Salsa at Sunset: The hottest summer night in SC summer series in downtown Greenville – July 14 & August 11

Upstate International kicks off its 4th annual Salsa at Sunset: the Hottest Summer Night in SC, a dynamic three part summer series of live Latin music and dancing this Saturday. The free public event is a community celebration of Latin culture. With over 500 people expected to attend each night, the event will take place at Graham Plaza in front of the Peace Center on Main Street on June 9, July 14 and August 11. Hosted by Upstate International and Pura Alegría Dance Company, each Salsa at Sunset event will feature a live band, a free dance lesson, and hours of fun dancing. There will be a cash bar from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at all three events in Greenville.

Salsa at Sunset provides an opportunity to engage in the arts and experience the joy of cultural music and dance, while at the same time encouraging different communities to participate together. Art, whether it is music, dance, painting or something else, is a universal language. Upstate International and Pura Alegria are delighted to share 3 nights of free music and dance, connecting us with our neighbors, and building a stronger, more accepting community.

The Marcel Portilla Band, led by Marcel Portilla, a highly regarded South American singer/songwriter, will headline the first event on June 9. Originally from Cali, Colombia, Portilla’s goal is to use his music to spread a message of diversity, love, and peace. The band brings great energy and enthusiasm to its fusion of New Latin, Salsa, Tropical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Reggae and original compositions. Our July 14 event will feature the Latin Caravan and, finally, on August 11 Son Del Callao will fill the air with lively Latin music and enrich our shared multi-cultural experience.

Pura Alegría Dance Company will lead a complimentary beginners’ Salsa lesson at the start of each event. Each night the plaza will fill with hundreds of people learning to dance the basic Salsa steps, building community and setting the tone for an exciting family-friendly evening of music and dancing under the evening sky.

Upstate International would not be able to present Salsa at Sunset, an important cultural and educational experience, to the public without support from our presenting sponsors: Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas, the Metropolitan Arts Council, the Graham Foundation and Latino News.

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Founded in 1998, Upstate International is a 501(c)(3) organization that empowers people and businesses of all nations to thrive in the Upstate by connecting them through programs, events and initiatives that foster the dynamic exchange of international cultures and ideas.  www.upstateinternational.org