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In the Mix Jason Genegabus |
Salsa’s center stage
THIS WEEK should be a fun one for fans of salsa music and dance. "Salsa in Paradise 2004" gets started on Thursday, with a variety of events planned at different venues in Waikiki.
Thursday night's "Salsa After Dark" party at Rumours Nightclub gets started at 5 p.m. with DJs Ray Cruz, Rod Moreno and Roberto Vargas on the decks, and special guest Latin Lady DJ Margarita making a return to the islands.
On Friday the fun moves to the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, with a live performance by Son Caribe and Los Angeles' DJ Danny in the mix. The hotel also plays host to the "Salsa in Paradise Gala Night" on Saturday, with an amateur salsa contest planned in addition to live performances by El Conjunto Tropical and Los Angeles' Jonny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad. A "Neon Salsa Pajama Party" is planned for Sunday, and on Monday things will wrap up with a final night of music and dancing at Planet Hollywood. Both of those parties start at 9 p.m.
Don't know how to salsa? Check out workshops scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday through Monday at the Hyatt Regency. Lessons will be given in salsa, cha cha, bachata, merengue and casino rueda for dancers of all skill levels by instructors from Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Miami and London. Registration begins 8:30 a.m. each day.
A full event pass for "Salsa in Paradise 2004" will set you back $225, but it gets you access to workshops and evening events, in addition to a luau planned for Friday night. Individual event tickets are also available; call 941-5216 or 285-0072 for more information on tickets and scheduling ...
ANOTHER REASON to venture into Waikiki this week is the W Honolulu's new "Revive Wednesdays" party at Diamond Head Grill.
If you're like me, Fridays at the W (and, more recently, Saturdays) can be incredibly frustrating when faced with an extended wait in line and a cover charge in the $10-to-$15 range. Wednesday nights, on the other hand, feature no cover, $8 pupu specials and $5 you-call-it martinis from 6 to 11 p.m.
Jukejoint and former Chant lead singer Darren Porlas are scheduled to provide a soundtrack for the evening, and valet service is available for $3 if you don't feel like hunting for a spot at Kapiolani Park. Call 922-1700 ...
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In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.