Courtesy of The Rhythm Foundation

The June 11th edition of “Dance Band Night” is all about that Latin flare with a live show by the mighty Conjunto Impacto, at 8 pm, and pre-concert dance lessons from Kings Dance Studio, at 7 pm. The salsa-themed event is part of a new series that the Rhythm Foundation has started at the North Beach Bandshell. Taking place the second Thursday of each month, the event, at the nationally recognized historic venue, is part of a programming blitz started by the foundation to reactivate the space. Each monthly edition of “Dance Band Night” will feature a different musical group that plays a genre of music with a social dance element, i.e. swing, salsa, ballroom, etc. Before the band begins, professional dance instructors from local studios provide the crowd a short lesson for everyone.

“We expect this to be an ongoing series,” said Communications Coordinator for the Rhythm Foundation Karla Arguello. “What we look for in the type of music that we program is that you can dance to it with a partner, or without, and that a live band can complement the dance lesson.”

Last month’s “Dance Band Night” attracted a few hundred people and introduced guests to the world of swing.

Courtesy of The Rhythm Foundation

“The first Dance Band Night, on May 14, was a success,” said Arguello. “We had fantastic dance instructors and a really great turnout. We had attendees of all ages, from the neighborhood as well as from the swing dance community. The Bandshell was converted into an impromptu ballroom under the stars.”
The event was also a hit because the instructors provided lessons throughout the night to guests.

“At the beginning of the night they focused on teaching partner steps to pairs,” said Arguello. “Then later on once the concert started they taught individual steps to the attendees facing the stage. People were dancing all night!”

For June, the organization tapped Conjunto Impacto, a 15+ member orchestra playing traditional Cuban salsa. The group’s successful ‘first round’ musical career lasted a decade, with countless live performances and eight albums, under the musical direction of bassist Mario Perez featuring a roster of top singers. Conjunto Impacto was the preferred backup band for Cuban legend Celia Cruz as well as Ismael Miranda, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano and many more.

Conjunto Impacto

In 2011, the band reunited after 26 years, still under the direction of Mario Perez, and ready to start a new era in their history. In 2015, the group was featured in a documentary film, “Sweet & Sour Salsa,” which tells Perez’s compelling backstory. The film has won several prestigious awards at international film festivals in London, Madrid and St. Tropez, among others.

The pre-concert dance class will be given by teachers from the Kings Dance Studio, one of South Florida’s top salsa schools, which was recommended by the band since they have worked together.

If you were wondering if they ever taught a salsa class this massive…

“Yes they have!” says Arguello.

Through a contract awarded by the City of Miami Beach, the Rhythm Foundation has undertaken the management of the historic North Beach Bandshell. Though, they have been using it since the late 1990s, the organization has gained control over the programming of this gem. Among the planned programs is the signature Heineken TransAtlantic Festival (a recent huge success); a winter jazz festival, dance, orchestral, and theatrical performances, and a host of other exciting events.

The Rhythm Foundation, a Miami-based non-profit cultural organization, is a leading presenter of world music in Florida. It was founded in 1988 with the goal of increasing international awareness through live music – concerts, events and festivals by established and innovative artists from around the world. Special focus is given to those cultures connecting to South Florida audiences – music from Brazil, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe.

“Dance Band Night” is free and open to the public. The Bandshell is located at 7275 Collins Avenue. Visit www.NorthBeachBandshell.com or call (305) 672-5202 for more information.

Courtesy of The Rhythm Foundation