Live music this week at Cruzao Arepa Bar

La Rumba is a fresh, exciting and fiery 4 piece Gypsy Flamenco band from Melbourne and the only one of its kind in Australia. Their unique and undeniable style of Flamenco is a highly spirited and hypnotic magic, guaranteed to bring any audience to its feet and keep them dancing vigorously ALL NIGHT LONG!

Saturday 19th, 9:00pm – Arakataka

Sunday 20th, 7:30pm – Jose Nieto

Cruzao Arepa Bar’s longest running resident is back this Sunday for another amazing performance. Cali-born singer/songwriter Jose Nieto on guitar and vocals brings an afternoon of trova, son, cumbia, folklore and mucho más to Brunswick Street, with the usual array of unexpected cameo appearances and special guests.  Join us for a suave, relaxed afternoon at Fitzroy’s Latin headquarters.

Introducing… Sensory Salsa

A new approach to teaching Salsa directed not only at your feet, but to all five senses, connecting your body to the music to discover the authentic expression and sensuality of the rhythm.

Salsa – a convergence of the thundering drums of Africa, the sensual sway of Cuban Son and the unpredictability of Jazz – has powerfully represented the relentless vitality of Latin America across the globe for decades. On the dance floor, it’s a phenomenon that attracts millions around the world.

Our approach leaves aside the exhausting mechanics of step-teaching and explores the fundamental root of the music: rhythm. Sensory Salsa will introduce you to it by means of a series of experiences and exercises that will aim to disarticulate your body and liberate its movements.

By virtue of this shift of focus, our program is tailored to both complete beginners and more experienced dancers alike. It will teach you to embrace the expressive nature of your body, to grasp the essential knowledge of the rhythms and structure of the music, to free yourself from inhibitions and to expose your senses to the drive of the beat.

The Sensory Salsa team is fronted by Kathleen Gonzalez, a traditional and contemporary dancer from Colombia, and Ramón Martinez, a renowned public artist who grew up in the vibrant Salsa-sated settings of Venezuela. They will be accompanied by Latin percussionist Juan Aldrey, performing live during the class.

Sensory Salsa will commence it’s activities this coming Thursday, May 31st. as part of the Salsa Explosion in Fitzroy residency at First Floor, 393 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, with two sessions: 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

Cost: $15/participant. Click here for available special offers.

For more information contact Kathleen on 0431 261551 or write to sensorysalsa@cruzao.com.au

A Salsa Explosion in the Heart of Fitzroy
Every Thursday, starting May 31, 2012
First Floor, 393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

Special offers available:

Dinner and Salsa…

Have dinner at Cruzao Arepa Bar before the event (minimum spend at Cruzao Arepa Bar $25/person) and get 2-for-1 entry to the Salsa Explosion in Fitzroy later in the night.

Free mojito…

Attend a Sensory Salsa session (7:00 or 8:30) and then head off to dinner at Cruzao Arepa Bar and get a complimentary mojito, cuba libre, beer or soft drink (minimum spend at Cruzao Arepa Bar $15/person).

2-for-1 Sensory Salsa

Have dinner at Cruzao Arepa Bar before the class (minimum spend at Cruzao Arepa Bar $25/person) and get 2-for-1 entry to the Sensory Salsa session of your choice (either 7:00 or 8:30).

Sell tickets, attend free

Buy a 10-pack of tickets ($150) in advance at Cruzao Arepa Bar and get 12 tickets + 2 drink cards for the bar at First Floor.

Large groups

For groups of 10+ people, tickets can be purchased in advance for $12/person at Cruzao Arepa Bar, 365 Brunswick St.

Click here for more information on the event.

Every Thursday, starting May 31, 2012
First Floor, 393 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

Cruzao Arepa Bar is thrilled to present the Salsa Explosion in the Heart of Fitzroy: a new event in the already broadly multicultural and vibrant Melbourne music scene.

Salsa is the explosive cross-pollination of the thundering drums of Africa, the sensual sway of Cuban Son and the syncopated unpredictability of Jazz. Originally coined in New York in the 70s, the term has become synonymous with the presence of a Latin community everywhere in the world. It’s the indisputable ambassador of the vibrancy of Latin America and reigning king of the dance floor.

