Salsa Cruise to Bahamas Update

Below is a press release that was emailed to me recently.  Since I took the salsa cruise from Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago, I am on their mailing list.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27th, 2012

ADC 2013 Full Ship Just For Us!!

Dear friends and supporters of the Aventura Dance Cruise,

Thanks to your support, over the years we've grown into the world's largest salsa and bachata cruise.  As you know we've been a large group and have been dealing with the rules and regulations of groups with the large cruise lines.  With the rapid growth and some issues with other non-related groups it has become so difficult to create the ADC experience you have come to know and love that we deemed the 2013 ADC as the last one.  we just couldnt see a way for us to keep delivering a quality event and grow.

It has always been our and your dream since the beginning to build this into an entire cruise ship experience just for ADC and recently, our friends at Whet offered a plan to team up and make this dream a reality.  Imagine a WHOLE CRUISE ship ONLY for ADC…everyone onboard will share the same love of dancing that will create an experience unlike any in the world.  That may seem far fetched, but it's not.  ADC has been perfecting the latin dance cruise concept for years and our new partners has been around since 2004 and has excited the lives of tens of thousands of people through experiences like this.  Their know how with reservations, production, the ships, the islands and the creation of an entire customized experience is the best in the industry.  We've seen it with our own eyes and are BEYOND excited to create this and go on this journey with you. It's never been done before…not on this scale…and it's VERY exciting to be a part of it.
Yes ADC is back! ADC now will have the entire ship!

So, here's the game plan:

We are taking over the entire Norwegian Sky November 8-11 (President's Day weekend) from Miami to a beautiful private island for 2 days.

What does that mean? Get ready for a unique truly experience!:

• Shows will be scheduled whenever we want!
• Dinner will be scheduled whenever we are ready to dine!
• Five or more huge locations will be reserved exclusively for our workshops!
• Night party locations (five, to be precise) will take place-- all at the same time! Salsa! Bachata! Zouk! 
• Kizomba! Latin Dance! And more! 72 hours of none stop dancing!
• Two Bahamas beach party on a private island will be held… just for us!

And since the ship is completely ours, we’ve added a daytime social every day and a sunrise party every morning! (And this is just a start!) We added many new artists to our staff, most are already on our website, many more to come...

Also, we booked Jose Alberto- El Canario to perform live with his full band, TWICE!
There is so, so much more to come as we put everything together in the next few months. We are glad to be back! We have to say, it has been really moving and touching to see all your love and support for our event, staff, and the community that we bring together each year with our ADC event. Thank you!

Now online our new rates. These rates include in them full cruise cost & your full weekend dance pass-- everything you need to enjoy the ADC Cruise will be included in this one flat rate!

If you already signed up, good move! Your cabin is secure and we will soon contact you with all the new info for you to chose your cabin location fisrt! in addition,  you will receive a special $50 “Blind Faith” on board credit! (and a VIP upgrade depend on your booking…)

A full dedicate ADC team is here for you and ready to help you with all of your questions and needs. Sign up and join us on our ADC 2013! We look forward to seeing you on board!

Wine Dinner at Villaggio Ristorante in Lutz

This is one of my favorite and is one of the best Italian restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.  They are having a wine event this month.  I have been previously and they are definitely very enjoyable because Giuseppe makes you feel right at home.  Here is their email that they sent announcing the event.

La Dolce Vita at Villaggio Ristorante

Dinner with Wine Event

Dear friends and patrons, thank you for 24 years of support at Villaggio's.
We have worked hard to be where we are today.
To celebrate our success, we are offering a 6 course dinner with wine from Banfi, Italy.  We bring to you a special guest from the Banfi Winery to speak about the exquisite wine to be served.

LUCIANO CASTIELLO is a Banfi brand ambassador, known as one of the most prominent wine experts in the world.

