Improvements in 2011, new date and location, makes the 6th Annual event a premier destination for 2012

This year's 5th Annual San Diego Salsa Bachata Festival will be remembered as an overall hit by the close to 2,500 who attended.  As the third major salsa event in the past two years held at Mission Valley's scenic Town and Country Resort, the 2011 event, held Sept 17-19th, offered those on hand a revamped show format, live music, and top notch workshops which exceeded expectations.

 

The events co-promoters, Albert Torres and Rivera Entertainment planned carefully to make the changes which not only would deliver on pre-event promises, but also bolster local attendance.  New concepts were introduced including a Fania 70's themed party on Friday night and a “Pro Salsa Footwork Showdown&rd

quo; on Sunday.  Both added flare and kicked off the post-show social dancing with good energy.   Friday’s theme was strongly supported by a large contingent of dancers and led by all of the performing pros.  Many were decked out in psychedelic polyester, flared bell-bottoms, platform shoes, afro-wigs, Go-Go boots and peace sign necklaces. 

 

Some things didn't change for good reason, such as the notorious pool parties sponsored with DJ'd music, social dancing and contests.  Even so, improvements were introduced.  The September heat pulled over twenty couples into the water to try the newly popular "Pool-Chata" led local instructor and fusion specialist Michael Saltus.  If that didn't wet their appetites, full pass attendees were treated to an open bar and hosted buffet before the night performances.  The event showcased Dancers for Humanity, a local effort to raise funds for San Diego Youth Services.  In doing so, the festival promoters helped raise close to $3,000 for at risk teens and collect essential items for San Diego's homeless, demonstrating “Unity Through Salsa” in practice can make a difference.

 

During the day, attendees took advantage of workshops by World Champions such as Luis Aguilar & Anya Katsevman, Cristian Oviedo, and Alma Latina, world travelers like the Cobo Brothers, Island Touch, and Los Soñeros Del Swing, and local stars David and Jennifer Stein.   A major change from recent Congress trends, the night shows were limited to fifteen professional performances, not only shortening the time, but raising both the show quality and the crowd energy.  To minimize the gap between shows and social dancing, music started early in the large “Bachata Room” adjacent to the main ballroom.  Saturday nights' highlights included a surprise appearance by Rodrigo Cotozar and Celine Tozar as well as a ten minute production of "La Llorana" by Alma Latina. This beautiful compilation of routines storied the Mexican traditions of Dia De Los Muertos and celebrated Mexican Independence Day.  If this wasn’t enough, after-parties went from 3AM until dawn with little trouble from hotel security.

 

Overall rating:  8.5 out of 10.

 

How Do You Top That?

On Sunday night, event promoter and host Angel Rivera announced changes to the date and location for next year's event which will elevate the status of the festival among the premier Congress destinations for 2012.  First, the dates for the 6th Annual San Diego Salsa Bachata Festival have been moved up to Labor Day Weekend, to August 30-September 3rd.  These new dates facilitate scheduling extended vacation stays for out-of-town guests and a provide a much needed holiday following a festive closing night. Second, the venue is being moved to San Diego's famous waterfront, at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina at Harbor Island.  

 

This long awaited move to the coast will showcase “America’s Finest City.” The new location provides immediate access to San Diego’s historic Old Town, Gaslamp District, Little Italy, Seaport Village, Petco Park, Point Loma, and scenic water taxis to Coronado Island. Its also only ten minutes from renowned attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Sea World.   Convenient for international and out-of-state travelers, this newly renovated Sheraton is nestled against the bay, offers views of San Diego’s skyline, and is adjacent to the airport.  Adding a new terminal in 2012, San Diego's Lindbergh Field is an international airport providing direct flights to most every domestic airport and as well as several international destinations.  The hotel amenities are five-star rated, boasting 120,000 sq ft of meeting/ballroom space, three swimming pools including a lagoon pool & sun deck, tennis courts, jogging trails, balconies with marina views, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

 

Combining the new date and venue with the format changes implemented this year should make this event “must attend” on calendars for performance teams, traveling salseros, local dancers, and even the casual tourist.  Details on hotel rates and event passes should be available on www.sandiegosalsafestival.com soon.

What more could you ask for?  Not much.