Salseros Dance Company of Eugene will host its first ever festival dedicated to salsa dance this weekend, offering salsa workshops and live performances. With an exciting lineup and several opportunities for beginners to get hooked on this lively, cultural dance, the Eugene Salsa Festival may become a staple in Eugene for years to come.
Salsa music derives from the music of Cuba and salsa dance became popular in New York in the 1960s and ’70s by Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Today both salsa music and dance contain many styles, including Casino style, New York style and Los Angeles style.
The festival kicks off Friday with an hour-long evening lesson for beginners, followed by performances and live music from salsa band Pura Vida, who will play until 2:30 a.m. Saturday begins early, with registration for workshops opening at 8 a.m. and various workshops going until 5 p.m. Workshops include Zumba, Afro-Cuban rumba, beginning salsa, footwork and partnering, Pachanga and intermediate and advanced salsa, all taught by various professional dancers. Saturday evening will offer performances and live music from Seattle-based salsa band Carlos Cascante Y Su Tumbao. Sunday finishes off with various workshops, including a beginners’ bootcamp. The weekend’s salsa performers come from all over the West Coast and include world champion salsa dancers John Narvaez and Liz Rojas.
The festival price is based on events with tickets ranging from $20-$130.
In Eugene
On Campus
Feb. 22 The Main Event, LGBTQA’s Annual Drag Show: Get ready for a night featuring fabulous drag kings and queens, EMU Ballroom (1228 University St.), tickets $2 students, $3 non-students, 6-8 p.m.
Feb. 21-22 “Horrors of Spider Island”: Check out this student-directed and produced short play, based on a 1960 German film, Pocket Playhouse, 102 Villard Hall, free admission, $1 suggested donation, 5 p.m.
Off Campus
Feb. 21-23 First Annual Eugene Salsa Festival, The Vets Club Building (1626 Willamette St.)
Feb. 21 DJsiah, Rootdown, Caleb & Soul: Enjoy a night of different feel-good music, from neo-reggae pop-rock to Eugene-based singer-songwriters, also joined by Jackson Michelson, Little Rascalz, Levi Bagge, Ryan Smith and Benjamin, McDonald Theatre (1010 Willamette St.), tickets $12 in advance, $15 day of show, 8 p.m.
Feb. 21 Eleni Mandell: See this singer-songwriter, along with indie folk artist Vikesh Kapoor, Sam Bond’s Garage (407 Blair Blvd.), $8, 9 p.m.
Feb. 22 Foreverland, A Tribute to Michael Jackson: This 14-piece orchestra celebrates the king of pop’s legacy, WOW Hall (291 W. Eighth Ave.), tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door, 8 p.m.
Feb. 21-23 Evergreen Tattoo Invitational: See the work of some of the country’s best tattoo artists while enjoying food, drinks and music, Willamalane Center for Sports and Recreation (250 S. 32nd St. Springfield), $10 one-day pass, $25 three-day pass, Friday 12 – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
In Portland
Feb. 21-23 “Aida”: See Elton John’s contemporary rock musical about a Nubian princess and Egyptian soldier, Brunish Theatre (1111 SW Broadway St.), $35.25-$46.25, Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
Feb. 21-22 Comedy Sportz: Enjoy family-friendly competitive improv, ComedySportz (1963 NW Kearney St.), $15, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Feb. 21 Ron Steen Trio ArtBar Jam Session: Participate in or watch an open jam session — part of the Portland Jazz Festival — which includes several jazz artists performing all over Portland from Feb. 21-Feb. 23, ArtBar & Bistro (1111 SW Broadway at Main St.), free admission, 11 p.m.
Feb. 22 The English Beat with The Sentiments: See one of the coolest rock, pop, ska British bands of the late 1970s and ’80s with Portland-based The Sentiments, Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St.), $20 in advance, $23 at the door. 21 and over, 9 p.m.
Feb. 23 Dune Rats, Landlines, Sad Horse: Check out Australian “stoner pop” band Dune Rats, soulful Landlines and PDX rockers Sad Horse, Mississippi Studios (3939 Mississippi St.), $10 in advance, $12 day of show, 9 p.m.
Feb. 23 Diabolical Experiments: This improve jam session features improvers from all over Portland on one stage. Stick around afterward for a free informal performance from current Brody students, Brody Theater (16 NW Broadway St.), $5, 7 p.m.