Funday Friday Rueda Practice Outside in Escondido Maple Street Plaza- Fri. Apr. 29

We are taking rueda de casino practice outside in Escondido at Maple Street Plaza. Let's have some fun dancing and celebrating the beginning of a super fun weekend.



Here are the details:
WHAT: Rueda de Casino Dance Practice Just for Ponches & Giggles
WHEN: Friday, April 29, 2016 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHERE: Maple Street Plaza in Escondido: Click here for Google directions 
WHERE TO PARK: Park across from US Bank - 125 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
Free parking there and Maple Street Plaza is next to this parking lot.
FREE Meet Up!! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 

SAVE THE DATE! First Ever Timba-thon! in San Diego - Sun, May 29th

SAVE THE DATE! Omo Ache will host the 1st Timba-thon @ Centro Cultural de la Raza!!!  This will be the closing event for the gallery exhibit which will be taken down the very next day.  So the Timba-thon is the last chance for the public to see it.  What better way to close than with a dance party a lo Cubano. . .an all-Timba dance party!  I know the Casinero dance community is always looking for a welcoming space and danceable surface, which this has both.  This is not a formal event; the idea is to have a house party feel. . . feature our favorite timba jams all night, people will be welcome to bring playlists, dance Rueda or line dances (plenty of room on that spacious dance floor), munch on Cuban snacks while surrounded by this rich and beautiful artwork.  Maritza will be leading some ruedas (maybe even a mega-rueda!) and some salsa suelta.  Cover will be $5 and funds raised will go toward Omo Ache's next travel program to Cuba 2016. A full spacious dance floor for an afternoon or early evening of Timba, timba and more timba!!!

Here are the details so far (more to come):
What: Timba, Timba & More Timba (dance party)
When: Sunday, May 29, 2016   Time TBA
Where:  
Balboa Park - Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd, SD, CA 92101
Brought to you by: 

Omo Aché Cuban Cultural Arts |619 520-8353 | 
Email: omoachecubanculturalarts@gmail.com 
Website: omoachecubanculture.org 

L.A.: DAVID CALZADO y LA CHARANGA HABANERA

In L.A. ... from CUBA!

DAVID CALZADO y LA CHARANGA HABANERATHURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Giggles Nightclub215 North Brand AvenueGlendale 91203


Cuba's DAVID CALZADO y La CHARANGA HABANERA return to Southern California, making their debut at GIGGLES NIGHTCLUB in Glendale. An event of LA DIOSA and PIZZA LOCA. Doors open at 9 PM.  21+  Tickets $20 in advance general; $50 VIP: tickeri.com

In L.A.: DAYREN SANTAMARÍA & MADE in CUBA - FREE!

Free concert!

DAYREN SANTAMARÍA & MADE IN CUBA

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 5:00-7:00 PM



DAYREN SANTAMARÍA performs with her band MADE IN CUBA in a FREE CONCERT as part of the LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM of ART (LACMA)'s SUMMER LATIN MUSIC SERIES. Bring the whole family, a picnic basket, blanket or a lounge chair and dance outdoors in HANCOCK PARK, adjacent to the museum. The internationally esteemed violinist with classical roots, is also esteemed in the world of Latin Jazz, and often plays with the Cuban all-star orchestra, CINESON. Bass player CARLITOS del PUERTO, and JIMMY BRANLY are included among her MADE in CUBA musicians. For more information: http://www.lacma.org


LACMA 5905 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036

Casino on AstroTurf in Solana Beach (Fiesta del Sol Invasion) - Sat. May 21st

Keep Calm & Dance Rueda!
Remember we had an incredible turnout of casineros in Solana Beach when the Fiesta del Sol event was taking place? Well..let's see if we can replicate that again! Join us for some fun ruedas, salsa suelta and just plain old on-on-one casino dancing. Bring your camera to capture the sunset while we dance.

Here are the details:
What: Casino on AstroTurf at Solana Beach
When: Saturday, May 21st, 2016 5:00pm-8:00pm; Get there early as there will be traffic and parking will be scarce.
Where: Fletcher Cove Beach Park in Solana Beach: 111 South Sierra Avenue Solana Beach, CA 92075
What to bring: a snack to share and something to drink.

