Interview with Julián Mejía by Sheila Sampath.
Editor and correspondent - SalsaCasino.com

He’s not just “The Casino Guy”! : An Inside Look at Julián Mejía Everyone knows that I adore Julián and am so grateful he came to Atlanta –now almost 6 years ago. My adoration is in part due to his jovial personality and his everlasting smile on the dance floor but mostly because of his vast knowledge and appreciation of Latin music. Julián’s soul lights up when he is talking, educating, singing or dancing Latin music. …and I for one love seeing that glow.

Julián is very well-respected in the Atlanta Salsa scene because he focuses on dancing with your heart-“have fun” and educating his students on the origins of Latin music. This article is my desire to give Julián some way overdue credit for adding so much to the Atlanta salsa scene. There are times when politics, egos and many other petty things rear their ugly head and get in the way of truly appreciating and enjoying Salsa but Julián is steadfast in his love for this music and is the consummate diplomat—in itself a virtue worth appreciating and writing about.

Here is my interview with Julián and some of my own observations and comments about his influence in the Salsa world:

Julián was born in Colombia in a small city called Manizales-well known for coffee and bullfights. He moved to Bogotá where he grew up with mostly Bolero music until he was a teenager. While a teenager, he began collecting music from such artists as Los Melódicos, Silvio Rodriguez, Pablo Milanés, Orquesta Aragón, Soda Stereo, Charlie García, Pink Floyd….not Salsa artists but “Son”, “Nueva Trova Cubana”, “Rock en Español”, “Classic Rock” as Julián explained to me.

Julián began listening to Salsa music when he was 15 but….. he decided he better start dancing it when his mother said “If you don’t learn how to dance salsa, you will never find a girlfriend”!! Interesting…looks like Julián’s mothers advice is also given to many other boys in the U.S.!

Julián moved to the US in 1993 for 6 months to learn English but ended up staying and completing his MA in Marketing and Advertising in 1996. He continued his studies focusing on Web Site Design and Programming for small to medium businesses. Today, he not only maintains his own web site but supports a variety of different businesses with web site support and programming……..so who knew Julian was a business entrepreneur in addition to being a musician………..ok, back to Julian, the musician!….

He couldn’t dance much while studying but he was collecting and listening to Salsa music during those years. He moved to Miami, began learning Rumba, (Guaguancó) and confirmed his love for the “Afro-Cuban” music as for the “Cuban Son”. He also then realized that music he grew up with was actually Cuban vs. Colombian. By now, he was a confident street dancer and started noticing that the Miami salseros were dancing different from his Colombian street style…….and that is when he fell in love with today’s Cuban music (Timba) and the Casino style of dance. He has been dancing that style ever since… and now has a collection of over 200 cds of Cuban music.

Julián came to Atlanta and in a very short period of time attracted large classes of Casino style Salsa. His personality has been so high energy and positive that one cannot be swept away with his enthusiasm. His web site www.salsacasino.com is a wealth of information not just about what is happening in Atlanta, but about Latin music and entertainers. Julián also sends out on a regular basis, current events or educational “soundbites” regarding Latin Music or Musicians. At any time, he will take the time to explain to the novice or the experienced dancer anything related to the music or origins of Latin culture. Personally, he has educated me beyond what I even thought to ask about this music and culture….and there is so much to learn and appreciate about this music.

His classes continue today to be large and very popular because they get everyone dancing quickly. The instructors and students exude warmth in a way that no one feels left out or new. I have personally attended Julián’s classes both at his studio and at the clubs—the energy level is high and……everyone is smiling just like the leader Julián—always smiling and always having fun. “Fun” is the most common response you will hear when you ask someone about Julián’s classes.

It is a testament to Julián’s desire to touch everyone with his love for this music. In fact, I asked Julián: What would you like to be known for? His answer was “ My love for music”….he continued with his message to Atlanta “ Take time in listening to the music. Be open minded, there is so much music to listen to, not just what the DJ plays at the clubs. Enjoy the music and have fun.”

Julián told me he has always wanted to be a musician beginning way back when he was a child and still now….with aspirations to play the flute and violin. Well, that could explain why he admires the Son and Charanga so much.

Julián, thank you so much for all you have and continue to do for the Salsa scene. You are loved by many and when you do finally give your Flute and/or Violin concert at the FOX!!………….the audience will filled with all those people you have touched….and we will be the ones smiling upon you!

FOR MORE INFO ON JULIÁN:

Studio Classes: Dan & Co. on Sunday evenings 6-9 p.m.—Dunwoody

Clubs: Tongue and Groove-Wednesday’s and The Living Room- Thursday’s

Privates: Contact

For Website Design or Support, please use the email above or contact him at 404-915-6289
Details: www.salsacasino.com