Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Festivalgoers will be treated to a sizzling array of hot Latin sounds performed by musicians from around the world at the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival held in Oxnard July 28 and 29. The annual celebration takes place at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” streets in historic downtown Oxnard from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. both days.
“To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’ve gathered the very best musical talent,” says Kellie Meehan, festival director. “This year’s festival has it all—percussion, salsa, Latin beats and Cuban classics. Sit back and enjoy the music or step out onto the festival’s dance floor and show off your moves.”
Here is the 2018 entertainment lineup:
Saturday, July 28:
Melena – 11 a.m.
Community Dance Showcase – 1 p.m.
Fausto Cuevas y La Moderna – 2 p.m.
Janeen Puente – 4:45 p.m.
Sunday, July 29:
Charangoa – 11 a.m.
Dancing With Our Community Stars – 1 p.m.
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca – 2 p.m.
Orquesta Tabaco y Ron – 4:45 p.m.
Saturday Entertainment
Saturday’s entertainment begins at 11 a.m. with Melena, a multi-talented percussionist who plays congas, timbales, Bata drums and Shekere. Born in Havana, Cuba, she is an artist who exemplifies the sound of legendary players from the past to the modern sounds of today.
A Community Dance Showcase featuring local dancers will begin at 1 p.m. These talented performers will perform dance routines to popular Latin tunes and are always crowd favorites.
At 2 p.m., Fausto Cuevas y La Moderna takes the stage. Cuevas, one of the most established percussionists of today, has toured with such legendary artists as Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, Teena Marie, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez, Cheo Feliciano, Al Jarreau, Tito Nieves and Nestor Torres.
Janeen Puente and her orchestra perform at 4:45 p.m. Puente has a strong southern California following. Her band initially focused on paying tribute to female icons of salsa, but now has established its own voice, style and sound.
Sunday Entertainment
Charangoa starts things off on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. For 15 years, the orchestra has been performing authentic Cuban Charanga in Los Angeles using flute, multiple violins, piano, double bass, timbales, congas and guiro.
At 1 p.m., six community leaders will put on their dancing shoes for charity during the “2018 Dancing With Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser.” The contest is a salsa version of the hit TV show “Dancing With The Stars.” Local celebrities are paired with the area’s top dance instructors for a salsa showdown at the festival main stage dance floor that has raised over $700,000 since its inception.
Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca bring a mix of Cuban salsa and African rumba to the festival stage beginning at 2 p.m. They have been described by the Los Angeles Times as “seamless and infectious.” Since forming his band in 1990, Ricardo Lemvo has refined his craft and vision, raising his joyous voice with strength, and inspiring his audiences to let loose and dance.
Closing out Sunday’s lineup is Orquesta Tabaco Y Ron. Performing at 4:45 p.m., this 12-piece “Big-Band” orches¬tra is composed of musicians from all over Latin America including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. The orchestra produces a high-energy, hard-edged brand of salsa music that appeals to devoted salsa dancers and Latin music lovers worldwide.
Friday Night Kick Off Concert
The Friday, July 27 Kick Off Concert features Poncho Sanchez and his fiery stew of straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul music and infectious melodies and rhythms. Gates open at the park at 5:30 p.m. The concert is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. As part of the 25th festival celebration, general admission is free (reserved tables can be purchased in advance). Bring your own food. Beer and wine margaritas will be available.
About the Oxnard Salsa Festival
The 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival is presented by the Oxnard Downtowners, and sponsored by Bud Light, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Mission Foods, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau and other community partners.
The two?day event draws an estimated 40,000 salsa lovers. In addition to non-stop live entertainment, highlights include a salsa tasting tent, a craft vendor marketplace, international foods, a kids’ play zone and a salsa recipe contest.
Admission and parking are free. Main stage seating is just $5. No coolers or pets are permitted on festival grounds.
For a listing of hotels and visitor attractions, visit www.visitoxnard.com or call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-2-Oxnard.
For festival information, call 805?535?4060 or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com