Sunday in Havana Art Exhibit, Food and Film Promotion for Silfredo La O Vigo - Sun May 1st

Oye Mi Gente!
Our very own, Silfredo La O Vigo, is having an art exhibit at the brand NEW Cuban restaurant, Havana Grill in Clairmont Mesa and also promoting his new film Mas Alla del Horizonte.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Afro-Cuban Painter Art exhibit; Authentic Cuban food; Film promotion
WHEN: Sunday, May 1, 2016 All day, starting at 11am
WHERE: Havana Grill Restaurant - 5450 Clairement Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117
COST: Buy a meal and support the restaurant and/or buy a painting and support Silfredo's film

Casinero Invasion at the 1st Annual South Bay Salsa Festival - Sun. July 10th

Okay Casineros and Amigos!
Here is one meet up you do not want to miss! I have always wanted to do a caravan-camp-out-dance invasion-potluck-meet up similar to ones we did in Seattle for the Salsa en La Calle Festival in Portland which happens every year in August. Well now San Diego is kicking it up a notch (thanks to Chris Springer) and doing their own salsa festival with our local salsa/son bands. Sexteto Sonero del Caribe is playing so let's go support and dance to their music. I challenge everyone to do a rueda in contra-tiempo! I am bringing my rock-blocker to play timba, beach chairs and a cooler. Maybe we can convince Christ to get DJ JoJo to plays some timba. Let's go invade the dance floor and do a bunch of ruedas and salsa suelta lines and be the loudest happiest dancers on the dance floor....as we usually are, right???!! Una bulla!!!

This is the Concert of The Summer in San Diego!!! Tribute to Manny Oquendo y Libre!! Jimmy Bosch! Frankie Vazquez Guatacando!! Con junto Afro Son ! Black Mambo! Sexteto Sonero Del Caribe! And DJ JoJo spinning Salsa , Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata!! Beer, Wine, Latin Food, Dance floor on the Water front at the J street Marina!!!





Here are the details:
WHAT: San Diego's 1st Annual Salsa Festival
WHEN: Sunday, July 10, 2016 12noon - 6:30pm
WHERE: Marina Bayside Park 550 Marina Pkwy., Chula Vista, CA 91910
COST: If you pay online, General  $30 + $4.75 service fee = $34.75 OR 
                                          VIP  $50 + $5.75 service fee = $55.75
Click this link to buy your tickets online.

FClan feat. Papito Chango Concert in San Diego - Thurs. Aug 18th

San Diego is definitely making a Cuban presence in and around the county. Save the date mi gente!  A very popular Cuban group FCLAN featuring Papito Chango will be doing a concert at the World Beat Center in Balboa Park.  You will recognize their music. Click this link to hear their most popular song, "Yo Vengo de Cuba"." AND, there's more! Our very own Wilfredo Guilbiac Rodriguez will be teaching a rueda de casino class at the event. What a treat!! 
                            IT'S GOOD TO BE IN SAN DIEGO!!
Here are the details:
WHAT:  Direct from Cuba FCLAN feat. Papito Chango Concert
WHEN: Thurs. August 18, 2016 at 9pm
WHERE:  WorldBeat Cultural Center - 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
COST:  $20 before July 31st and $30 Aug 1st

Registration Open for Maritza's Level 3 Beginners Rueda Class Series (Apr 26-May 17)

Greetings Mi Gente!
I just opened class registration for Level 3 Beginners Rueda de Casino. This one-month rueda class series is set up for Beginner Level 2 Cuban salsa dancers. This mean, dancers have completed Beginner Levels 1 and 2 and already know the following dance commands: Guapea, Dame, Dile Que No, Enchufla, Exhibela, Adios Prima, Pa'l Medio, Pa'bajo, Vacilala and Setenta (in addition to Echeverria, Matala series, Un Fly series and a few add-on's to the above mentioned moves). See below for details.
WHAT: LEVEL THREE Beginners Rueda Series: Apr 26 2016 - May 17, 2016
WHEN: Tuesdays from 6:00pm-7:30pm (4/26, 5/3, 5/10 & 5/17); includes a public rueda practice on Fridays from 6:00pm-8:00pm
COST: $40.00 per person - Please bring cash or check on the first day of class. Or you can use PayPal


LOCATION:  Private dance studio in Escondido! 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026

REGISTER FOR LEVEL 3: Click and complete Maritza's Level 3 Class Registration Google Form  and then pay cash or check on the first day of the class. Registrations accepted until the day of the first class.
LEVEL THREE CLASS SERIES DATES:  Apr 26, 2016  - May 17, 2016 
There are NO Drop-ins and  NO make up classes for this series. Do not miss a class or you will have to wing it! The purpose of a closed series is to raise the level of casino rueda dance knowledge to the next level. There are 3 levels of Beginner in learning rueda de casino.  

