FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM More than 30 music and dance acts will participate in "Salsathon 2005," including the Latino band, "Son Caribe" (above). The group members from left, William Caban, Eddie Ortiz, Cynthia Romero, Frankie Ramirez and Jerry Rivera.

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Salsathon gets hot

Mainland Latin bands sought out
the chance to play at the festival

It's going to get muy caliente at McCoy Pavilion on Saturday, and we're not just talking about the typical summer heat.

Salsathon 2005 Where: McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park, and Kapono's at Aloha Tower Marketplace When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at McCoy Pavilion and 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Kapono's Tickets: $15 ($5 for seniors and military, free for keiki under 10 during daytime concert at McCoy Pavilion) Call: 941-5216 or 285-0072

For the first time in the five years that Salsathon has celebrated the Puerto Rican holiday of El Dia De San Juan here in the islands, local residents will be exposed to a variety of mainland musical talent in addition to Hawaii-based bands.

"This is the first time that we have bands and artists that are coming in from New York, California and Texas," said Nancy Ortiz, executive director of Centro Hispano De Hawaii (The Hispanic Center of Hawaii). "These people found us on the Internet, and they wanted to come ... they paid their own way and did their own fund-raising."

FIRST HELD at Ala Moana Beach Park in 2001, Salsathon started out as a "little picnic" that attracted a hard-core crowd of salsa enthusiasts and Latino expatriates looking to support their culture.

"Latin Lady DJ Margarita was the originator of Salsathon," explained Ortiz. "She's been here for two weeks."

Now residing in Arizona, Margarita returns to help produce what's turned into a six-day event, with a number of promoters cooperating to keep the parties and dance workshops going for a full week.

"This is the biggest event of the year in Hawaii (for the Latin community)," Ortiz said. "From 11 to 7 on Saturday, we're at McCoy, family style, and then we're at a dance concert at Kapono's."

More than 30 music and dance acts are scheduled to perform during the daytime celebration in honor of the patron saint of San Juan, Puerto Rico. A variety of food and vendor booths will be set up, and arts and crafts demonstrations are also planned.

HEADLINING BOTH of Saturday's concerts is Hoboken, N.J., native Luisito Rosario. A solo artist since 2001, he got his start nine years ago as lead vocalist for Larry Harlow's Fania All Stars and as a member of New York-based salsa band Grupo Hechizo.

Texas will be represented by Baile Folclorico Tropical, while California bands Conjunto Alegre and Nova will be joined in Honolulu by dance group L.A. Salsa Kids.

Besides serving as an opportunity for the Latin community to reach out and interact with a larger segment of the general population, Salsathon 2005 is also the sole fund-raiser for an organization that is relied on heavily by Latinos who have just arrived in Hawaii.

"We're an information and referral service to the Hispanic Community," Ortiz said. "But it's harder and harder to get grant money ... so we're fortunate that Kapono's has partnered with us."

Besides the restaurant, Ortiz also expressed gratitude towards Beachcomber Realty, Sam's Club and Stanton Mortgage for sponsoring the annual event. And she advises those who love to dance to wait until nightfall if they must choose between one concert or the other.

"The people who enjoy dancing, they should go to Kapono's," Ortiz said. "At McCoy, they're only going to get a taste. The bands will have at least an hour and a half to play the music that they love (at Kapono's)."

Hit the dance floor

If you can't make Saturday's festivities but still want to move your feet, below are other events to choose from:

Thursday

» "Salsa After Dark: Salsathon 2005 Welcome Party," 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Rumours Nightclub. Featuring salsa music and videos with DJs Alberto, Ray Cruz, Rod Moreno and special guest Latin Lady DJ Margarita. California 10-piece band Conjunto Alegre will also perform. Rumours will offer complimentary pupus from 5 to 8 p.m. and complimentary salsa lessons with Son D Hawaii are scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cover: $10.

Friday

» "Salsathon 2005 Preview," 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Fountain Courtyard. Featuring the music of California's Conjunto Alegre and a dance performance by L.A. Salsa Kids. Free.

» "La Zona Latina," 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Panama Hattie's. With DJs La Gitana, Miriam and special guest Latin Lady DJ Margarita. Cover: $8.

Saturday

» "Salsathon 2005," 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at McCoy Pavilion. Hosted by Ray Cruz, Nancy Ortiz, MC Capicoo and Da Lion of Judah. With DJs Ray Cruz, Rod, Alberto, Rodney and special guest Latin Lady DJ Margarita. Including performances by local acts Son D Hawaii, Dream to Dance Studio, Aloha Rumberos, Tango Hawaii, Capoeira Hawaii, University of Hawaii at Manoa Latin Dance Club, Ritmos Latinos de Hawaii, Homenaje a Cuba, Salseros O Pele and Islatango. A variety of food and vendor booths are also planned. See box at left for more information.

» "Salsathon 2005 Afterparty," 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Kapono's. Featuring Luisito Rosario, Son Caribe, Conjunto Alegre and Nova. Also featuring a special dance performance by Edie "The Salsa Freak" and Al "Liquid Silver." Cover: $15.

Sunday

» Salsa Workshop: Edie "The Salsa Freak" and Al "Liquid Silver" will conduct an intensive workshop at Aloha Activity Center. Cost: $50; discount available if attending both Sunday's and Monday's workshops. Call 375-3915 for time and more information.

» "Salsathon 2005 Aloha Party," 8:30 p.m. to midnight at the Esprit Lounge. Featuring Son Caribe and special guests from other Salsathon events. Cover: $5.

Monday

» Salsa Workshop: Edie "The Salsa Freak" and Al "Liquid Silver" will conduct an intensive workshop at the Kailua Movement Center. Cost: $40; discount available if attending both Sunday's and Monday's workshops. Call 375-3915 for time and more information.

Tuesday

» "Hot Latin Tuesdays," 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Zanzabar Nightclub. Hosted by Da Lion of Judah and featuring DJs Alberto and Rod spinning the hottest salsa tunes. Free salsa lessons from Salsa Hawaii from 8 to 9 p.m. Cover: $15 for 18 to 20-year olds; $10 for 21-and-over.