OXNARD — Hot Latin sounds, exotic dancing and spicy culinary flavors are all part of the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival. The festival, July 28 and 29, is a celebration of all things salsa–the food, music and dance. Festivities take place at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” streets in historic downtown Oxnard from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. both days.
Festival goers are treated to live salsa bands, salsa dance lessons, a tasting tent with dozens of different varieties of salsa and hot sauces and a salsa recipe challenge. The two days also feature a vendor marketplace, international cuisine and a kids zone. Presented by the Oxnard Downtowners, the festival is the place to be for salsa lovers throughout southern California.
Entertainment: Festivalgoers can dance to the beat of Latin bands including Janeen Puente, and her orchestra who are performing on Saturday 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. 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. The orchestra produces a high-energy, hard-edged brand of salsa music that appeals to devoted salsa dancers and Latin music lovers worldwide.
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.
Dancing With Our Community Stars competition will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. 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. All the competitors work really hard on their routines to not only earn the top prize but to raise money for their charities. Since its inception 11 years ago, more than $750,000 has been raised and paid to local charities. Other nonprofits participate in the festival by volunteering in various areas.
Salsa Tasting Tent: Filled with samples of salsa and hot sauce from local restaurants and gourmet grocers. The Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge is Sunday and open to amateur salsa chefs. Admission to the tent is $5 per person and includes a bag of fresh Mission tortilla chips and 10 tasting tickets.
Friday Night Kick Off Concert: July 27, featuring Poncho Sanchez and his fiery stew of straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul music and infectious melodies and rhythms from a variety of Latin American and South American sources. 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. Pick up free general admission tickets from one of the Oxnard Downtown Merchants listed on oxnardsalsafestival.com. Tickets are given on a first come, first serve basis. Parking is in the 4th and B Streets garage.
Festival Proceeds go back into Downtown Oxnard and to help pay for events including the Oxnard Farmers Market, Oxnard Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and the music and light show at the Pagoda in Plaza Park each December.
Sponsors: The 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival is presented by the Oxnard Downtowners and Nissan and sponsored by Bud Light, Gold Coast Broadcasting, Mission Foods, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau, McDonald’s and other community partners.
Tickets: free general admission, $5 for lawn seating in front of the Main Stage.
More Information: call 805?535?4060 or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com and on Facebook.