The next series thereafter will be review of all beginner levels to training for mastery and additional rueda moves that are considered beginner level. Training and practice on finding the beat on your own.
COST: $40.00 person - Please bring cash or check on the first day of class. 
Please complete this form; (Note: you can now edit your response.)

     LEVEL 3 Beginners Rueda Class Series: Apr 26, 2016 - May 17, 2016
     LEVEL 3 CURRICULUM:
  • Level 1 and Level 2 rueda footwork/moves knowledge & mastery
  • Calling a rueda - timing & practice
  • Setenta footwork and partner connection & timing
  • Ronde footwork
  • CocaCola (Juancola) footwork and hand communication
  • Traslado footwork 
  • Group moves training (marking time, hand connections, footwork) 
  • Cleaning up footwork from Level 1 & 2 before entering Intermediate Level 1

Friday Rueda Practice at Oceanside Pier - Fri Apr 15th

Greetings San Diego Casineros!
Come dance outside with us in Oceanside. Rueda at the Oeanside pier. This is a public rueda practice and a social time. Come join our fun North County group. All casineros are welcome no matter what level. Just come for some dancing.

Here are the details
WHAT: Rueda Practice Meet Up....San Diego Style....OUTSIDE
WHEN: Friday, April 15, 2016 6:30pm-8:30pm+
WHERE: Meet us in front of Wheel Fun Rentals on the other side (NORTH side) of the Pier. Click this map link for directions.

HOW TO PREPARE: Wear layers, flat shoes you don't mind scuffing. We will be on concrete with some sand. Bring water and some snacks to share. 

NEWS ALERT! New Salsa Night at Vintana Restaurant in Escondido! - Wed. Apr. 13th

This just in! I just learned about it today!  The owner of the fancy Vintana Restaurant on the top floor Lexus Building in Escondido is trying to start a salsa night tomorrow. There isn't much information about it so I can't say if it will be good or not, BUT hey! let's go out there and support this effort to have a salsa under the stars in Escondido! They have a HUGE roof top patio with an awesome view! This event could be the start of something big for casineros. It is like having Club M's fancy atmosphere  and the outdoor dance ambiance of Salsa Under The Stars combined in one place in North County! My rueda class is going for an hour at the beginning. I am planning to take my music. Come join us!! Below are some of the pictures of this place!


Here are the details:
WHAT:  Salsa Night (Casinero Meet Up for Ruedas on the Roof Top Patio)
WHEN: Wednesday April 13th 6pm-9pm
WHERE: Vintana Restaurant 3rd, 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA 92029
COST: FREE, just buy some drinks to keep them open for future timba nights! yea...I said it!

SUN. MAY 1st "CUBA TODAY! CUBAY HOY!" Exhibit OPENING


DETAILS:
WHAT: Cuba Today! Cuba Hoy! New Gallery Exhibit Opening.Take a visual voyage to Cuba right here in San Diego!  See NEW & Original Artwork featuring Cuban artists from Habana, Cuba.  Also featuring Photo Art, Video premier, and mixed media (from Omo Aché's recent travel to Cuba) depicting life in Cuba today.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Live Rumba performance!  Light refreshments & tasty Cuban snacks will be available for purchase. 

WHEN: SUN. MAY 1, 2016,  11AM - 3PM

WHERE: Centro Cultural de la Raza 2004 Park Blvd. SD, 92101

COST:  $5

All ages welcome.  Bring the family!  For more info. click on omoachecubanculture.org

NEW South County SD Beginner's Casino & Rueda de Casino Class Series - Sun. May 1st

Oye Mi Gente!
For those in the South County side of San Diego, there is a new Beginners Class Series taught by Vidal Cordova.  He and Eleanor are back in San Diego and by popular demand, he is starting a class series teaching in North Park! 
Here is the Facebook Announcement:
Hey Cuban salsa and Casino enthusiasts (or interested souls)! Join us for a 5-week series of Casino and Rueda de Casino for Beginners hosted by Vidal Cordova at the A Time to Dance Studios in North Park. If you ever wanted to learn how to dance in the Cuban style or always wanted to join in on fun Ruedas but didn't know the moves, this class is for you! We will introduce the basic fundamentals of Cuban Casino and Rueda, and will explore universal turns and patterns, proper stepping techniques, and leading & following techniques that will help you learn and become a clear, smooth and confident dancer. The class will also cover tips on listening and understanding the music, to help you follow it seemlessly.

This class is perfect for those with little to no prior experience in Cuban dance, including dancers who already dance salsa in other styles and want to learn Cuban-specific steps to add to their repertoire.

No partner is required to join the class, just a great attitude, comfortable clothes and shoes to dance and a readiness to start dancing on the first day. As a beginner class, we will break down the basic steps and fundamentals slowly so that beginners learn key aspects of the dance solidly and build their confidence on the dance floor from day one. 


Here are the details:

WHAT: Beginner level Casino & Rueda de Casino  Class Series
WHEN: Sundays 2:00pm-3:30pm (Begins May 1st)
This is not a drop-in class. It is a progressive series where each session will build on the last. Classes will be 1.5 hours each, meeting on: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 and 5/29. 
WHERE: A Time To Dance - 3982 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92014
COST: $30.00 advance before May 1st; $40 at the door.  Click THIS LINK to register online through Eventbrite for the class series!
Questions? Contact Vidal at salsacasinosandiego@gmail.com
See you on May 1st!

Vidal Cordova

LOCATION CHANGE! Friday Rueda Practice in Escondido at Doug Simon's Studio - Fri. Apr 8th


Due to possible rain tonight, just for safety and staying warm, we are moving the rueda practice indoors!!Come and dance a little rueda de casino and practice our super fun rueda moves for this weekend!! Casino on AstroTurf is happening Saturday and, Cubaneando Timba Dance Party in LA is happening on Sunday. So come practice outside in Escondido at Maple Street Plaza. Let's have some fun dancing and celebrating the beginning of a super fun weekend.

Here are the details:
WHAT: Rueda de Casino Dance Practice Just For Fun & Giggles
WHEN: Friday, April 8, 2016 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHERE: LOCATION CHANGE! 
Doug Simon's Studio 1717 S. Iris Lane, Escondido, CA 92026
Plenty of parking on the street. Once you are on Iris Lane, go to the top of the hill to the Wooden address post with blue reflector lights  on it. You will see my A-frame sign that says "Rueda de Casino (a.k.a. Cuban Salsa) Class" sign. 
FREE! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 

Sexteto Sonero del Caribe Playing Live at Concert on the Green in Chula Vista - Sat. Apr 9th

Hey Everyone! Our now famous local Cuban son band, Sexteto Sonero del Caribe is playing live at MATER DEI High School this Saturday! If you live in Chula Vista, don't miss out on our best local son band. And it's FREE during the day! 
Here are the details:
WHAT: Live Cuban Music at "Concert on the Green"
WHEN: Saturday, April 9th from 2pm-7pm
WHERE: Mater Dei Catholic High School - 1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91943
COST: FREE

NEW SOUTH BAY Beginner's Casino & Rueda de Casino Class Series - Sun. May 1st

Oye Mi Gente!
For those in the South County side of San Diego, there is a new Beginners Class Series taught by Vidal Cordova.  He and Eleanor are back in San Diego and by popular demand, he is starting a class series teaching in North Park! 
Here is the Facebook Announcement:
Hey Cuban salsa and Casino enthusiasts (or interested souls)! Join us for a 5-week series of Casino and Rueda de Casino for Beginners hosted by Vidal Cordova at the A Time to Dance Studios in North Park. If you ever wanted to learn how to dance in the Cuban style or always wanted to join in on fun Ruedas but didn't know the moves, this class is for you! We will introduce the basic fundamentals of Cuban Casino and Rueda, and will explore universal turns and patterns, proper stepping techniques, and leading & following techniques that will help you learn and become a clear, smooth and confident dancer. The class will also cover tips on listening and understanding the music, to help you follow it seemlessly.

This class is perfect for those with little to no prior experience in Cuban dance, including dancers who already dance salsa in other styles and want to learn Cuban-specific steps to add to their repertoire.

No partner is required to join the class, just a great attitude, comfortable clothes and shoes to dance and a readiness to start dancing on the first day. As a beginner class, we will break down the basic steps and fundamentals slowly so that beginners learn key aspects of the dance solidly and build their confidence on the dance floor from day one.
Here are the details:

WHAT: Beginner level Casino & Rueda de Casino  Class Series
WHEN: Sundays 2:00pm-3:30pm (Begins May 1st)
This is not a drop-in class. It is a progressive series where each session will build on the last. Classes will be 1.5 hours each, meeting on: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 and 5/29. 
WHERE: A Time To Dance - 3982 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92014
COST: $30.00 advance before May 1st; $40 at the door. Click THIS LINK to register online.
Please email questions to salsacasinosandiego@gmail.com
See you on May 1st!

Vidal Cordova

Cubanmania Dance Fieston & Maritza's Birthday Celebration - Sun. May 1st

Hey Everyone!
Come celebrate my birthday at Steven's Steakhouse! Robert, Laura Cristina and I co-sponsoring to bring Orquestra La Fanrandula de Cuba to play for us! Plus, I have been invited to teach an intermediate class in the first hour. Remember last year's birthday bash at Ana's House? Now I want to get the word out for this amazing band. They play timba cover band songs from Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son, Manolito y Su Trabuco, Maykel Blanco, Havana D'Primera, Los Van Van, Elito Reve y Su Charangon. In TJ and Mexico, they have been well received and even made their own music. I have played it many times  at my beach parties like the song "Muevelo." Here is the Facebook announcement by Robert and Laura Cristina Morales:

AGUAAAA! Cubamania Presents Special Edition Tardeada bringing you International Orquesta La Farandula de Cuba!!! Deejay Warapo, El Maestro de la Timba, will play the BEST of CUBAN SALSA and more!
Guest instructor Maritza Baida is celebrating her birthday!!! She will teach a Rueda de Casino Intermediate class 4-5pm.**Will Start on Time**
***********************************
Bring your family! Free entrance for children under 16 yrs. old.
***********************************
Dinner can be purchased in the Cubamania ballroom. Just ask one of the servers. Steven’s Steak House and Cubamanía appreciate your support by leaving personal beverages at home. We are GRATEFUL for you and for supporting our local instructors and musicians! Una bullaaa!!!

Robert & Laura Cristina
Here are the details:
WHAT: Cubamania Salsa Dance Party & Maritza's Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, May 1, 2016 4-9pm 
4-5pm - Rueda de casino class; Beginner circle with Robert; Intermediate class with Maritza
5-9pm - party (with live music and music from DJ Warapo)
WHERE: Steven's Steakhouse - 5332 Steven's Place, Commerce, CA 90040
COST:  $15 cover charge includes: 
- The evening’s event
- Cuban Pastelitos 
- Rueda de Casino Dance class
- Access to Steven's salsa/bachata lounge for more dancing (at no additional charge) after CUBAMANIA ends at 9 p.m.
* FREE PARKING on back of restaurant + street parking.

Casino on Huntington Beach Pier (Cuban Salsa & Rueda) - Sat. Apr 16th

Oye mi Gente!!! Come join us at the beautiful Huntington Beach Pier for some fun Cuban Salsa as we watch the sunset and enjoy the ocean breeze. Enjoy the scenery, the music and the fun and dance the evening away!!    Facebook Event: Rueda at the HB Pier
****There is no class given at this event, just social Rueda and Casino dancing (play time)!****
We've been hosting for a few months and are very happy to see it growing! Come to Huntington Beach pier and join the fun as we dance Cuban salsa and rueda de casino. We play non stop Cuban Salsa/Timba from sundown pretty much until our feet just don't want to move anymore! Plenty of lights and excitement to keep us going. Look for us next to the pier, on the North side, in front of the grassy area. Wear comfortable shoes, bring your water bottle and a sweater or jacket!
Una bulla!!!
---Robert Morales and Laura Cristina

Here are the details:
WHAT: Rueda (Cuban Salsa) at the Huntington Beach Pier
WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2016,  5:30pm
WHERE: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza  
Look for us at the North side of the pier.
HOW TO PREPARE: Walking/dancing shoes, snacks to share. Drinks to share as well!

LOCATION CHANGE! Flash Mob Rueda Practice near Oceansdide Pier - Fri. Apr 1st

Greetings San Diego Casineros!
Are you ruedy to join us for the annual rueda flashmob? Since we have been leading the flashmob these last two years and Orange County and Riverside has been a HUGE support to participate with us. This year, Orange County's wonderful dynamic duo, Robert and Laura Cristina Morales, will be leading us in this year's efforts, so the 2016 International Rueda Flash Mob will be in South Orange County, so those who want to join, Maritza will be providing the Flash Mob instructions and teaching the rueda moves to you this Friday in Oceanside at 6:30pm-8:30pm. Below is the location for the practice.

Here are the details
WHAT: Rueda Practice Meet Up & Social San Diego Style....outside!
WHEN: 6:30pm-8:30pm+
WHERE: LOCATION CHANGE! There is an event going on at the amphitheater. Meet us in front of Wheel Fun Rentals on the other side (NORTH side) of the Pier. Click this map link for directions.

HOW TO PREPARE: Wear layers, flat shoes you don't mind scuffing. We will be on concrete with some sand. Bring water and some snacks to share.