Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Five community leaders will take the stage and dance for charity during the “2018 Dancing With Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser,” Sunday, July 29 at 1 p.m. during the 25th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival in Oxnard.
The contest puts a salsa twist on the hit TV show “Dancing With The Stars.” Local celebrities are paired with the area’s top dance instructors. Each team works on choreographed moves in preparation for the festival showdown.
Dancers compete for the “Judge’s Choice Award” for the best routine. They are also vying for the “People’s Choice Award,” given to the dancer who raises the most money for his or her designated charity. Donations can be made online at www.OxnardSalsaFestival.com and will be accepted during the festival at the “Dancing With Our Community Stars” booth. Over the years, the contest has raised more than $750,000 for local charities.
Here are the 2018 dance competitors.
- Alex Vega, dancing for Ventura County Community Development Corporation. His instructor is Diana Tere.
- Andres Fernandez, dancing for The Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County. His instructor is Christina Maggio.
- Dr. Cassie Woods-Peirce, dancing for the United States Adaptive Recreation Center. Her instructor is Ottis Gillespie.
- Emily Barany, dancing for Thomas Fire Help. Her instructor is Adan de la Torre.
- Maureen Shea, dancing for The City Center. Her instructor is Jessie “Chuy” Rodriguez.
Meet the Stars
- Alex Vega is deeply committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership as Director of Lending Services for the non-profit Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC). Vegas plays an invaluable role in helping VCCDC reach its mission of strengthening the community by empowering low-to-moderate income families through homeownership and financial education.
- Andres Fernandez is a nationally touring stand-up comic with numerous TV and film appearances throughout his almost 30-year career. He is the owner of the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club. One of his most proudest performances was in Patriot Act, a documentary filmed in Iraq while entertaining troops. Money raised for the Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County will go towards supporting Ventura County foster children and teens.
- Dr. Cassie Woods-Peirce is passionate about helping children, especially children with disabilities. She and her husband have devoted their careers to improving the lives of people with disabilities through the United States Adaptive Recreation Center, which offers active outdoor recreation to the disabled that renews the spirit and redefines what is possible.
- Emily Barany has an insatiable need to solve problems, create efficient systems and empower people. In 2011, she launched VISIONALITY with a mission to help organizations dream big and a commitment to transform their dreams into reality. She is co-founder of Thomas Fire Help, which connects resources to those who need assistance recovering from the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslide.
- Maureen Shea is a two-time world champion boxer, boxing commentator and TV personality. She is considered “The Real Million Dollar Baby,” having served as Hilary Swank’s primary sparring partner in Swank’s Oscar award-winning role in Million Dollar Baby. As a domestic violence survivor, Shea shares her story of hope, strength and support with the women at The City Center.
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 annual festival draws an estimated 40,000 attendees each year. Event highlights include live bands, salsa dancing, a salsa tasting tent, vendor marketplace, international foods, kids’ play zone and community stage.
This year’s festival is Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29 at Plaza Park (Fifth and “B” streets) in historic downtown Oxnard from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. Festival admission and parking are free. Main stage open seating is $5.
On Friday night, July 27, Poncho Sanchez, with his straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul music and infectious melodies and rhythms from a variety of Latin American and South American sources, will take the stage in a pre-festival concert. 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.
For more information, go to www.oxnardsalsafestival.com