PORT TOWNSEND — The rhythms of Cuba and Puerto Rico will flow into town Friday night as the Olympic Peninsula Dance club hosts an all-ages event at the American Legion Hall at Water and Monroe streets.
Malo Combo, an ensemble led by percussionist Malo Castro, will stir together the Latin sounds from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. — right after salsa teacher Roberto Villamarin gives a couple of lessons.
First comes West Coast swing styling, with Villamarin, who also teaches dance in Sequim, starting that lesson in the Legion Hall at 6 p.m.
The cost for this session is $10.
Then at 7 p.m., it’s beginning salsa, since Villamarin wants to teach the steps dancers will use when Malo Combo strikes up.
The salsa lesson is free with admission to the dance, which is $15 for adults, $10 for students and people with disabilities, and $7 for dancers 12 and younger.
Those who come to this event need neither a partner nor any previous expertise, Villamarin said, though experienced dancers are welcome to help beginners.
Percussionist
Castro, a band leader as well as a salsa and merengue teacher at the Bremerton YMCA, plays the congas, timbales and bongo drums.
He has twice been voted Best Percussionist at the Kitsap County Music Awards.
His Malo Combo band includes bassist Rick White and singer-guitarist Alejandro Fleites, plus a horn player and an additional percussionist to be announced.
In addition to its repertoire of Latin dance music, the group does a tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club, the band from Cuba’s musical golden age of the 1930s through the ’50s.
To learn more about Malo Combo, visit www.MaloCastro.com.
Friday’s dance is also a holiday party, with snacks and locally grown seedling evergreen trees for sale, with proceeds supporting Olympic Peninsula Dance.
Everyone is invited to bring a treat to share at this family-friendly event.
For more details, visit www.OlympicPeninsulaDance.com or phone 360-385-6919 or 360-385-5327.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3550 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
