| April 2026 – Festivals | ||
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International
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| DIRECTORY OF NIGHTCLUBS | ||
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Search Results for: Cali
Ralph Mercado: The Visionary Who Turned the Rhythm of the Barrio into a Global Phenomenon
The Giant of New York Salsa
Ralph Mercado was a music promoter and an iconic figure of Salsa and Latin music in New York. More than just an entrepreneur, Mercado was the strategist who took Salsa out of local New York clubs and placed it on the world’s most prestigious stages.
Through his vision, the sound of Latin identity found a commercial language without losing its “street” essence, making him the most influential tropical music mogul of the 20th century.
Creator of “The Perfect Combination”; Early Days in the Bronx and Brooklyn
Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Mercado was born on September 29, 1941, in Brooklyn. As a mere teenager, he was already organizing parties and dances as the president of a neighborhood social club.
He later founded the 3 & 1 Club on Atlantic Avenue, which hosted local bands and musicians such as Eddie Palmieri and Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, among many others. Shortly thereafter, he created his first production and promotion company, Showstoppers, through which he promoted R&B acts of the caliber of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Stylistics, and The Chi-Lites.
Expanding the Empire
He eventually ventured into Manhattan, where he helped expand the legendary Fania All-Stars, promoted dances at the Cheetah Nightclub, and presented Latin Jazz artists at venues like the Red Garter and the Village Gate. In 1972, Mercado established RMM Management, representing Palmieri and Ray Barretto.
He managed the genre’s biggest stars, including Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, with whom he worked for 25 years. “I learned so much from her,” Mercado told the AP in July 2003, following the passing of the “Queen of Salsa.” “I witnessed the impact she had in every country we visited.”
Mercado credited Cruz and Puente with the internationalization of Salsa. “They were two artists with so much talent and such good hearts… something unrepeatable,” he expressed at the time.
The RMM Phenomenon
By 1987, his popular “Latin Tinge” nights at the Palladium attracted hundreds of salseros every Thursday. In 1992, he founded the independent label RMM, which branched into RMM Records, RMM Filmworks, and two publishing houses. With a catalog of over 140 artists, the label sold millions of albums annually.
Mercado brought Salsa to South America and to places as remote as Africa, Asia, and Israel. He personally discovered and launched the careers of talents like Marc Anthony, La India, Domingo Quiñones, Tony Vega, José Alberto “El Canario,” and Tito Nieves. For his work, he received numerous accolades, including the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
The RMM Label: A Hit Factory
Mercado’s impact was solidified by his ability to adapt tradition to changing times. While others clung to the past, Ralph understood the potential of Salsa Romántica and the power of international collaborations. RMM didn’t just produce records; it produced culture, documenting the history of the rhythm through videos and massive concerts that redefined the concept of Latin entertainment.
His influence extended far beyond recording. As a promoter, he opened markets in Europe, Asia, and throughout Latin America, ensuring the tumbao was heard in every corner of the planet. He was a relentless negotiator and a protector of the legends’ legacies, ensuring that Latin Jazz and Salsa Dura maintained their academic prestige while dominating the pop charts.
An Indelible Legacy
“Without him, I don’t believe the Fania All-Stars would have achieved the success they did,” stated Eddie Palmieri. Meanwhile, promoter Leo Tizol remembered him as someone “accessible and noble” who never refused to share his knowledge with those starting out.
Ralph Mercado passed away on March 10, 2009, surrounded by his wife Cynthia, his five children, his siblings, and his grandchildren. His departure left a void that as the greats of music often say can never be filled.
Source: RMM / Photo: Ralph Mercado Archives
Also Read: Hector Maisonave Manager of the Greatest Salseros in New York
North America / April 2026
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CHICAGO
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CALIFORNIA |
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ILLINOIS |
MICHIGAN |
NEW JERSEY |
NEW YORK |
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Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo
Latin America / Colombia /Cali
Located in Cali, Colombia, the artistic company “Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo” has been in business for 12 years. They are dedicated to teaching, presenting, and producing dance shows, boasting a distinguished cast of artists, instructors, and professional dancers in all styles.
