International Salsa Magazine

Night Club

6 Clubs To Dance Salsa In London

The Salsero Movement Begins In The Capital Of The United Kingdom In January 2022

Group of people learning to dance at the Soho Salsa Bar, Restaurant and Nightclub
Salsa Soho kicks off the New Year with Salsa classes on January 6th

The salsa parties don’t stop in London that is why here we make a list of the best places to dance Salsa during this first month of the year.

We started with the Bar/ Restaurant/ Nightclub Salsa Soho, listed by many as one of the most authentic Latin music venues in the UK. Here, you can enjoy Salsa classes from 7 PM to 9 PM (every Thursday), excellent dishes of South American origin, and 50 types of cocktails. This seven-day-a-week bar has been located at 96 Charing Cross Rd since 1997.

On Thursday, January 6th, the Cross Body Salsa lessons begin with two groups at the beginner and intermediate levels (7:30 PM & 8:30 PM), added to the Cuban Salsa and Rueda Casino classes at the same two times and levels with ten teachers in constant rotation. The cost of the class varies according to the amount chosen, for example, one class has a cost of £ 10 while two classes add up to a value of £ 15. The Salsa Soho Nightclub/ Restaurant has high-definition screens, an outdoor area, an area for smokers, and a great dance floor with Latin parties until 2 AM. The mix of Latin sounds goes by DJ Dani K, DJ Massimo, DJ Tuli, DJ Erick, DJ Dennis Dale, and more DJs in rotation. Admission is £ 5 after 9 PM, and you can get more information by visiting its website.

We traveled south specifically we landed at Hideaway, a club with an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, designed to appreciate the best of live music with a drink in hand due to its bar, and tasting the best international food prepared by the restaurant’s chef. In Hideway every Thursday night is the Cuban Hideway with Salsa Casino lessons to develop the skills of Cuban Salsa dance with qualified teachers. Beginning class is from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and lessons for intermediate students continue from 8:40 PM to 9:40 PM, culminating until dawn on the dance floor with DJ Rich, one of the specialist DJs in Cuban music from London. The entrance fee plus a class is £ 6 (£ 8 for live Cuban band nights – first Thursday of each month), and the price of both classes together with the entrance is £ 10 (£ 12 for Cuban band nights live – first Thursday of every month), and club entry alone is £ 5 (£ 7 on live Cuban band nights – first Thursday of every month). Hideaway is at 2 Empire Mews, Stanthorpe Road SW16 2BF.

Women dressed in black dancing at the Kona Kai bar in London
Kona Kai Brings 45-Minute Salsa and Bachata Lessons starting January 2nd

We continue with the tropical cocktail bar, Kona Kai. This Polynesian-inspired bar transports you to the southern shores and offers the Fulham Salsa & Bachata Club every first Sunday of the month with the Incognito Bachata Salsa team. The instructions of the Dominican rhythm are the first and begin at 7:30 PM followed by Salsa classes at 8:30 PM, ending with the social dance starting at 9:15 PM with the most recent hits of Salsa, Bachata, Cha-Cha, and other Latin rhythms.

Lessons last 45 minutes and begin on January 2nd. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, light clothing so you can dance the night comfortably, and $ 5 to pay for admission. At Kona Kai parking is at no cost on the surrounding streets and can be found at 515 Fulham Road SW6 1HD one minute and a half (walking) from Fulham Broadway Station.

We now walk through Hammersmith, Chiswick, and Barnes with the Azucar Club where they offer Salsa instructions for couples and singles taught for ten years by the Colombian teacher Ginu Nuñez every Monday at 8 PM. The first class is £ 10 and the subsequent ones are around £ 12. The benefits obtained in these classes are low impact dynamic exercise, coordination of body movements, concentration, easy learning environment, weight loss, positive self-image with a sculpted body, stress relief, and social interaction. Azucar Club is located on King Street, Hammersmith W6 9JT.

Couples dancing at Restaurant / Bar Gabeto in London
Gabeto offers Salsa classes in the Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican style

Another Latin scene in London is the Gabeto Camden Restaurant/ Bar. This Cuban gem to the north of the city has two floors and an outdoor terrace; they serve genuine Latin dishes, modern British drinks with Afro-Caribbean touches, and have a wide variety of vibrant nightly events during the week.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday live the Salsa experience from January 4th with instructor Ramiro Zapata (from Bolivia) with more than 20 years of experience in Salsa. Ramiro teaches his Cross Body style with a mixture of Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican Salsa. He also generates great focus on Cali (Colombia) style footwork, male body movement, and female style. The cost of the lessons varies according to the instructional time; one hour equals £ 10 while two hours cost £ 12. Lessons begin at 7:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM except on Sundays with Rumba Pa ’Ti classes that are from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The Cuban spirit is found in Gabeto, located at Camden Market, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, just minutes from Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations. Only people over 18 can attend and for more details visit their website.

Smartly Dressed Senior Couple Dancing Salsa at Bar Salsa Temple in Londonn
Sundays at Bar Salsa Temple are 9 continuous hours of Salsa

We finished this tour of the 6 Clubs To Dance Salsa In London at Bar Salsa Temple. Every Sunday, they are explosively Salseros. DJs Jorge Andre & DJ Jlatino mix the most recognized themes of yesterday and today from Timba, Salsa, Cubaton, and Bachata. Salsa classes for beginners start at 6 PM, Bachata lessons at 7 PM, and Cuban Salsa instruction is at 8 PM. The cost for admission is £ 5 and the first Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 is the Salsero start at the Bar. Bar Salsa Temple is one of the most popular Latin clubs largest in the country and is located in Embankment, London. Join and experience the Sabor in detail on its official website.

How Birdland began operating and its role in Latin music

What is Birdland?

Birdland has been the place in which many of the most important New York’s stars of the show were born and has represented the beginning of many artistic careers that have achieved worldwide fame, so this spectacular venue deserves all the recognition and fame that it has accumulated over the years. 

This is a jazz club that began operations in December 1949 in Manhattan and was closed for a few years until its reopening in 1986. What happened was that a second location of the same name was opened in Manhattan and was not too far from the land on which the original club operated. Today, Birdland operates at the same facility as the headquarters of the famous local newspaper The New York Observer in the past. 

Stage at Birdland
Stage of the jazz club Birdland

Story about how the idea to create Birdland was born  

During the 1920s, there were a lot of musicians who had to move to New York City because it was there that the biggest jazz movement of the moment was being produced. It could be said that the birthplace of the most famous jazz styles of the last decades was the Big Apple and its surroundings. 

It was there where and when the musical career of Charlie Parker, affectionately known as Bird by most of his fans, emerged. Some time later, it would be this brilliant artist and talented saxophonist who would get one of the most popular jazz clubs in the city and the country in general named after him. This would be one of the many tributes received by Parker before and after his death in 1955. 

Once Birdland was opened in the late 1940s, the saxophonist began performing there on a regular basis along with many other music legends of the moment such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Lennie Tristano, Maxie Kaminsky and many more. Although Birdland was named to honour Charlie, that did not keep the artist from having some friction with Oscar Goodstein, one of the founders of the venue, who said that Parker was constantly asking for too much money. As the story goes, this was the reason why the musician did not perform as many times as expected. 

On the facade of the club, a neon sign could read Birdland, Jazz Corner of the World, making it clear what its customers would find once they entered the facility. Once inside, there was space for approximately 500 visitors and a full orchestra to lighten the mood that night. Birdland included a very long bar, spacious tables, stands with a wide variety of products, folding chairs, among other things. At that time, customers only had to pay a $1.50 fee to enjoy everything that the nightclub had to offer.   

It went on to have so much prestige that it had among its visitors Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, among other personalities from the entertainment world. It has taken so much popularity in those years that composer George Shearing dedicated one of his greatest creations entitled Lullaby of Birdland to it, which was also inspired by Charlie Parker as well as the name of the place.  

Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane at Birdland
Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane performing at Birdland in 1951

The role of Birdland in Latin music 

Just as Birdland contributed to the emergence of important careers in the jazz music scene, it also did the same with a good number of Latin music singers who saw this corner of New York as an opportunity to make their art known to other audiences. One of them was world-famous bandleader, composer and musician Tito Puente, who performed at the venue on several occasions and improvised many sets with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton. 

There is also the case of Tito Rodríguez, who made use of his great talent to record a spectacular live album entirely dedicated to Birdland and whose name was Live at Birdland. In addition, he featured incredible collaborations with great musicians such as Clark Terry, Al Conh, Zoot Sims, among others. 

Another of the great Latin music artists who came to perform at this venue was Cuban bandleader, arranger and trumpet player Chico O’Farrill. The artist played and recorded at the club on a wekly basis about the time he already had his own orchestra called Afrocuban Jazz Orchestra. Arturo O’Farrill, worthy son of his father, also performs regularly at Birdland with his orchestra The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble. 

Announcement about Tito Puente's concert
Announcement of Tito Puente’s show at Birdland in 1999

Music programming in January at Cascal Restaurant

What Cascal Restaurant has to offer

Cascal is a colorful and lively restaurant that has become one of the best culinary options that people of the State of California can choose when it comes to enjoying an exquisite meal in good company. When we check the official website of the establishment, we can clearly see the wide variety of cuisine that its friendly staff strives to offer its diners, one of the reasons why they are so popular in these times of pandemic. 

One of the reasons why this restaurant stands out from the rest is that it strives to mix the delicious Spanish flavors with the exotic Latin American culture, something that has been very well received by those who have had the opportunity to attend its facilities and see for themselves how good this place they have heard about is. 

In addition to offering spectacular dishes, they always have very special guests who ensure that visitors spent a pleasant time and pair their meal with good music and entertainment for the whole family. Next up, we will talk a little bit about what Cascal Restaurant has to offer to its visitors musically speaking. 

This is Cascal
The facade of Cascal Restaurant

Music programming throughout the month of January 

The first month of the year is reputed to be boring and lean in many ways, but this is not the case with Cascal, as it has a very special schedule for all Fridays and Saturdays in January. 

Edgardo Cambón y Su Conjunto LaTIDo will be one of the groups to be presented at the venue just as they did during 2021 on a recurring basis. It is a Latin music group based in Oakland, California, and was created by Edgardo Cambón, who has a long history as a bandleader, vocalist, conguero and other things. The group has been shown to have a vast repertoire that can mix the classic salsa style of the 80s and 90s with much more recent rhythms without ever falling into monotony.   

Edgardo Cambón playing
Edgardo Cambón performing at Cascal

According to information provided by Brad Daley, who is part of Cascal’s staff, Edgardo and LaTIDo will be performing at the establishment on 7 and 21 January between 7:30 and 10:00 P.M. 

Another artist performing is acclaimed guitarist and music teacher Daniel Yarritú, who has been performing at Cascal since some years ago. On this occasion, he will not be alone, as he will be joined by fellow guitarist Gary Carpenter and master percussionist Luis Carranza. It is expected that the trio will perform on Saturday 8, Friday 14 and Friday 28 during this month.   

The third and final group that will be at Cascal will be Gypsy Tribe, which will perform on Saturdays 15, 22 and 29 of this month. The band consists of Nesser Babolmoradi (founder of the band, musician and composer), Nicolas Adams (lead guitar), Jack Marshall (bass guitar), Willie Garza (percussion), Dany Cobo (violin), Ardie Salem (percussion). 

This is Daniel Yarritú
Daniel Yarritú

Acknowledgements  

We want to give special thanks to Brad Daley, Cascal’s general manager who was the one who provided us with all information related to events and shows at the venue for the month of January. 

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About La Macumba

The Number One Latin Music Bar In The Czech Republic

Couple dressed in black dancing in La Macumba, Prague
La Macumba opens its doors from Monday to Saturday from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM

Experts say that La Macumba is the Latin bar chosen by tourists as the number one among the best places for fun with Afro-Caribbean music to visit in the capital of the Czech Republic.

Every day (except Sundays) are days of continuous eleven-hour parties (from 5:00 PM to 4:00 AM) in a Cuban atmosphere and at the cost for admission of approximately five euros.

Saturday nights are the busiest days, thus it is recommended to go before 11:00 PM to dance on the dance floor having a great space. Likewise, to order your favorite cocktail you don’t need to know the Czech language because the bartenders are Cuban and speak Spanish, so your fun will never disappear neither an instant.

To attend La Macumba you must wear casual clothing and not carry excess belongings because inside there is little space to sit and leave them. The environment is designed with an American car from the 50s, there is an area allusive to the streets of Havana, and added to this, all the decoration includes the illusion of beaches and palm trees of the Cuban capital, so your stay in the bar will be one of the fastest trips you will make to Havana in one night.

Facilities of the Latin bar La Macumba in Prague with dancers on the dance floor
In this Latin bar, you can taste varieties of traditional Cuban drinks as well as cocktails

The recommended minimum limit to have fun inside the Latin bar is two hours due to a large number of activities, the best DJs in Prague mixing the greatest hits of Latin music (DJ Alejandro, DJ Chocolino, DJ Lázaro, DJ Mario, and DJ El Rey), theme parties with a program and demonstrations several times a week, and various instructors who teach amateurs and enthusiasts to move to the Salsa rhythm.

The owners of the Macumba are the dancer Mandy Valdés and Robert Šmítek.

Mandy is a Cuban immigrant with many years of experience as an instructor in the Czech Republic. He was one of the first Salsa teachers in the country and many of today’s teachers were his students. Mandy in addition to the Salsa, teaches Cha-Cha, Merengue, and Bachata. Also, he played percussion in various Cuban bands and still performs occasionally.

Mandy can convey a love for Salsa and dance techniques with patience and humor. He is aware that each learner assimilates the lessons at his/her speed, so he generates an individual approach throughout the teaching stage.

His classes are based on mastering the basic movements that should look elegant and natural. “You won’t see so many variations dancing in Cuba, but the dancers are incredible and sensual. And that’s what Hot Salsa is all about. Salsa is not science, it’s fun”. Mandy commented.

