Keeping the Music ALIVE! Celebrating 10 Years of Salsa “AfterWork” & the 5th Year Anniversary of Salsa Monday’s at Taj Lounge
By Natalie J. Maniscalco & Photo by Chasi Annexy
“What's important is to keep the Salsa music alive in New York City,” says Henry Knowles, a world class Latin DJ, manager of Grammy Nominated New Swing Sextet and creator of the Salsa “AfterWork” concept.
Marking 10 years of the inception of after work salsa parties, Henry Knowles in collaboration with Izzy Rodriguez at the time, originally started their Latin parties at Hush, a small venue on West 19th Street. After becoming an instant success, the trend took off and even Frankie Martinez was brought in as the weekly instructor for free salsa lessons. A year into the making, the venue was sold, but the party was moved to El Flamingo on West 21st Street where it lasted for four years, becoming one of the hottest Salsa AfterWork parties in New York City. “People cried when it closed,” says Henry. Not only was it a place for dancers to let loose after a day’s work, but El Flamingo offered talented bands and artists including Johnny Pacheco, Papo Lucca, Andy Montañez, Lebron Brothers, Johnny Colon, Spanish Harlem Orchestra with Ruben Blades, New Swing Sextet, Domingo Quiñones, and many more a home for LIVE music performances.
In July of 2005, the building was sold and a new venue was in need to carry on the tradition of LIVE music and Salsa AfterWork parties. “After El Flamingo closed, I had a difficult time finding the perfect place to move the party to. Finally I walked into Taj one night and instantly fell in love with the venue,” he says. “On Monday, April 25, 2006, we had the grand re-opening of Salsa AfterWork Mondays at Taj Lounge and after some time, Talia and Mike partnered up with me to help with promotions. Since then, the party has once again become the hottest AfterWork salsa party in NYC, including one of TimeOut NY's top NYC parties.”
Now, in its 5th year, a collaboration of artists, dancers, performances, and LIVE music will celebrate yet another amazing moment in New York City Salsa. In addition, SALSEEK, who recently featured world renowned dancer Talia Castro-Pozo with photos shot in Time Square by photographer Chasi Annexy, will help ring in the celebration with Henry Knowles, Talia Castro-Pozo and Mike Pena, along with two-time Grammy Award winning artist Willy Torres & Willy’s NYC Salsa Project. This electrifying party will also include special guests Ray De La Paz, Herman Olivera, Jimmy Bosch, Frankie Morales, Cheo Medina, New Swing Sextet, and spectacular dance performances by Frankie Martinez & Abakua Dance Company and a new routine by Talia and Lee. DJ's Henry Knowles, Louie Love, DJ Woody, David Sala & DJ Eric will be spinning the best of Salsa & Latin dance music all night.
Event details:
Monday, April 11th
Taj Lounge on 48 West 21st Street
Doors Open @ 5PM
Dance Performances @ 10:30pm
FREE beginner salsa Lesson with Talia @ 6:30pm
*Admission $8 before 7pm/$12 after (except special events)
*$8 Mojitos & $6 Coronas
*Reduced Dining Menu on Monday Nights
Restaurant Open until 10:30pm. For dinner reservation call Taj 212-620-3033
*21 & Over - ID Required
For More Info Call/Text:
914.316.3222 Henry / 917.620.3109 Talia or 646.418.6291 Mike
Produced by:
Henry Knowles in association with Talia Castro-Pozo & Mike Peña
For more info visit: www.tajmondays.com
To view Talia’s article and photos click: http://www.salseek.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=218:from-peru-to-the-big-apple-talia-castro-pozo-takes-on-the-world