The company’s services offer a wide variety of high-quality options, ranging from personalized dance classes to shows featuring over 80 artists on stage.
Shows and Performances
Among the most captivating “Salsa and Latin” shows are:
Salsa Viva and Latin Dance: This show includes dances such as Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, Boogaloo, Bolero, Pachanga, Bachata, and Merengue.
“The Majesty of Salsa vs. The Majesty of Tango”:
Here, you can witness the fusion of the joy, energy, and acrobatics of Salsa with the passion and elegance of Tango.
Colombia Dances: Here, traditional and joyful Colombian folk dances come together with a fusion of Salsa and Latin dances. You can appreciate the beautiful and colorful typical costumes that bring to life the diverse cultures and dances of Colombia’s regions, taking you on a journey through dances such as cumbia, bambuco, sanjuanero, mapalé, currulao, and others.
Children’s Salsa: This show features children in the learning process who have grown into professional dancers, showcasing their trajectory and international recognition.
It’s worth mentioning that the venue doesn’t just offer Salsa and Latin dances; it also features Tango, Milonga, and Arabic dance shows, Samba, Capoeira, Spanish dances (Pasodoble, Sevillanas, Flamenco Rumba, and a banderilla show), Colombian dances (Cumbia, Bambuco, Sanjuanero, Mapalé, Currulao, among others), and urban shows (Hip Hop, showcasing different styles such as breakdancing, sexy style, popping, locking, dancehall, kromp, and others).
The Dance School offers the opportunity to learn one or more rhythms. You can even combine Salsa and Latin dance classes, Zumba Fitness, Tango, or any other rhythm you desire, whether with a group of friends, family, children of all ages, and there’s even a special program for babies where parents and their little ones share the dance experience and learn the baby’s first steps.
Zumba Fitness and Zumba Toning: This is a fun way to practice Latin rhythms, exercise to stay in shape, learn, and have fun. The team is trained and certified to lead both Zumba classes.
- Crazy Hour
- Children’s Entertainment
- Quinceañera and Wedding Preparations
- Flash Mob
The Salsa Viva & Tango Vivo Artistic Company is part of the main cast of the Ensálsate Show. They are World Tango Champions, International Champions in choreographic groups, World Salsa Runners-Up, and finalists on the Caracol Television reality show LA PISTA. They have delighted thousands of spectators in Colombia and around the world with performances on seven international cruise ships and tours in countries such as Panama, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao, Aruba, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Dubai, Cyprus, France, Italy, and Spain.
- Crazy Hour
- Children’s Entertainment
- Quinceañera and Wedding Preparations
Flash Mob Dance schools in Colombia have two specially equipped locations in San Fernando and Ciudad Jardín, with programs for children, youth, adults, foreigners, business groups, family groups, home classes and summer courses.
Productions, Works, and Shows
- “Dance Christmas” Show (2016)
- “America Dances…Dancing Without Borders” Show (2016)
- 2nd Comfenalco Valle de la Gente Salsa Encounter (2016)
- “Colombia Dances” Show (2016)
- Comfenalco Valle de la Gente International Tango Festival (2014 and 2015)
- 1st Comfenalco Valle de la Gente Salsa Encounter (2015)
- “Dances of the World” Show (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015)
- “Salsa Viva & Latin Dance” Show (2014)
- “Tango Vivo – Tango Forever” Show (2013, 2014, and 2015) 2015)
- Show “Her Majesty Salsa vs. Her Majesty Tango” (2014)
- Show “Oriental Magic” (2015)
- Show “Merry Christmas” (2014 and 2015).
- Show “Merry Christmas” (2014 and 2015).
