Salsa y Rumba: A Weekend of Latin Music and Dance in Clearwater
Published on November 07, 2024
After two hurricanes disrupted plans for Rumba en Clearwater presented by Achieva Credit Union and Salsa at the District—two major events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month—the city of Clearwater and Florida Best Promotions are excited to announce that these celebrations will now combine into one epic weekend of Latin music and dance. Introducing “Salsa y Rumba”, happening from Saturday, Nov. 23, Salsa at the District, to Sunday, Nov. 24, Rumba en Clearwater presented by Achieva Credit Union.
This free event will showcase the vibrant sounds, energy and traditions of Hispanic culture in a day packed with amazing performances and dance classes. On Saturday, salsa will be taking over Coachman Park with dance classes, live music and performances from local salsa groups. Following on Sunday, attendees can enjoy a variety of live music from local and national Hispanic artists at Coachman Park. Enjoy mouthwatering authentic cuisine from local food vendors all weekend, or dine at one of downtown Clearwater’s restaurants offering delicious dinners and specials.
Event Schedules:
Salsa at The District, Nov. 23
6 p.m.: Dance Class by Sonia Rivera
6:30 p.m.: DJ Mike Sensation, Dancing Motion School Academy (DMSA) Bachata team
7:30 p.m.: Iroko Dance Academy Women's Team, DJ Mike Sensation
8:30 p.m.: Destiny Bachata Band
9:30 p.m.: David Atanacio y Champan de
Rumba en Clearwater presented by Achieva Credit Union, Nov. 24
2 p.m.: Gates open
2:15 p.m.: Dance performance by Monstro Dance Co.
2:30 p.m.: Performance by La Tribu Royale Band
3:30 p.m.: Men’s Dance Class by Monstro Dance Co.
4 p.m.: Domenic Marte Band Performance
5 p.m.: Performance by Kura - Amy Dominguez Dance Project
5:45 p.m.: Coachman Park headline performance by Charlie Aponte
Don’t miss out on the lively performances, infectious music and the joy of dancing in the heart of Clearwater. For more information about “Rumba en Clearwater presented by Achieva Credit Union and Salsa at The District,” visit CoachmanPark.com or contact the Special Events Division at (727) 562-4700.
About the Artists:
Charlie Aponte: Charlie Aponte, born Carlos Juan Aponte Cruz on February 2, 1951, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, is a renowned Puerto Rican salsa singer. His career took off in 1973 when he joined the renowned group "El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico" following the departure of Pellín Rodríguez. Aponte assumed the lead vocalist role alongside Andy Montañez.
During his time with El Gran Combo, Aponte contributed to numerous hits that became salsa classics, such as "No hay cama pa’ tanta gente," "El aguacero," "Brujería," "Arroz con Habichuelas," "Falsaria," "Se nos Perdió el Amor," "Un Verano en Nueva York," "Companera Mia," "Trampolin," among others. His distinctive voice and style contributed to the worldwide recognition of the band.
After a successful career with El Gran Combo spanning over four decades, Aponte left the group in 2014. However, his passion for music led him back to the stage in 2015 as a solo artist, marking his return to the music scene after 41 years of being part of the "university of salsa." His talent and charisma continue to captivate audiences worldwide through his solo career.
Domenic Marte: DOMENIC MARTE, born in Lawrence, MA., is of Puerto Rican & Dominican descent with the capacity to interpret and perform outside the sometimes confirming realms and speculations set forth by specific musical genres flowing from these two Caribbean wonderlands as he cleverly fuses rhythms, sound and talent effortlessly in his Bachata Pop style sound.
La Tribu Royale: The band has been a long time on the road to success. They were fatefully drawn together by playing for over a decade together in the Miami underground live music scene. Muscling their way into the worldwide spotlight, they are forcing music critics to take notice to earn a spot at the top of the Latin Urban Alternative.