Salsa at Sunset

Salsa at Sunset: the Hottest Summer Night in SC continues its dynamic summer series of live Latin music and dancing. Upstate International’s free public event is a community celebration of Latin culture. The 3-part series will take place on the new Camperdown Plaza in front of the AC Hotel once a month on Fridays, July 16, August 13 and September 10. Hosted by Upstate International and Pura Alegría Dance Company, Salsa at Sunset will feature a free group dance lesson, live bands, dancing, and a cash bar, from 6:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening.

Salsa at Sunset provides an opportunity to engage in the arts and experience the joy of cultural music and dance, while at the same time encouraging diverse communities to participate together. Art, whether it is music, dance, painting or something else, is a universal language. Upstate International and Pura Alegria are delighted to share 3 nights this summer of free music and dance, connecting us with our neighbors, and building a stronger, more welcoming community.

On Friday, July 16, the Marcel Portilla Band, led by Marcel Portilla, a highly regarded South American singer/songwriter, will blend sultry Latin rhythms with modern pop tunes, rhythm and blues riffs and quaking rock arrangements.

David Rodriguez and the Latin Caravan headlines the event on Friday, August 13 with great energy and enthusiasm.

Finally, on Friday, September 10, and coming all the way from Atlanta, the C.O.T Band, founded by Willie Ziavino & Juan Bonini, will play a musical fusion of Caribbean Rhythms with elements of Funk, Pop and Brazilian beats.

Pura Alegría Dance Company will lead a complimentary beginners’ Salsa class at the start of each event. The plaza will fill with hundreds of people learning to dance the basic steps, building community and setting the tone for an exciting free, family-friendly evening of music and dancing under the stars.