We cordially invite you to join us

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013
7:00 pm
at Villaggio Ristorante
102 Flagship Drive
Lutz, FL 33549
813 949-0572

$75 per person
tax and gratuity all included

Please reserve your party, seating is limited, thank you.
R.S.V.P. villaggioandwine at gmail.com
Menu and wine list coming soon

Paradise Dance Festival 2012, Palm Harbor

Paradise Dance Festival 2012

Thursday, October 4, 2012
1:00 PM - Monday, October 8, 2012 at 4:00 PM (EDT)
Palm Harbor, FL

This looks like a mini-dance congress here in Palm Harbor

"The biggest Latin Dance Vacation"

Bachata / Salsa / Kizomba / Chacha
Dancing / Beach Parties / Games / Shows

Instructors & Performers

Headliners
Alien Ramirez (LA)
Edwin Rivera (LA)
Jo Quinones (LA)
Yasert Ortega (San Francisco)
Damaris Ortiz (San Francisco)
Vince Torres (LA)
Nery & Giana (Ft. Myers)
Christian Sola (Orlando)
Marina Orlava (Orlando)
Salsa Synergy (Orlando)
Sensual Bachata (Orlando)
Unique Dance Team (Orlando)
Richard Ortiz (Orlando)
Latin Rhythm (Orlando)
Hotspot Dance Company (Miami)
Sonia Rivera (Tampa)
Christopher Bady (Jacksonville)
Casa Salsa (Miami)
Salsa Caliente Semi-Pro (Tampa)
Ritmo Urbano (Tampa)
Frankie Agosto (Orlando)
Salsa Caliente Pro Team (Tampa)

Featured DJ’s
DJ Skip Lopes (Charlotte)
DJ Suavebeats (Jacksonville)

For more info check out their site at

http://www.paradisedancefestival.com

Salsa Celebration Labor Day Style at the Pier

This looks like it'll be a good event, salsa dancing at the Pier in St. Pete.  A good way to end the holiday weekend.

Fall Salsa Celebration @ the St. Pete Pier

Salsa, Merengue, Bachata y Mas!

Your Host: Greg "DJ Muevete" Richardson

5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Another FREE, Family-Friendly Latin Event brought to you by B.A.I.L.E.

St Petersburg Pier
800 Second Avenue N.E.
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701

Salsa and Bachata Congress in Tampa, Sept 2012

September 6 through 9th, 2012

If you ever have a chance to check out a salsa congress, then you should do it!  There are so many great performances and instructors from different parts of the country converging in one location. And they all have one thing in common:  they love to dance!  It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

You can read about my previous blog post about the salsa cruise review, which is basically a salsa congress at sea that I did last year.

Here is info about the upcoming salsa / bachata congress in Tampa

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive
Tampa, FL 33607

Call 1-888-421-1442
Mention Int. Salsa Bachata Congress for discounted room rate of $119.00.

Starring

Yamulee
Troy & Jorjet
Victor and Burju
Ataca & La Alemana
Carlos & Arlette
Bachata All-Stars
Jayson Molina

Salsa Congress Event Schedule

THURSDAY
Official Opening Party of the 2011 ISBC
Music by our Renowned DJ's with Social Dancing till 2:00am

8:00pm: Registration Desk Opens
9:00pm - 2:00am: ISBC Official Opening Party

FRIDAY
Day one of the 2011 ISBC. Workshops with Master Instructors and Performances by Local and Internationally recognized Dance Troupes and Social Dancing with Live Music.

9:00am: Registration Desk Opens
10:00am - 5:00pm: Workshops
12:00 Noon - 5:00pm: Poolside Dancing with DJs
5:00pm - 6:30: Tech Rehearsals
8:00pm: Ballroom doors open
9:00pm - 10:30: Dance Showcases (will start promptly)
10:30pm - 4:00am: General Dancing

SATURDAY
Day two of the 2011 ISBC. More Workshops with Master Instructors, Performances by Local and Internationally recognized Dance Troupes, and Social Dancing with Live Music.