Awards and Recognitions
- World Salsa Championship Runners-Up, Ensemble Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
- World Salsa Championship Champions, Cabaret Couples Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
- Fourth Place – World Salsa Championship, Ensemble Category – Santiago de Cali (2016)
- Champions, Cabaret Salsa Team – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Runners-Up, Salsa Team (No Acrobatic) – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Runners-Up, Tango Show Dance – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Champions, Amateur Salsa Couples – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Champions, Cabaret Salsa Couples – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Champions, Stage Tango – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Third Place, Stage Tango – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Professional Solo Champions – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- Professional Same Gender Couple Runners-Up – 7th Ecuador Salsa Congress (2016)
- International Salsa Champions and Runners-Up at the II Pan American Dance Championship
- Sports: III Open “Al Ritmo del Cielo” – Santiago de Cali (2016)
- World Salsa Runners-Up – Santiago de Cali (2014)
- World Salsa Runners-Up – Quito (2013)
- World Tango Champions – World Tango Championship (2012)
- International Choreographic Group Champions (2011)
- Fourth Place in the World Tango Championship at the Trex Games Busan, Korea (2008)
- Don Juan del Corral Order of Merit – Gold Category – Mayor’s Office of Medellín (2006). For all these details, we recommend visiting, Participate, learn, and enjoy the services offered by this successful company.
If you would like more information, you can contact them at:
- Web: http://www.tangovivoysalsaviva.com/quienes-somos.php
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsavivatangovivo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/salsavtangov
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsavivatangovivo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/salsavivatangovivo
10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Europe / Germany / Munich
Circulo Events presents 10th Festival Salsa Cubana
Munich - Germany / January 27th - 29th 2017
“In January 2017, Munich will be able to experience a high class weekend full of dance and music, again. Inspired by “Baila en Cuba”, the annual dance and music event in Havana (Cuba), we brought this festival to life. And moreover we want to import a part of the wonderful atmosphere of its big Cuban counterpart to Munich”…
Cuban atmosphere and total joy of life!
Let yourself get carried away and dive into the world of Salsa & Co.
“Salsa Cubana is more than a dance – it’s an attitude towards life! Who does not inevitably associate typical Cuban music, Cuban ambience and Son cubano (the most traditional of all Cuban dances) with these words?
Festival Salsa cubana stands for this very diversity. No matter if dancer, music lover or just fancier of the Caribbean atmosphere – you will get your money’s worth!
This year again with the Percussion Ensemble Live: Drums Secret”
http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en.html
This winter’s music and dance event!
- Top event for all dancers in and around Munich! • Salsa, Afro, Reggaeton and a lot more!
- Great party with show acts!
- Taster’s session Salsa Cubana
- Rueda de Casino: Dancing Salsa with other couples in a circle. Nice combinations with the exchange of the dance partners provide pure fun!
- Up to 50 workshops with the best in class instructors • For all dancers and future dancers a “must do”: authentic teaching with guest instructors! From beginner to masterclass!
- Awesome and high class parties and show acts!
http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/the- festival.html
WORKSHOPS
Up to 70 lessons in 5 rooms. Be inspired by the best teachers and artists and enjoy a weekend very special cuban weekend!See the workshops schedule at:
http://www.festival-salsacubana.de/en/festival/kursplan.html
Workshop Topics and ContentFestival Salsa Cubana offers up to 70 high class workshops and training lessons!
- Salsa elegante / Musicalidad en la Salsa
- Salsa figuras / Nudos en la Salsa
- Salsa con rumba – Rumba en la Salsa!
- Salsa con pasitos / Pasitos en la salsa • Rueda de Casino
- Son cubano
- Manstyling
- Ladystyling
- Salsa suelta
- Cubaton/Reggaeton
- Afro – Movimientos afrocubanos • Afro-cuban Dances (ACD)
- Makuta / Palo
- Guaguancó – black soul of the Cuban Salsa!
- Columbia
- Bantu
- Shangó
- Ογά
- Kizomba
- Semba
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See the information about workshop content and topics at: http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/festival/kursinhalte.html
Location
The festival is located in the rooms of the CIRCULO. CIRCULO is the biggest dance shoool for Salsa Cubana in Munich. Additionally, as a salsateca, with legendary salsa parties and a lot of Salsa live concerts, CIRCULO is an integral part of Munich’s salsa scene. CIRCULO’s address is Rosenheimerstrasse 139, in Munich. With its seven, highly equipped rooms, it is predestined for the realization of all classes and parties that are part of the Festival Salsa Cubana.http://www.festival-salsa-cubana.de/en/location.html
See more information at: