Thursday, July 7
SalsaFest Warm-Up
Party at Pregones Theater, 7 pm
Join other salsa lovers as they gather to help launch the
first-ever Bronx SalsaFest. The evening
starts with a screening of the award-winning documentary by City Lore,
"From Mambo To Hip Hop, A South Bronx Tale” followed by a discussion on
the history of salsa music led by film co-producer Elena Martinez and
multi-Grammy nominated percussionist Bobby Sanabria, who was inducted to the
Bronx Walk of Fame in 2006 and appears in the film. Afterwards, professional
dancer and instructor Elvis Collado, winner of the 2010
Ray Sepulveda and Chris Alfinez Live at St. Mary’s Park, 7 pm
City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage presents salsa singer Ray Sepulveda and Chris Alfinez live in concert. Sepulveda’s performances are known for their passion and emotion, complimented by quick salsa percussion rhythms. One of Latin music’s rising stars, Chris Alfinez, puts a modern twist on classic salsa sounds. Free, summerstage.org.
Salsa at Bridges, 6 pm
This popular after-work party features classic salsa, a mature crowd, and a free buffet. 4100 E. Tremont Ave, 347.398.9144
Friday, July 8
There’s never been a trolley ride like this one. Hop aboard the Bronx Salsa Trolley, departing
from the
Van Cortlandt Park’s Barefoot Dancing series goes Latin when
professional salsa instructors offer a fun dance lesson on the grounds outside
the park’s historic house museum. This
one’s for the whole family! Hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council. Free, meet
by the Van Cortlandt House Museum, Broadway at
Urban Archives:Emilio Sanchez In The Bronx & Meet the Curators at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 6 pm – 8pm
View paintings by Cuban-born Emilio Sanchez depicting Hunts Point, an important neighborhood in the development of salsa in the Bronx, as well as artwork by 72 New York-based emerging artists from around the world. Then meet the curators during a panel discussion followed by a reception. Free. (Exhibit on view Friday 11 am – 8 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 8 pm. Admission is a suggested $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors.) 1040 Grand Concourse at E. 165th Street,718.681.6000, bronxmuseum.org
Salsa Latin Jazz
Party at PeaceLove Café, 8 pm – 11 pmOrchestra La Unidad performs at the
new PeaceLove Café, which has lots of
healthy, organic options on the menu. $5 admission,
The Bronx River Alliance says that salsa dancers do well on
their canoe rides, which start with a “salsa test” to help novice paddlers
learn to keep their balance on the water.
This popular paddle starts at
Historic Walking Tour
of
The Bronx County Historical Society presents a walking tour
of the historic South Bronx covering the 17th
century to the present, with a discussion on the influx of Latinos to the area
in the mid 1940s, the origins of salsa music and the use of Afro-centric
rhythms that were first experimented with in the South Bronx; includes a stop
at PS 52 , a local school with a special place in salsa history. $10 for BCHS members/$15
non-members, meet at the north triangle intersection of
Dora and Diego’s 4-D
Adventure at the Bronx Zoo, 10 am – 4:30 (daily)
Dora and Diego have taught a generation of kids to speak Spanish and appreciate Latin rhythms. Now join them as they go on a wonderful adventure to protect the animals of the rain forest from Swiper’s Robot Butterfly. A high-definition 3-D film with effects like wind, mist, scents and dramatic lighting take viewers of all ages on an exciting multi-sensory journey. $5 in addition to regular admission: $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children 3-12; 718.220.5100, bronxzoo.com.
Salsa Brunch at
Live salsa and son go
great with brunch when celebrity chef Alex Gracia brings sabor Cubano to the
Remembering Queen of
Salsa Celia Cruz,
Be part of an amazing musical experience when folklorist
Elena Martinez leads a tour of some of the musical greats interred at
Sonido Magico brings salsa magic to one of the borough’s
most popular restaurants. Outdoor seating available, no cover, no minimum.
Two Latin music greats come
together for an exciting evening of music. Jose Alberto “El Canario,” one of the most successful and respected
artists on the salsa music scene, celebrates his 35th anniversary, featuring Andy Montañez, “El Godfather de la
Salsa,” former lead singer of the legendary El Gran Combo. Also performing
will be Master Isidro Infante, Alfredo
De La Fé, Luisito Quintero, and
Dance-On-2 Dance Company. Produced by
Sunday, July 10
Nelson Gonzalez & The All-Star Band Perform at Orchard Beach, 12 noon – 5 pm
Salsa on the sand as live music returns to
Live Salsa at The G-Bar Restaurant, 6 pm-10 pm
After the beach, keep the party going at one of the hottest