9:00am: Registration Desk Opens
10:00am - 5:00pm: Workshops
12:00 Noon - 5:00pm: Poolside Dancing with DJs
5:00pm - 6:30: Tech Rehearsals
8:00pm: Ballroom doors open
9:00pm - 10:30: Dance Showcases (will start promptly)
Midnight - 1am: Migz Performing Live
1:00am - 4:00am: General Dancing

SUNDAY
Day three of the 2011 ISBC. More Workshops with Master Instructors and Performances by Local and Internationally recognized Dance Troupes.

10:00am: Registration Desk Opens
11:00am - 2:00pm: Workshops
1:00pm - 5:00pm: Official ISBC Pool Party
9:00pm - 10:30: Dance Showcases (will start promptly)
10:30pm - 3:00am: General Dancing with live music by SON SALVAJE.

This looks like it’ll be a great event!

Salsa Dancing at Centro Asturiano, Salsa Caliente 12th Anniversary

Please join us and dancers from all over Florida on Saturday August 18, 2012 to celebrate our 12th birthday!

We're kicking off the festivities with some incredible workshops taught by international instructor, performer, and choreographer Lee Rios from San Antonio, Texas!

Lee has studied, taught, and performed Salsa as well as many other traditional Latin dances for over 20 years. He is the founder and director of Semeneya Dance Company in San Antonio, Texas.  Lee has been a featured artist at numerous national and international events.  He has had the privilege of teaching and performing in many foreign countries, including the Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Curacao, France, India, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Russia, and the United Kingdom.  He is known for his playful manner of teaching, unique turn patterns, creative choreography, and his ability to light up a crowd with his famous “improv acting” skills.

2-3pm
Salsa Partnerwork

3-4pm
Spinning
4-5pm
Pachanga

The workshops will be held at Atelier of Dance, 1110 W. Platt St. in South Tampa (just east of Willow in the Yogani building).

Later that night, Tampa's biggest social of the year will be held at the Centro Asturiano ballroom!  It's an absolutely incredible venue - tons of space, wood floor, ICE COLD A/C (seriously, bring a jacket!), plenty of free parking, and a full bar!

8:45pm Doors open

9pm
Bachata class with Lee Rios

10pm-2am
Social dancing with DJ Rob Fernandez (Orlando)

11:30pm

Performances by:
Lee Rios (San Antonio, TX)
Marcos & Josbell (Gainesville)
Latin Forte (Salsa Caliente Pro Team)
Plus a few special surprises!

While you're there, be sure to check out our incredible vendors!  Dazzlin' Designs specializes in blinged-out shirts, and Tampa Dancewear offers Gabellini and Ballo dance shoes at fantastic prices!  Both accept cash and credit/debit cards.  And as always, The Scene Media will be in the house taking photos, so dress to impress!

Prices

Social Only
$12 In Advance
$15 At the door

1 workshop
$12 In Advance
$15 At the door

2 workshops
$22 In Advance
$27 At the door

3 workshops
$30 In Advance
$36 At the door

*Add the social for only $10 if you take any workshop!

**Must purchase by 11:59pm on Thursday 8/16 to get advance price.  Buy your tickets in class or on the Events page of our website.

All ages are welcome, but you must be at least 21 with ID to purchase or consume alcohol.  The Centro Asturiano is located at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave. (at the corner of Palm & Nebraska in Ybor City).  Hope to see you there!

Monday Salsa at the Pier in St. Pete

I just found out about an interesting event for MONDAYS at the St. Pete Pier

Beginning August 6, 2012
Salsa, Merengue, Bachata y Mas!

Held OUTDOORS in the Pier Courtyard
Hosted by: Jonny Reno's

from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Intro to Salsa Group Class @ 7:30 p.m.

No Cover Charge

The Pier is located at
800 Second Avenue N.E.,
Saint Petersburg, FL.
(727) 821-6443

Salsa dancing at Centro Asturiano, Salsa Caliente

Join us and dancers from all over Florida for our next monthly social at the Centro Asturiano!  It's an absolutely incredible venue - tons of space to dance, wood floor, ICE COLD A/C (seriously, bring a jacket), plenty of free parking, and a full bar!   As always, we will have a professional photographer, so dress to impress!

This month, we're featuring international instructor, performer, and choreographer Joby Brava.  A pioneer of LA-style salsa, Joby co-founded the first salsa dance company in California, Salsa Brava, in 1994.   In addition to salsa, her dance training encompasses modern, jazz, ballet and hip-hop.   In her 19 years of experience, she has traveled to over 40 different countries, trained some of the best salsa dancers in the world, and worked with well-known artists in videos, movies, television, film, and stage shows.   Now as Joby ‘Brava’ Productions, she offers electrifying choreography, hot but easy dance instruction, salsa career training & consulting, and 8 instructional DVDs.

Last but not least, don't forget about our incredible vendors!  Dazzlin' Designs specializes in blinged-out shirts, and Tampa Dancewear offers Gabellini and Ballo dance shoes at fantastic prices!  Both accept cash and credit/debit cards.

July Noches de Salsa Caliente social

When:Friday July 27, 2012
9pm - 2am

Where: Centro Asturiano

1913 N. Nebraska Ave.
(corner of Palm & Nebraska in Ybor City)

Cost: $10 (includes class)

Schedule:
8:45pm
Doors open

9pm - Footwork & Styling class with Joby Brava (LA)
10pm-2am -Social dancing with DJ Jonathan Otero

11:30pm -Performances by:
Joby Brava (LA)
Salsa Caliente Semi-Pro Team (Tampa)

Gino's Italian Restaurant Review, Tampa, Florida

Review of Gino's Italian Restaurant and Bar


A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of reaquainting myself with a nice Italian restaurant located in north Tampa.

Here is the address

Gino's Restaurant and Bar
10006 N. Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 933-1089

I came here one time about 10 years ago after one of the famous full-moon skates in Tampa with a bunch of friends of mine.  And soon as I walked in I remembered that I had the Mussels Fra Diavolo as a late night appetizer.  It's amazing what you can remember once you jog your memory a bit.

And I remembered it being good, so this time I tried the Seafood Fra Diavolo as a main course.  It is mussels, shrimp and scallops served over linguine with a nice and spicy red sauce.  And there is plenty of sauce that is left over that can be mopped up with the bread.

The entrees will come with some garlic bread that is warm and oozing with butter and garlic.  They even brought out more once we devoured our original basket.

The salad comes with a nice homemade, vinigarette sauce that was a little on the sweet and tangy side, but good.

The red '"fra diavolo" sauce was perfectly spicy, not too overpowering, but it had a nice kick.  Fra Diavolo means "By the Devil" in Italian to signify spicy dishes.  It was exactly as I remembered it from about 10 years ago, which is amazing that it was so consistent.  My only complaint is that the linguine should have been a little more "Al Dente" which is my personal preference (and how most Italians are taught to eat their pasta growing up), and the scallops could have been a little better quality, but other than that, it was great.

Picture of the Seafood Fra Diavolo - the restaurant review continues after the pic

Beer and Wine

They have a nice beer and wine selction, of course, I had a nice glass of Chianti with my meal which goes perfectly with the fra diavolo sauce, although it is not typically paired with any type of seafood.

Service at Gino's Restaurant

The service was very good, you can tell that they are well-trained and attentive.  The front staff was even very accomodating as we had to change the number in our party at the last minute.

Prices

Here is what they have on the menu:

House specialties ($12 - $20 range)
They have meatloaf which I want to try next time, along with Eggplant Parmesan and Steak Marsala, etc.

Pastas ($10 - $16 range)
Baked Ziti, Ravioli, Gnocchi, etc.

Seafood ($16 - $22 range)
Seafood Pasta, Grouper Picata, Shrimp Scampi, etc.

Chicken / Veal  ($16 - $18 range)
Picata, Marsala, Parmigiana, etc.

They also have Burgers, Sanwiches and Wraps.

It is a nice Italian restaurant / bar / good place for a date, or to go with a group of friends, or go after work.  You can even sit at the bar.  It has a nice bar-look to the place with wooden decor.  They even had the Rays game on TV.

They are open for lunch and dinner.

Dessert - Cannoli!

For dessert, I had the cannoli, which was awesome, the mixture of ricotta and sugar was perfect, the cream was nice and airy and the shell was nice and crispy, and it was beautifully presented.  This was on par with cannolis that I've had in New York and Italy.

I definitely have to come back to this place, and not have it be another 10 years.

[Picture of the Cannoli - as you can see it was delicious!]

Salsa Caliente, 1 year anniversary at Centro Asturiano

Saturday night salsa dancing in Tampa
When:  Saturday, June 9th, 2012

This looks like it will be a lot of fun!

Please join us THIS SATURDAY as we celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of our Noches de Salsa Caliente monthly socials at the Centro Asturiano!  It's an absolutely incredible venue - tons of space to dance, wood floor, ICE COLD A/C (seriously, bring a jacket), plenty of free parking, and a full bar!

This month, we're featuring international instructor, performer, and choreographer Jerome Ramos.  Originally from New York, Jerome's dance training encompasses African, Cuban Rumba (Yambu, Colombia, Guaguanco), Salsa/Mambo on 1 and 2, Cha Cha, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Lyrical, Jazz, Ballroom and Hip Hop.  He was a student of Eddie Torres for 20 years and one of the original members of David Melendez’s HeartBreak Boyz.  Later, he had the privilege of performing with the world-renowned Abakua Dance Company directed by Frankie Martinez.  He currently teaches and performs all over the world.

We'll also be celebrating Erika's birthday tonight, and as always, The Scene Media will be in the house taking photos, so dress to impress!

Last but not least, don't forget about our incredible vendors!  Dazzlin' Designs specializes in blinged-out shirts, and Tampa Dancewear offers Gabellini and Ballo dance shoes at fantastic prices!  Both accept cash and credit/debit cards.

Salsa workshop in Tampa with Jerome Ramos

Please note this workshop has been rescheduled to June 9th!

Salsa workshops in Tampa - June 2nd, 2012 - June 9th - This looks like it'll be really worth checking out!

Salsa Caliente Dance Studio is hosting some salsa workshops with international instructor, performer, and choreographer Jerome Ramos on Saturday June 2 at Atelier of Dance, 1110 W. Platt St. in South Tampa.

Originally from New York, Jerome's dance training encompasses African, Cuban Rumba (Yambu, Colombia, Guaguanco), Salsa/Mambo on 1 and 2, Cha Cha, Boogaloo, Pachanga, Lyrical, Jazz, Ballroom and Hip Hop.  He was a student of Eddie Torres for 20 years and one of the original members of David Melendez’s HeartBreak Boyz.  Later, he had the privilege of performing with the world-renowned Abakua Dance Company directed by Frankie Martinez.  He currently teaches and performs all over the world.

Here is a video of him with Melissa Rosado at Mambo Mayhem, Club Roses, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 11 March 2011



2:30-3:30pm
Body Movement & Isolations

This class teaches both men and women of all levels how to be more aware of their body movement and how to apply this movement in their dancing. Students will learn how to isolate different parts of their body and how to combine these movements into a combination done to music. The class will begin with an in depth body movement warm-up consisting of head, shoulder, rib cage, and hip isolations, followed by a detailed explanation of how to technically execute head whips, body rolls, hip rolls, and combinations of these movements. Jerome then provides specific examples of how and when to apply these movements and isolations in shines and partnering and provides the accurate timing and counts for each movement.

