Image courtesy of the Oxnard Salsa Festival.
An electrifying blend of Salsa, Latin, and Cuban sounds will fill downtown Oxnard with excitement and sizzling sounds during the 18th annual Oxnard Salsa Festival, July 30-31, 2011 at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets, in downtown Oxnard, festival organizers reported recently.
The annual celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days, and celebrates everything salsa … the food, the music, and the dance! Admission and parking are free. Here’s the main stage band line-up:
SATURDAY – July 30, 2011
11:00 to 1:00 Orquesta Charangoa
2:00 to 4:00 Angel Lebron y Su Sabor Latino
4:45 to 6:45 Orquesta Son Mayor
SUNDAY – July 31, 2011
11:00 to 1:00 Phil Robinson and Sonora Borinqueña
2:00 to 4:00 Janeen Puente Orchestra
4:45 to 6:45 Orquesta Tabaco y Ron
Orquesta Charangoa ignites the celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with an authentic Cuban-style dance orchestra led by LA-based flute player Fay Roberts. The band’s show-stopping performances started in 1997 at LA’s top venues including the Dorothy Chandler, the Palladium, the Palace, and the Conga Room. In addition, Charangoa has opened for one of Cuba’s most famous band, “Los Van Van” and has backed up Israelt Lopez Cachao. Television appearances have included KCET’s “Holiday Celebration,” and KTTV’s “Good Day LA.” In addition to appearing previously at the Oxnard Salsa Festival, Charangoa has performed in many festivals including the Watts Tower Jazz Festival, LA Cuban Festival, and the LA Salsa Festival.
Playing New York City classic street-style salsa, Angel Lebron y Su Sabor Latino brings its Paladium-style look and big band sound to the Festival stage on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. Band leader and conguero Angel Lebron is a third generation Latin musician. He is joined by his 14-member band to create a top-notch salsa sound guaranteed to move the audience to their feet! The power of the bands trumpets and trombones brings that urban feeling as a reminder of where street salsa originated – in New York City, according to Lebron.
Saturday closes with the contemporary Cuban sound of Orquesta Son Mayor from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. For over two decades, Son Mayor has been one of the most popular and sought-after salsa bands in Los Angeles, performing weekly at venues such as the Conga Room, Mama Juan’s El Floridita, and the Rumba Room. With its high-energy brass and percussion-rich Latin sounds, Son Mayor brings an unmistakable vintage and contemporary Cuban sounds that captures the diversity, spice and flavors of the Oxnard Salsa Festival. Not surprisingly, LA Weekly voted Son Mayor “Best Salsa Band” in its annual Best of LA edition.
Sunday’s line-up begins with a newcomer to the Oxnard Salsa Festival stage – but by no means a newcomer to the Southland salsa scene. Phil Robinson and Sonora Borinqueña will play from 11 am to 1 p.m., when lead singer and charismatic performer Phil Robinson blends his Puerto Rican and Dominican roots together for an original salsa sound. As lead vocalist, Phil has performed as opening act for Oscar de Leon, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Johhny Pacheco to name a few.
The granddaughter of the late great Tito Puente, Janeen Puente and her high-energy salsa orchestra performs on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. The Janeen Puente Orchestra brings some of the finest musicians on the West Coast together showcasing original songs and arrangements with Puente’s distinctive voice. Janeen attributes her unique singing voice to growing up in a Puerto Rican/American household where her influences ranged from Mariah Carey to Celia Cruz. This is Janeen’s second appearance at the Oxnard Salsa Festival.
The festival closes Sunday with the sizzling salsa sounds of Orquesta Tabaco y Ron, a southern California favorite. This 10-piece group is led by producer and pianist Hector Manuel Rivera and lead vocalist Martin Padilla. Orquesta Tabaco y Ron has recorded four studio albums, a remix production and multiple compilations exclusively for Dimelo! Records. They take the stage at 4:45 p.m. The festival closes at 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, but the party continues in downtown Oxnard with live music at several venues.
The 18th annual Oxnard Salsa Festival is presented by the Oxnard Downtowners and draws an estimated 45,000 salsa lovers to the City of Oxnard for a two-day action packed celebration. In addition to musical entertainment, other event highlights include a large salsa tasting tent, an eclectic vendor marketplace, international foods, kid art and attractions and a salsa recipe contest.
For Oxnard Salsa Festival information, call 805.247.0197, 800-2-Oxnard, or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com