Salsa at Sunset returns to downtown Greenville this Friday
Salsa at Sunset: The Hottest Summer Night in SC continues its summer series of live Latin music and dancing on Friday, July 16, in downtown Greenville.
Hosted by Upstate International and Pura Alegría Dance Company, the free public event is a community celebration of Latin culture. The three-part series will take place on the new Camperdown Plaza in front of the AC Hotel on July 16, August 13 and September 10.
Salsa at Sunset features a free group dance lesson by Pura Alegria, live bands, dancing and a cash bar from 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. each Friday.
The evening provides an opportunity to engage in the arts and experience the joy of cultural music and dance, and encourages diverse communities to participate together, according to Upstate International Executive Director Tracie Frese.
“Art, whether it is music, dance, painting or something else, is a universal language,” Frese said. “Upstate International and Pura Alegria are delighted to share three nights this summer of free music and dance, connecting us with our neighbors, and building a stronger, more welcoming community.”
On Friday, July 16, the Marcel Portilla Band, led by Marcel Portilla, a highly regarded South American singer/songwriter, will blend sultry Latin rhythms with modern pop tunes, rhythm and blues riffs and quaking rock arrangements. He is an extraordinary band leader that originates from Cali, Colombia. Portilla has mesmerized countless audiences with his powerful music. Most importantly, his goal is to use his music to spread a message of diversity, love and peace.
On August 13, David Rodriguez and the Latin Caravan headlines Salsa at Sunset. The band features members from across Latin America and the States and plays a fusion of New Latin, Salsa and jazz. With David Rodriguez on saxophone, the Latin Caravan features Juan Lanzot on vocals and percussion and Willie Olenick on trumpet. Attendees may hear the music of Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Carlos Santa, Bill Withers, Miles Davis and even John Coltrane.
On September 10, Atlanta-based C.O.T Band, founded by Willie Ziavino & Juan Bonini, will play a musical fusion of Caribbean Rhythms with elements of Funk, Pop and Brazilian beats. The band loves to play salsa, timba, merengue, cumbia, bachata, ballenato, reggaeton, bolero, rumba, samba, samba reggae, bossa nova and more.
