Hello Salseros:

Right now on CNN I'm enjoying Mercedez-Benz Cha Cha Cha and Flamenco music commercials. I keep coming back to CNN and in the hopes seeing more commercials with Latin Music, Motorola uses Cumbia, Unisys uses Mambo, and Burger King uses Latin Disco. Not bad!!!

I would love to see Ralph Irrizarry & Timbalaye on the David Letterman Show for a season with Oscar Hernandez on the Keyboard. Wouldn't that be cool. FAT CHANCE. Oh well...nothing wrong with dreaming...or hoping that the mainstream media would include us in their regular programming. Sometimes they punch the ticket so we can basically suck on lollypops and kid ourselves into thinking that they include us in their corporate social responsibilities agenda…sure; it’s sick isn’t it?

Anyway, for the mean time we can continue to focus inward and enjoy the things that we do have for ourselves. Perhaps, more businesses of excellence such as, Mercedez-Benz and Motorola will notice and take advantage of our spices.

This leads me into the next point...It looks like El Grupo Galé‚ and Gerry Galante are coming to DC to perform at Diversité‚ this coming Friday, December 4th, 1998. I have never had the opportunity to see this band but, I know a few things about them‚ and what will most likely happen this Friday...

1) All Colombians over 21 will most likely attend‚ to cheer this Colombian Salsa band. Colombia is rich with Salsa bands, music, composers, dancers, and instruments. In fact Ricardo Loaiza of Wepa Productions is Colombian. Therefore December 4th will most likely be one funky dancing/performance event endorsed by Wepa, SalsaMundo, and I. This week Washington DC Salseros will wake up to a storm of advertisements and emails. All Colombians and Hardcore Salseros will be in full effect all over town. Ricardo will probably get very little sleep. Galé‚ and Gerry Galante will be the talk of the town. I fully recommend this dance for everyone to take advantage.

2) Grupo Galé‚ is Larry Harlow's preferred backup band when he performs in Colombia. Galé‚ musicians are known for performing very well and they know how read good musical arrangements. These people know their stuff and their brass section sounds incredible. If I were a Trumpet Player I would be a Diversité. Colombian Salsa bands deserve a lot respect and admiration for maintaining the traditional Salsa format. In Colombia most Salsa bands still emulate the sounds and styles of the 70's and Classical Salsa. Therefore, Galé‚ and Gerry Galante will most likely be smash. Plus, the environment at Diversité‚ on December 4th will be one not to miss. I highly recommend that tickets are purchased in advance plus, early arrival is a must.

3) Hello Baltimore, Maryland!!! Timing is the Key. We are coming your way...if you live in the surroundings Baltimore Area this is really for you.   On Saturday December 5th, 1998  from 1pm-3:00pm at the Towson Dance Studio...sign up for Manuel's Salsa on 2 Seminar. The emphasis of the workshop will focus on timing.  In this workshop you will be gaining a strong understanding of the tempo and accentuation plus, offer some tools for the development of improvisation of dancing good salsa.  The seminar is limited in space, that way I can actually provide   individual coaching and guidance.  The cost is only $20.To reserve as pace you have to pay in advance. Call me at 410-837-7490 or email manuel@salsaweb.com

Now...lets step back to my initial comments. Life is beautiful, DC is kicking, Social harmony is our only destiny, and Salsa Music will make our journey easier. Salsa Music is the spice that will help us live a freaky fun life. With Salsa music problems, calories, and loneliness becomes mute. This Friday we are going to see a band that is coming directly from South America to entertain and play for us... This is very important...Galé‚ is not from New York or anything like that. They are bringing Colombia in their hearts. They are coming to entertain everyone but more importantly...many South Americans and Colombian left their homelands to live here in the United States so seeing Galé is like seen a piece of home, and piece of Colombia; emotions will be on high.

You have choices…get on the bus or stay behind...there's room for everyone...Our bus does not have sides. So I'll see you on Friday night...don't be shy dance by my side. Salsa Music and true Salseros are one of a kind. Oh Oh one last thing…I put up my Christmas tree this weekend…I hope everyone likes it… http://www.salsaweb.com/dc are you in the mood yet.

Que viva La Salsa!
Sam Rodriguez
Washington, DC

sam@salsaweb.com