
Synergy Dance Zone
7480 Miramar Road
San Diego, CA 92126

When:
Saturday, November 17, 7:30PM

Time:
Doors Open @ 7:30pm and Close @ 12:30am

Cover Charge:
$7 dollars

Guest DJ:
TBA but it might be DJ Juan,2,3!!

Salsa, Cha -Cha , Latin Jazz & Mambo, Bachata , Merengue and other tunes that won’t disappoint your listening taste on music.

Dress Attire:
Casual dress to impress

There will be FREE snacks, hor devours and PLENTY of parking for sure, so don’t worry.

Let’s go out and dance, try something new and join us for a night of fun, great dancing, smooth music, and good friends so we could make this a night to remember with more to come.

For more Info:
Phone: 619-840-6213
E-mail: Juan@juan-two-three.com

Learn more here:
http://salsa.meetup.com/150/calendar/6730300/

Announcing a new event for The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group!

What: Salsa Dancing Wednesday Night (11/14) At Cafe Sevilla

When: Wednesday, November 14, 8:30 PM

Event fee: USD8.00 per person

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Event Description: Hello and Welcome….

Let’s meet at Cafe Sevilla this upcoming Wednesday November 14th for some mid week Salsa.

A free lesson with cover begins at 8:30pm and the band will start up around 10pm.

If you are a beginner dancer the free lesson is an excellent opportunity to meet other beginners in a safe and fun environment.

See you all there!

John
http://sandiegosalsadancing.blogspot.com/

Learn more here:
http://salsa.meetup.com/150/calendar/6723500/

From Rumba Entertainment:

Salsa Sundays

& Special event at bottom . please read!

OCEAN HOUSE

300 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad, Ca. 92008

Boasting a new dance floor!

Free Salsa lessons with paid admission from 8:30 to 9:30 pm

Dancing @ 9:30, DJ Mambo - Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, & Cha cha.

$ 5 admission before 10 pm - $ 10 after

Serving dinner till 9 pm, reservations: (760) 729-4131

==================================

An event you shouldn’t miss!

Pre-Thanksgiving

SALSA EXTRAVAGANZA

(18 & Over )

Remember, the next day is a holiday. Make your plans and join us.

LA’s Best, JOHNNY POLANCO with his big band

World renown, SUPER DJ ROBBY

& MULTIPLE SPECTACULAR DANCE SHOWS !

Info: www.RumbaEntertainment.com

==============================================

SEXY SALSA

This Thursday, Nov 15

@ the Mission Valley Hilton

Fun Salsa lessons & Fabulous Dancing

Just a Reminder about the Salsa Workshop Tomorrow:

Announcing a new event for The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group!

What: Club Style Salsa Workshop

When: Saturday, November 10, 9:00 AM

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Event Description: There will be a 2 workshop sessions focusing on Basics & Brush-Ups: Steps, Patterns & Rhythm and later at 11:30 Beyond Basics: Tricks, Turns and More!

Come out to work on your Salsa Dance Skills…….

Instructor: José Bello
Studio Location: 5 Fwy & Sea World Drive, between Buenos Ave. & Vega St.

SATURDAY
November 10, 2007

9:30am-11:00am
Basics & Brush-Ups: Steps, Patterns & Rhythm

11:30am ? 1:00pm
Beyond Basics: Tricks, Turns and More!

Contact: Yvonne Bello (619) 504-5647

Location: Pattie Wells’ Dancetime Center
1255 West Morena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110

One Session: $25.00 per person
Both Sessions: $40.00 per person

Pre-Registration Discount (deadline 11-5-07)
One Session: $20.00 per person
Both Sessions: $30.00 per person

Learn more here:
http://salsa.meetup.com/150/calendar/6643393/

Updates from Rumba Entertainment:

o.- No Salsa at the Mission Valley Hilton (this week only)

0.- Ocean House reopens this Sunday Nov 11 with new dance floor

o.- Johnny Polanco with his big band, Wed. Nov. 21 M V Hilton

info, and to subscribe, please visit: www.RumbaEntertainment.com

Rumba Entertainment :

Offers free admission to birthday celebrants.

Also, free Salsa lessons with paid admission

from 8:30 to 9:30 pm in all our clubs.

Spinning only the best Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha cha.

This Friday Nov. 9 @ la Jolla Marriott

4240 La Jolla Village Dr. La Jolla Ca. 92037 ( 858) 597-6397

Salsa lessons by: Jemadean …… Music by: DJ Farley

Saturday Nov 10, Lessons by: Iran …. Music by: DJ Mambo

$ 10 admission 21+ fashionable attire

Serving delicious Cuban Mojitos all night, and appetizers till 11 pm.

COMING to L J Marriott: Christmas and New Years Eve Parties!

====================================================

Ocean House reopens this Sunday November 11

with new dance floor!

