The Heat Wave Returns to Chicago February 2003
The Chicago World Salsa Congress Showcases Chicago's Roots to
the Latin Dance Craze
Chicago, IL - November 24, 2002
- "There are salsa congresses
in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, even Detroit, so
why is so little known about Chicago's "original" connection
to the first Latin Dance Craze during the Latin Jazz era?"
"THE HEAT WAVE RETURNS" is the theme
of the 2003 Chicago World Salsa Congress. This is the second annual
Latin Dance Congress to be held in our city. The Chicago World
Salsa Congress is an international event that will take place
February 13-16, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago near the magnificent
Michigan Avenue. Again this year over 40,000 square feet of ballroom
and dance workshop space has been reserved including two separate
ballrooms. One ballroom will have 1,200 theater-style seats from
which to view the fabulous dance performances; some days feature
both an afternoon and evening show. The other ballroom is reserved
exclusively for dancing nightly to exciting, world-class salsa
bands. Headliners playing nightly may include (some confirmed)
as the likes of Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Andy Montanez, Domingo
Quinonez, La Sonora Poncena, Ismael Miranda, Jose Alberto "El
Canario", and Ray de la Paz. The official Congress DJ is
Henry Knowles, a renowned New York DJ formerly of the Copacabana
Club. Top Chicagoland disc jockeys are being invited to be Congress
DJs and play throughout the Congress. Opportunities to try out
new routines and "shines" with time, honored and newly
found dance partners will abound. International and U.S. dance
instructors teaching all levels and styles of Latin dance will
teach over 30 different workshops. In addition, percussion workshops
and discussion panels on salsa, mambo, cha-cha-cha, rumba, bomba,
as well as Latin/Afro-Caribbean historical perspectives in both
English and Spanish are planned.
The Congress' producers continue to take a retrospective look
at the Chicago mambo dance scene from the 50's through the '80s.
Recognition, through the LEGENDS AWARDS will
be given to Chicago dancers, musicians, club owners, DJs and others
who contributed to Chicago's first exciting wave of Latin music
and dance. You will be thrilled at the exciting array of Latin
dance performances and amazed at some of Chicago's very own who
still perform and who helped to shape this industry. The mission
of the Congress is to focus on cultures coming together through
dance exhibition vs competition. The Congress permits one to experience
an array of Latin dance styles by mixing the professional with
the exceptional and the novice with the experience. What better
way to form cultural alliances while having the time of your life?"says
Rosita Ragin, President, Cultural Expressions Productions, Ltd.
On November 24th, the Congress' media launch party took place
to kick off at Cultural Expressions' "Sizzling Mambo"
Sundays, LaMargarita Restaurant, Presidential Towers Atrium, 555
West Madison Street. This group produces 26 "Sizzling Mambo"
Sundays each year.
Cultural Expressions Productions, Ltd, is a multicultural, intergenerational
group that strengthens cross-cultural ties, celebrates the state
of well being and fosters a sense of community through music,
form and dance. The enormous diversity of talent, creativity and
expression within this group provides a wonderful experience for
newcomers and regulars alike. Cultural Expressions Productions,
Ltd. is pleased to produce the second annual Chicago World Salsa
Congress for 2003.
EXPERIENCE THE HEAT WAVE THAT EXCITES THE SENSES
AND MAKES CHICAGO UNFORGETTABLE.
THE CHICAGO SALSA CONGRESS PASS $300 ($375 value)
Includes:
4 nights/3 days of Latin dancing to world class mambo and salsa
bands; Over 30 dance and percussions workshops; 40,000 sq. ft
of ballroom and workshop space; The most spectacular dance presentations
with the world's best international and U.S. performers; Music
by DJs featuring renowned New York DJ Henry Knowles, along with
the top Chicago DJS; Discussion panels on salsa, mambo, cha cha
cha, rumba, bomba and their history (in English and Spanish);
Official gift of the 2003 Chicago Salsa congress; Exciting exhibits
and merchandise, and much much more.
PROMOTIONAL RATE: Passes purchased by December
22, 2002! Full Pass (4 nights 3 days) $225; Weekend Pass (starts
Friday night 3 nights 2 days) $175; Seniors/Students (13 yrs and
older): Full Pass: $200 Weekend Pass: $125 (Identification required).
These prices until December 22, 2002!!!
CONGRESS CLUB PROMOTIONS: Salsa Congress Team Chicago - Pre-event
Promotions Schedule for December (Tentative): Wednesday, December
4th, The Buzz, 308 West Erie, Chicago; Saturday, December 7th,
Reunion, 811 West Lake Street, Chicago; Wednesday, December 11th
Rancho Luna (Diversey and Rockwell), Saturday, December 14th,
Babalu (Jackson and Ashland in Moretti's Restaurant). Get your
questions answered and purchase your Passes at the Promotion table
at the club! Salsa Congress Team Chicago - Sales: Tina Branyon-
ross, Director of Sales and Promotions; Katie Czerwinski, Promotions
Assistant, Adjunct Sales Team: Flavor Productions others will
be authorized SOON! Any questions as to who is AUTHORIZED, please
contact Tina at tinab784@aol.com.
Hotel Accommodations
Hyatt Regency - Chicago - 151 East Wacker Driver, Chicago, IL
USA 1-800-445-1234 Room Rate: $125 per night plus 14.9% tax (single
or double occupancy). Additional occupants: $25 per night (4 max
per room). As for Chicago World Salsa Congress rate. Congress
Travel Packages available through San Juan Star Travel Agency
- 773-862-3500 Ext. 15.
PLEASE NOTE: You will be able to reserve your room after December
10th!!!!
Local Talent Auditions, Global Talent Committee, Vendor Booth
Information
LOCAL TALENT Auditions for the 2nd Annual World Tour Chicago Salsa
Congress 2003. Applications for Congress auditions are being taken
until December 13th. To receive an audition packet and to make
an appointment call Nadya Cortes at (312) 296-3857 or e-mail at
ncortes@flavor- productions.com. There are only five days for
auditions.
GLOBAL TALENT COMMITTEE: Sue Rushford and June
Rivas. Please forward any questions regarding this subject to
Sue Rushford, Rushford@Waltonst.com.
VENDOR BOOTH INFORMATION: Please contact Mark
Scollar - email: marks_time@yahoo.com.
SALSA CONGRESS OPENING NIGHT GALA!!!
On Thursday, February 13, 2003, there will be an Awards Banquet
Reception at 6 pm at the Grand Ballroom at the Navy Pier, 700
East Grand Avenue. The purpose of this banquet is to celebrate
and recognize important contributors to the Chicago World Salsa
Congress. This will be a formal dinner with invited dignitaries
and sponsors. Music provided by the Chicago World Salsa Congress
DJs and Opening Headliner. The costs of the Banquet Tickets are
$65. The Opening performances will begin at 9 pm and your Congress
pass or night ticket will be needed for the opening performance
and concert. Need more information - contact us below!
Rosita Ragin
Chicago World Salsa Congress
Co-Producer
email: simplymambo@msn.com
voice: 312-421-5832