The Salsa Explosion is a celebration of the broad culture that the movement has come to represent; a way of experiencing dance, food, drink and people coming together… all the sensations of the Latin world with all the flavours that surround it.

Set to establish itself as a permanent weekly residency, the Salsa Explosion kicks off on Thursday May 31st at Fitzroy’s First Floor (393 Brunswick. St.) with a double bill of Melbourne’s best salsa bands: Del Barrio and the Quarter Street Orchestra.

Del Barrio is Melbourne’s premier Latin big band. They have gained their reputation by bringing their audiences classic salsa tunes and remaining loyal to their New York, Afro-Caribean and American influences. Fronted by veteran singer Gualberto Casas, the band boasts an all-star line up of Melbourne’s best Latin musicians.

The Quarter Street Orchestra takes you back to the heart of classic salsa. Inspired by the passion of salsa luminaries such as Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barreto and Hector Lavoe, the band emphasizes the raw sounds of New York in the 1970′s, combined with a contemporary twist influenced by rap and hip hop.

Together, they constitute the musical cream of the Melbourne Latin scene and have been chosen to headline the launch because of their authentic, powerful and virtuous renditions of the repertoire that triggered the worldwide propagation of the salsa phenomenon.

The live segment of the evening kicks off at 9:30, with 3 explosive sets of authentic big band salsa sounds, with the special guest participation of Sydney-based DJ Dwight “Chocolate” Escobar, whose deep-rooted, erudite knowledge of Salsa will carry the audience across decades of musical evolution.

Earlier in the night, the program kicks off with the participation of Sensory Salsa, a totally new approach to the teaching of salsa directed not only at the feet, but at all five senses, connecting the participant’s body with the music to discover the authentic expression and sensuality of the rhythm.

Leaving aside the exhausting mechanics of step-teaching, Sensory Salsa explores the fundamental roots of this music: rhythm. By means of a series of experiences and exercises, Sensory Salsa aims to disarticulate the body and liberate its movements. Tailored to both complete beginners and more experienced dancers alike, it will teach to embrace the body’s expressive nature to the drive of the beat.

Event details:

Launch: Thursday May 31st.
Program: Sensory Salsa sessions 7:00pm and 8:30pm. Live bands 9:30pm
Venue: First Floor 393 Brunswick St. Fitzroy – http://firstfloor393.com/
Tickets: $15 at the door Ticket price includes one Sensory Salsa session. Limited places available.

Live music this week at Cruzao Arepa Bar

Six piece cumbia band playing early 20th century Central American cumbias with a contemporary feel. De La Calle has members from Argentina, Australia, Chile and Colombia, playing a rough Caribbean groove that is perfect for dancing.

Saturday 12th, 9:00pm – Arakataka

Sunday 13th, 7:30pm – Jose Nieto

Cruzao Arepa Bar’s longest running resident is back this Sunday for another amazing performance. Cali-born singer/songwriter Jose Nieto on guitar and vocals brings an afternoon of trova, son, cumbia, folklore and mucho más to Brunswick Street, with the usual array of unexpected cameo appearances and special guests.  Join us for a suave, relaxed afternoon at Fitzroy’s Latin headquarters.

Thursday, May 10th – 6:30pm.

Born in Melbourne to Greek parents from Cyprus, Con Constantinou has been creating art consistently since he could hold a pen. Never formally studying art at a high level, he feels it came to him like learning to walk, creativity is part of who he is. Con’s inspiration comes mostly from nature. He enjoys exploring the visual beauty and complexity in people, animals, and plants.
Con has used many different art mediums, but a lot of his work is stencil art. Aerosol art lends itself to Con’s quick creative ideas with its strong bold colours and cutting his own stencil designs adds an extra level of craft to the process.
Con also likes the definite, bold colours of aerosols, their speed, and the fact that they let him express his message on practically any surface. He loves turning a seemingly useless discarded item into a canvas. He feels that the definite lines of stencils also create a very bold statement and contrast well with the intricate detail he tends to express. He considers his art is an evolutionary process and always entertains new ideas. To him art is a message, a way to reach out to somebody you have never met before, and say “hello”.
Holding an exhibit at Cruzao Arepa bar holds special significance for Con for two reasons, one, because he is a regular there, and loves the great music, food and fun atmosphere, and two, because in the 80s his grandfather had a Greek Cypriot tavern only a few doors down called, “The Varosi tavern” It was there that Con’s christening party was held when he was a baby so it is great to be able to share his love of art in such a cool place. Con works as a chiropractor in Fairfield.