300 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad, Ca. 92008

Salsa lessons by: Iran ……. Music by: DJ Mambo

$ 5 admission before 10 pm - $ 10 after

Serving delicious dinner till 9 pm. Reservations (760) 729-4131

From Wikipedia re Colombian Style Salsa (Vive Colombia!)

Colombian Style Salsa is the style danced in South and Central America. In the Colombian style basic-step, partners dance side-to-side and mirror each other’s movements. In Colombian style, the break is on the three and the "spare beat" is always used for a tap or other embellishment.

Colombian Style can be danced not only to Salsa music, but also to Cumbia music which is frequently played in Latin nightclubs.

In advanced Colombian style, danced for example in Cali, the upper body is kept still, poised, and relaxed while executing endless intricacies in the feet.

This style is especially appropriate on packed nightclub dance floors where space is limited. Most of the steps danced during the Merengue , another Latin dance which is popular in Salsa clubs, have been carried over from Colombian style Salsa.

It is said that Colombian salsa evolved during the big band swing era, when swing dance steps were danced to Cumbia music. Cumbia was traditionally danced in folkloric ensembles without holding one’s partner.

From Siempre Salsa:

You are invited to join us (no work on Monday!!) for our annual Verteran’s Day Party. We will be starting at 7:00PM and we are asking that everyone bring a dish to share with us and whatever they want to drink. Get ready to have a great time at Dancing Unlimited 4569 30th Street SD 92116.The cover is only $5.00 which goes toward the rental of the hall. Dance the night away to the Salsa Sounds of "New Yo Rican" DJ David Garcia. It’s going to be lots of fun!! You are welcome to bring a friend. I hope to see you there! Please RSVP with dish to bring so we don’t end up with 20 chicken wing platters ;=) (619) 516 4466 or <!– var prefix = ‘ma’ + ‘il’ + ‘to’; var path = ‘hr’ + ‘ef’ + ‘=’; var addy48006 = ’salsasd’ + ‘@’; addy48006 = addy48006 + ’sbcglobal’ + ‘.’ + ‘net’; document.write( ‘‘ ); document.write( addy48006 ); document.write( ” ); //–>\n salsasd@sbcglobal.net

From Rumba Entertainment:

Greetings Everyone

This summer, I went to see Tito Nieves at the Dia De San Juan Festival in Long Beach.Tito is one of the most recognizable names in Salsa music today.His songs make you want to dance.Johnny Polanco was the band backing Tito on this day.But, it wasn’t the band we used to see perform at the Catamaran.This time Johnny added an extra trombone, trumpet, and a sax.The sound was out of this world, to say the least.I told Johnny, I want to bring you with this band to San Diego. He said, "name the date and the place", so I did.

THE DATE IS : Wednesday November 21, 2007

THE PLACE : Mission Valley Hilton (in the big room)

PRE-THANKSGIVING SALSA EXTRAVAGANZA

An 18 & Over Event !!!

In Concert - JOHNNY POLANCO WITH HIS BIG BAND

(15 of LA’s most talented Latin musicians)

Along with Super DJ Robby , spinning Salsa y mas!

& multiple Spectacular Dance Shows

FREE Salsa lessons @ 8:30 pm by: Michael & Camille

Admission $ 12 dollars…… A total bargain

Another exciting annual event brought to you by:

www.RumbaEntertainment.com

Remember, we’re also at La Jolla Marriott every Friday & Saturday night

at the Ocean House in Carlsbad every Sunday

and the Mission Valley Hilton every Thursday night

Make some time to visit us. You’ll be glad you did!

I haven’t gone yet but hope to check it out sometime soon. Here is the info:

Salsa Dancing at
526 F St - San Diego, Ca - 92101

San Diego’s Newest Salsa Club In The Gaslamp!

Free Salsa Class w/ paid admission
By: Angel and Tulane Rivera & M2S Dance Co.
8:15 - 9:00pm

Starts: Sunday November 11, 2007

Cover : $7.00

D.J. Jose Luis - New Guest D.J.’s
"Playing the best Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha,
and Bachata"

Drink Specials All Night:
$5.00 Margaritas & Sangrias
$4.00 Domestic Beers
and much more…

Special giveaways and performances TBA!

Plenty of seating and VIP areas for special events!

Full bar and plenty of room for dancing!

State of the art light and sound system! The best
San Diego has to offer!

The only place I know of in San Diego for quality dance shoes is Carmen’s Dance Shoes:

6506 El Cajon Blvd
Suite "D"
San Diego, CA 92115
(800) 854-4318
http://www.carmensdanceshoes.com/

The service was good there and they have a wide selection of all types of shoes.

Although I just use my regular dress shoes for dancing (which work totally fine if they are all leather bottoms) I think I might make the investment and get some real dance shoes.