Jueves/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 New York/ New Jersey Salsa Open Championship, and his partner Melanie Castillo lead a demonstration and group lesson to get salseros ready for Bronx SalsaFest weekend. Hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr and Pregones Theater. Produced by the Bronx Tourism Council. 571 Walton Avenue. Free, reservations recommended, 718.590.3518.
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
Viernes/Friday, July 8
Salsa Trolley To Yankee Stadium, 11 am
There’s never been a trolley ride like this one. Hop aboard the Bronx Salsa Trolley, departing from the New York Visitors Information Center at 11 a.m. (810 Seventh Avenue at 53rd Street) for live music and singing as you head uptown for a bilingual tour of Yankee Stadium with a focus on the contributions of the team’s Latino players ($55). Co-hosted by the Bronx Tourism Council; seating limited, reservations recommended, 718.590.3518.
Barefoot Dancing at the Van Cortlandt House Museum, 6 pm – 8 pm
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 West 246th Street, rain or shine.
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, 617 Melrose Avenue between 151 and 152 Streets; peacelovecafe.com; 347.577.6397.
Sabado/Saturday, July 9
Upper River Run on the Bronx River, 9 am
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 219th St., goes through the Bronx River Forest, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, and ends at River Park on 180th St/Boston Road. $20, registration required at bronxriver.org.
Historic Walking Tour of Melrose, 10 am
The Bronx County Historical Society presents a walking tour of the historic Melrose neighborhood in the 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 Third Avenue and E. 149 Street, bronxhistoricalsociety.org, 718.881.8900.
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 Havana Café, 12 noon – 4 pm
Live salsa and son go great with brunch when celebrity chef Alex Gracia brings sabor Cubano to the Bronx for SalsaFest. 3151 E. Tremont Avenue at LaSalle Avenue, 718. 518-1800.
Remembering Queen of Salsa Celia Cruz, Woodlawn Cemetery Music Tour, 3 pm & 4 pm
Be part of an amazing musical experience when folklorist Elena Martinez leads a tour of some of the musical greats interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. The tour highlight is the rare opportunity to view the mausoleum of Celia Cruz, open to the public for this special SalsaFest event. Conga and bongo players led by salsa historian Angel Rodriguez will play at her gravesite in tribute to the legendary performer. Tours are free and begin at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., rain or shine. Hosted by Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council. Take the #4 train to the end of line, Woodlawn Station. At base of station, walk about ½ block. Jerome Avenue entrance is on the right.Reservations recommended, 718-920-1469.
Live Salsa at Tosca Restaurant & Lounge, 6 pm-10 pm
Sonido Magico brings salsa magic to one of the borough’s most popular restaurants. Outdoor seating available, no cover, no minimum. 4038 E. Tremont Avenue at Miles Avenue, 718.239.3300.
Jose Alberto “El Canario” and Andy Montañez In Concert at Lehman Center, 8 pm
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 Lehman Center in collaboration with Los Canarios and West Side Beat Productions. Ticket information at lehmancenter.org.
Domingo/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 Orchard Beach with Nelson Gonzalez & the All-Star Band performing at 1 pm and 3 pm courtesy of Latino Sports, Bronx Lebanon Hospital and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council. Between sets, Zumba instructor Hilda Rosario demonstrates how Latin rhythms are great for workouts, too.
Live Salsa at The G-Bar Restaurant, 6 pm-10 pm
After the beach, keep the party going at one of the hottest South Bronx night spots. No cover, no minimum. 579 Grand Concourse at E. 150 Street, 718.402.6996.