Salsa on Saint Clair became Salsa on Nathan Phillips Square Tuesday 8 July.
Salsa for Singles' Betty Colon shook it up just a little bit. Salsa and bossa notes hung languidly in the hot summer day when Santerias took the stage. But it was Alex Bello's alluring Bachata that brought it to a boil at Tuesday 8 July's TeleLatinoNetworks - Hillcrest Village Bia's Salsa on Saint Clair media launch.
In 2005, that 100,000+ people converging on several blocks on Saint Clair Avenue West, taking in live Latin Music and Latin American food for the first time shocked TLN and the Hillcrest Village BIA. What energy lurked within Toronto!
2006 and 2007 were wildly successful festivals bringing even more music, people and fun. Salsa on Saint Clair became the destination for a week-end of great fun and outstanding music. People planned trips and holiday time around that magical second week-end in July. Even rain could not keep them away as people danced under umbrellas - their energy driving the rain away!
Salsa on Saint Clair is such a part of Toronto's Latin and Salsa fabric that Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas Street West @ Dufferin is having a Post- Salsa on Saint Clair Saturday 12 July with Cafe Cubano. Steps Studio is having a Post Salsa on Saint Clair Studio Party 8:00pm. Sunday 13 July at their 1643 Dufferin Street - 1/2 block south of Saint Clair West - location.
Fast forward to 2008 as Salsa on Saint Clair expands from mid-town Saint Clair to all of Toronto at Ontario Place Thursday 10 July. through an Ontario Ministry of Tourism advertising grant to TeleLatinoNetworks and Ontario Place, Salsa In Toronto brings a hint of Latin American passion to Lake Ontario's edge. And for the first time there will be a Salsa Competition, with first prize winners taking a trip to Mexico!
Toronto's Mayor Miller proclaimed this second week in July Latin Week for the third year, acknowledging the positive impact Salsa on Saint Clair has on Toronto.
"Salsa on St. Clair has helped to put this neighborhood on the map," said Victor Cappella, Co-Chairman of the Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Association. "We're expecting even bigger things this year with the newly expanded Salsa in Toronto Festival."
"Every year, the feeling of passion and exhilaration is palpable in the air at Salsa on St. Clair, and this year I expect the festival to reach a fever pitch," said Councillor Joe Mihevc, Ward 21, St. Paul's West, one of the festival's founders. "Everyone who comes to Salsa has an unforgettable time celebrating Latin culture with music, dancing and a couple hundred thousand friends. St. Clair Avenue is the perfect backdrop for the festival, with its diversity of people, restaurants and shops."
"In three short years we are on the verge of turning Toronto into the Salsa capital of North America," said John Montesano, TLN Television VP and GM. "This year, Salsa on St. Clair will be transformed into the all new Salsa in Toronto Festival. We are thrilled by the expansion and the festival's growing success."
Toronto's own Laura Fernandez, host of JAZZ 91 Co-Hosts and TLN's Ismael Cala will be Hosting Salsa on Saint Clair for 2008.
CBC Radio 1 (FM99.1)'s Big City Small World, a Salsa On Saint Clair sponsor and supporter since the beginning will be broadcasting live at 5:00pm. Saturday 12 July. Toronto's own Caché is the House Band. A future Podcast on CBC Radio 2 (FM94.1) Canada Live is planned.
Confirmed Salsa Salsa Schools offering free lessons, a place to dance and stage performances include:
Dance to Live's Paula & Jose; Latin Energy on Saturday; Salsa for Singles Betty Colon; and Canada Salsa Congress - Canada's largest Salsa Dance event creator - Steps Dance Studio's Jennifer Aucoin.
Full event details are on SalsaTO's Salsa on Saint Clair Portal