See more artwork at www.flickr.com/photos/con_c1

Sunday, June 10th – The Hi-Fi

“SALSERO, SI LLAMAN, YO VENGO! ABRE QUE VOY!”

Cuban singer Miguel Enriquez is set to tour Australia for the first time in June 2012!

Born in Cascorro, a small town in Cuba and now based in Italy, Miguel is one of the most popular and prolific Salsa artists in the world today. His worldwide smash hit “Abre que voy” is the most-danced Salsa song since its release in 2003 and was at the top of the music charts across Europe for 40 weeks. All of his albums have enjoyed international success with tracks such as “Sacala sacala”, “Que te den”, “Loco loco”, “Sandunga”, “Reggaeton con son” and many more!

Every single Salsero and Latin music lover all over the globe has danced to his music! A versatile vocalist and composer, his music blends many different Latin styles such as Cuban Timba, Salsa, Pop, Hip Hop, Salsa Romantica, Bachata and Bolero-Son.

Miguel Enriquez will set Australia on fire with his energetic and sizzling hot brand of Timba and Salsa Cubana! Get ready to dance with Cuba’s hottest musical export!

With support from one of the most powerful bands to in the Australian Latin Music scene – Carlitos Way – and Australia’s leading connoisseur of Afro-Cuban and Latin rythms, DJ Dwight Chocolate Escobar

Watch his hit “Abre que voy” and don’t wait until it’s sold out…

Watch this video on YouTube.

Sunday, June 10th – 8:30 pm
THE HI-FI
125 Swanston Road, Melbourne

Tickets $40 (pre-sale) at www.thehifi.com.au or at Cruzao Arepa Bar

Live music this week at Cruzao Arepa Bar

Eclectic performer Alejandro Espino Aldana and his troupe of musicians, Sin Fronteras Band, create a vibrant atmosphere with their dynamic performances of Mexican and Latin American music. Members: Alejandro Espino: Guitar/Voice; John Paul Pincheira:  Bass; Gustavo Moreno: Drums; Andrew Darling: Trumpet; Shona Taylor: Trumpet; Per Forsberg: Tuba.

Saturday 5th, 9:00pm – Arakataka

Sunday 6th, 7:30pm – Jose Nieto

Cruzao Arepa Bar’s longest running resident is back this Sunday for another amazing performance. Cali-born singer/songwriter Jose Nieto on guitar and vocals brings an afternoon of trova, son, cumbia, folklore and mucho más to Brunswick Street, with the usual array of unexpected cameo appearances and special guests.  Join us for a suave, relaxed afternoon at Fitzroy’s Latin headquarters.

Live music this week at Cruzao Arepa Bar

Sunday 29th, 7:30pm – Jose Nieto

Cruzao Arepa Bar’s longest running resident is back this Sunday for another amazing performance. Cali-born singer/songwriter Jose Nieto on guitar and vocals brings an afternoon of trova, son, cumbia, folklore and mucho más to Brunswick Street, with the usual array of unexpected cameo appearances and special guests.  Join us for a suave, relaxed afternoon at Fitzroy’s Latin headquarters.

Live music this week at Cruzao Arepa Bar

Sunday 22nd, 7:30pm – Jose Nieto

Cruzao Arepa Bar’s longest running resident is back this Sunday for another amazing performance. Cali-born singer/songwriter Jose Nieto on guitar and vocals brings an afternoon of trova, son, cumbia, folklore and mucho más to Brunswick Street, with the usual array of unexpected cameo appearances and special guests.  Join us for a suave, relaxed afternoon at Fitzroy’s Latin headquarters.