3:45-4:45pm
Spinning Technique

This class offers men and women the foundation to execute spins accurately and consistently with grace and style. This workshop is excellent for anyone that wants to improve their technique and balance while spinning and dancing.  The class begins with a detailed explanation of how to find your “center” and then progresses to a description of the concept of “spotting” for both stationary and traveling turns.  Additionally, Jerome places emphasis on the lead and follow of spinning, which consists of finger technique, arm placement, and tension levels.  Students will develop a greater awareness of their body and learn the intricacies of spinning, controlling momentum, and stopping.

5:00-6:00pm
Mambo Musicality

This class teaches all levels of dancers how to read the rhythmical patterns and structure of a song and how to create movement that best suits the music.  This is an excellent class for anyone that wants to be more creative and musical in their social dancing and on stage.

Pricing

In advance
1 class $12
2 classes $22
3 classes $30

At the door
1 class $15
2 classes $27
3 classes $36

My friend Greg just let me know of an event that looks pretty good for Memorial Day.

Salsa Dancing at St. Pete Pier

Monday, May 28, 2012
5:00pm until 9:00pm
Salsa, Merengue, Bachata y Mas!

Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th
from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Unfortunately, the St. Pete Pier is being torn down in 2013, so this will be the last Memorial Day Summer Celebration @ the current Pier. If you have attended in the past, please return to celebrate this event, if you are just learning about this event, you do not want to miss it.

Dancers from all over Tampa Bay attend this event and dance together (the way it should be), so it doesn't matter where you learned to dance, just come out to the St. Pete Pier and have fun.

Meet Your friends and make new ones!

A FREE, Family-Friendly Event brought to you by Bay Area International Latin Events (B.A.I.L.E.)

I just found out about a new Latin night in Tampa for Wednesday nights.

Hopefully this will be around for a while, it sounds pretty good: Every Wedsnesday A Night Of Extravagance @AjA Channelside In DownTown TAMPA, FL

AjA's Own DJ PAPI spinning the hottest in Latin Flavor.

Doos Open At 9pm...FREE, YEA! WE SAID FREE LATIN DANCE LESSONS (bachata,salsa, merengue and lots more) FROM 9p-10p. Provided BY DANCIN' MOTION.

Ladies $5-DRINK FREE Til 11pm Gents- $10 All Night Drink Specials GROUPS OF 10 WOMEN GETS FREE BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE!

AJA Channelside
290 South Meridian
Tampa, FL 33602

Troy Anthony, an excellent salsa dancer, will be teaching at the Simone Practica DROP IN on MAY 11.

He also will be doing some workshops that weekend.

I took a workshop with him many years ago, I like his style.

He is from New Orleans, and then I think he moved after the hurricane.  Glad to know he is still doing salsa.

Below is the salsa, bachata and workshop schedule at the Town and Country location in Tampa.

Saturday May 12 Workshops:

- Salsa Shines + Figures part A - 11:00 am $15
- Bachata Shines + Figures part A - 12:15 pm $15
- Cha Cha Cha Shines + Figures part A - 2:30 pm $15
- Bachata Shines + Figures part B - 3:45 pm $15

Sunday May 13 Workshops:
- Cha Cha Cha Shines + Figures part B - 11:00 am $15
- Salsa Shines + Figures part B - 12:30 pm $15

Prices:
1 class: $15
4 classes: $55
6 classes: $80

Fuego En El 813 May Salsa Social

Fuego En El 813'S Home Is At The Beautiful Arthur Murray Studio Of Tampa
Located On South Macdill In The Hyde Park Area.


What: Fuego en el 813 - Salsa Social

When: Friday, May 4, 2012 9:00 PM

Where:
Arthur Murray Tampa Dance Studio
3217b South MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629ess
Tampa, FL

The Arthur Murray Studio Has A 6,000 Sq Ft Dance Floor With An Ice Cold Air Conditioner!

Dj Watusi Will Be Playing The Best Salsa, Bachata And Cha Cha

The Sassy Salsera Will Be In The House With Her Fuego Specials

The Scene Media Will Be In The House Taking Some Of The Best Pictures!

You Will Not Want To Miss This Social!

Performances: Euro Pilates Ladies Shine Team
Los Toreros Bachateros / University of South Florida

Plenty Of Parking In The Plaza Where The Arthur Murray Studio Is Located
Cover $10 / Free Workshop + Free Sangria Cup

Workshop Provided By: Karel Perez / Afro-Cuban Workshop

History of Salsa Dancing Video, part I

Here is an interesting video that I saw on facebook, from youtube, regarding the history of salsa music.

FICS grand re-opening of the multi-cultural in Tampa

Tampa, FL: Please join us for a wonderful one-of-a kind celebration combining two events: the tenth anniversary of the Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS) and our Grand Re-Opening of the FICS Multicultural Family Center on Friday April 27, 2012 from 4-8 PM. To add spice to our day, we have invited our Prodigy students to hold their quarterly showcase at the Grand Re-Opening. Get ready for some awesome breakdance, capoeira, drums and art. The press and public are invited to see first-hand how talented our many youth (and adults) are through the lens of Friendship. Speaking of friendship, our wonderful DJ Diamond Notes will be DJing and helping MC the event.

We are especially excited about our Proclamation and ribbon cutting ceremonies, taking place between 4:30 and 5:30 PM. Please support our donors who helped to make this day possible: Mr. Pablo Sierra and family, LazyDays Employee Foundation and Lowe’s Foundation. Our local community has been generous with donations for food and silent auction materials: Big Cat Rescue, Improv Comedy Club, Chili’s Restaurant, Starbucks, Target and Wal-Mart!

Space is still available for vendors. Call us at 813.249.8100 for more information or stop by FICS Multicultural Family, 6704 Hanley Road, Tampa FL 33634.

The Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS) has functioned for ten years as a statewide non-profit organization working within communities to plan and create better futures. Our programming serves over two thousand people annually, ages seven to seventeen and adults. In addition to outreach services, FICS Multicultural Family Center is centrally located and offers an array of programs, mentoring/tutoring, computer access, HIV/AIDS testing, English, Spanish and Italian classes and much more. Volunteers are always welcome. Visit us at www.ficsinc.org.
--
Alayne Unterberger, PhD Florida Institute for Community Studies (FICS) PO Box 16745 Tampa FL 33687 813.249.8100 Community. Activism. Research. Education.

3rd annual ChilLounge in Tampa, this Saturday

This looks like a great event, I've always wanted to go, the annual Chillounge in Tampa, which will be at Curtis Hixon Park, with a fashion show and live music.

Victor Manuelle at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Viva La Music

Victor Manuelle, the extremely talented Salsa Musician will be back in Tampa, this time at the Viva la Musica Festival at Busch Gardens this Saturday, April 15, 2012.

His career started in 1993 and has launched nineteen albums since his debut, and is one of the top performers in the industry, along with Marc Anthony.

Manuelle is no stranger to Tampa, below is a video (Si Tu Me Besas) during this past holiday season when he did a charity concert for St. Jude's Children Hospital at the Ritz.

Thursday night Latin Dancing in Tampa, Straz Center

David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
formerly Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center,
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL

Thursday Latin Night Series at the Straz Center, Tampa, Florida

Thursday, APRIL 19

Featuring Live music with Nalisio & Son Salvaje Latin Band
30 min dance lesson with Simone Salsa.
2 DJ's! Dj Louis & Dj Pedro together to keep you on the dance floor!
$15 at the door.
$10 for Simone Salsa Students and Friends
Tickets at the door

Once a month on a Thursday night from 8:00pm until 1:00am. 5 hours of dancing and a good night sleep!