On the one hand, Robert began dancing at 16 years old in dance clubs in the country. He has been a champion in dance performance since 1999, Czech vice-champion, a semi-finalist at the World Championships. He won the Cup in Torino (Italy) and first place in the Salsa championship of the Czech Republic in 2002, just to mention some of his greatest successes.

64 / 5000 keyboard Resultados de traducción Dancers dressed in red dancing in the Latin bar La Macumba
Every day is a Cuban party in La Macumba

The name of the bar La “Macumba” means black magic in the Latin American world and just in the heart of Havana, the people enjoy with great interest a club called with this name, “Macumba”, which is the most sought-after and popular company in Caribbean island. It is why Robert and Mandy decided to bring this positive Latin American charm to this golden city located in the heart of Europe, Prague.

This Latin bar has Salsa lessons every day. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the Salsaholics professors are teaching the Casino or Salsa Rueda style. In these lessons, you will have a lot of partner swapping and the dynamics are very natural as well as fun. Here, you will get a wide skill of performing figures led by a lead dancer.

Also in La Macumba, you can learn Cuban Salsa with the instructor León. The experienced teacher León and his dance partner Saška will introduce you to the tradition of the Afro-Caribbean land so that you can feel and understand the roots of Salsa. The classes have twirls and dance steps of this genre that are increasingly the connecting of joy in people around the world. You can find León at this club every Monday and Thursday.

La Macumba Is The Number One Latin Music Bar In The Czech Republic

Venue: Štefánikova 230/7 150 00 Prague 5-Anděl, Czech Republic

 

Blue Note Club in New York continues to carry the torch of jazz in the 21st century

After 30 years of success, Blue Note continues to carry the torch of jazz in the 21st century in the cultural heart of the Big Apple.

Since its creation in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the larger jazz clubs in the world and a cultural institution from Greenwich Village.

Artists who had ceased to play in jazz clubs decades earlier, such as Sarah Vaughn, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente soon named Blue Note their home.

In addition to the main events involving artists of the stature of Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Robert Glasper, and Chris Botti, Blue Note offers a Monday night performance and the bi-weekly performance Late Night Groove to introduce the most promising New York jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and funk artists.

Over the years, Blue Note has been an economic engine for Greenwich Village, attracting jazz fans from all over the world.

Blue Note Jazz Club on 3rd street. New York
Blue Note Jazz Club on 3rd street. New York

The club receives rave reviews on a weekly basis in New York newspapers such as The New York Times and in international travel guides and magazines.

What is so special about the Blue Note is that anything can happen on any given night. It is not strange to see the likes of Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli, and Quincy Jones going on stage from the audience to sit down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can you find the Blue Note?

A: The Blue Note is located at 131 West 3rd Street, between MacDougal Street and 6th Avenue, right in the heart of Greenwich Village in Manhattan.

Q: What time should I get there? What is your seating policy?

A: The 20:00 doors of the shows will open at 18:00 hours and the 22:30 doors of the shows will be at 22:00 hours. The timetables of the doors are subject to change without notice.

Q: Is there parking close by? Is it possible to park in the immediate vicinity?

A: Unfortunately, we do not provide or validate parking. However, you can pack your car in from of the Blue Note in the Minetta Garage. You can also go to www.primospot.com to search for parking places in the area.

Q: What are my payment options?

A: American Express, VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club International.

Q: What if I cannot do my reserve?

A: There are no refunds or exchanges. Please be sure your tickets are purchased for the correct date and time before making the purchase.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: There is no dress code; however, it is advisable to dress smart casual.

Q: Are there any age restrictions in your club?

A: The tables are for all ages. Bar seats are for persons over 21 years of age. If you purchase tickets for the bar and cannot show your identity card, your tickets will not be accepted.

Q: When is the gift shop open?

A: The gift shop is currently closed.

Q: Is the club handicap accessible?

A: The first floor, where the stage is, is handicap accessible. Unfortunately, the bathrooms are on the second floor and are only accessible by stairs.

Q: Is the Blue Note rented for private events?

A: The Blue Note would love to host your next event. Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

Q: Can I take pictures at the show?

A: The club’s policy allows photos without flash. Some artists may not allow photos in their concerts. The photo policy is announced each night before the concert. No kind of audio or video recording is allowed.

“What makes Blue Note so special is that anything can happen on any given night.”

Since its inception in 1981, Blue Note has become one of the world's leading jazz clubs and a cultural institution in Greenwich Village
Blue Note Club in New York continues to carry the torch of jazz in the 21st century

Website: Blue Note Jazz Club

131 W. 3rd St

New York, NY 10012

212-475-8592  

Article of Interest: Luis Perdomo one of the most avid pianists of the Jazz in New York