Hello Everyone,

Things are going great here in New Orleans! I had the opportunity to listen to some local music (jazz mostly) and broke bread at a place where i sampled some jambalaya . Great experience overall, although I’m still searching for a salsa venue.

Luckily, Fredy Omar replied to an email I sent to him and he said he is playing with his salsa band on Friday night at Ray’s Boom Boom Room . I think I might take up his invite and check it out.

Until next time farewell from the "Big Easy."

Hello Everyone,

So I’m going to New Orleans ! I’ve been looking online for venues and Salsa related places in the "Big Easy" to visit once I’m there, but for the most part there hasn’t been too much updated information.

I think much of this is still due to the unfortunate events surrounding Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. SalsaPower used to have a correspondent that reported from there, but as you’ll see when you go to the page he has passed on .

In any event, I’ll be on the lookout for salsa venues and will write back with a review of my trip to New Orleans.

Hey Everyone,

The Hawaii Salsa Festival kicks off next week on the island of Oahu! For those of you without tickets yet you can find out more information about the event at the Hawaii Salsa Festival website . The festival will feature many great instructors like Liz Lira pictured here.

If anyone from San Diego is going to attend feel free to write back to me and I’ll share your experiences with the rest of the Ritmo Bello audience.

Hello everyone,

Mary from Havana in Alaska asked me to give you all this information for those of you interested. If you ever planned on traveling to Alaska this cruise would be a great way to do so why still getting your Salsa Fix in! See below for more info:

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Havana in Alaska

Love to dance salsa?! Put on your dance shoes and join us for a Salsa Cruise Adventure of a lifetime! Discover the inspiring beauty of Alaska while celebrating Cuban Dance and Culture with fellow Casineros from all over the globe.

Felix Bambury Webbe of Guantanamo, Cuba is joined by several world class instructors to offer this spectacular dance seminar at sea.

Imagine dancing by the light of the midnight sun surrounded by the most incredible scenery on earth. Glaciers, mountains rising from the sea, humpback whales and quaint seaside communities are just a few of the sights you won’t want to miss.

We will be sailing from Vancouver on August 13, 2008 to begin this 7 night 8 day adventure, dancing and cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage . Along the way our ports of call will be Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Skagway . There will be ample time for both dancing and exploring!

Welcome to this remarkable opportunity to gather with Casineros for an intense week of fellowship, learning, and incredible fun!

Contact: http://www.havanainalaska.com

Hello Everyone,

I have some information to share with you regarding a Tango event next week. On 1/25/08 – Tango Fire will be having a performance in San Diego. Tango Fire is the hit dance production by Estampas Porteñas–the hottest Tango company in Buenos Aires–combining the fabulous music of Astor Piazzolla with show-stopping choreography.

This performance will take place Friday, January 25, 2008 at 8pm at Stephen & Mary Birch North Park Theatre. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the La Jolla Music Society or by calling the box office at (858) 459-3728.

The La Jolla Music Society describes it like this:

Featuring a quartet of brilliant young musicians, passionate dancers and a great singer, Tango Fire takes the audience on a sizzling journey through the world of Tango from the red light district of Buenos Aires to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Combining the fabulous music of Astor Piazzolla with show-stopping choreography, Tango Fire has captivated audiences throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas.

Anyone that might go the event please come back and write a comment about it. Thanks!!

Hi everyone.

For any of you traveling in the near future I wanted to share with you a resource for finding out about local dance venues around the world. SalsaPower is a site that works with local correspondents to update people visiting their areas with useful information about venues, bands, and other dance resources.

For example, I just took on responsibilities for covering San Diego as the local correspondent for this region. If anyone has updated information to give to me regarding their dance services, band information, or venues not already listed please let me know so I can update the list.

Safe Dance Travels!

John ;-)

Hello Everyone,

Its official, The San Diego Salsa and Latin Dancing Meetup Group has now passed the 500 member mark this month!

Since I’ve taken over management of the site as the Main Organizer , I’ve learned a great deal about many new people to the Salsa and Latin Dance scene here in San Diego, California.

Although people hail from all over the world to come dance here, one thing that is universal is the love of the dance and the enthusiasm to continue that dancing here in San Diego.

Thanks for everyone involved in the meetup.

John ;-)