From Indy to Cancun - Salseros/as Anywhere
by Maby Velez
posted January 23, 2007

Saludos from Cancun, Mexico!

It was proven, one more time, that music has no boundaries, especially, our Salsa! Distance was not an obstacle at all to join some Salseros/as from Indy here in this amazing Paradise called Cancun, where we have found everything. And, as you might guess, Salsa, our passion, was not the exception.

Jesus and I, on our second day in Cancun, did our research and found two Salsa Clubs with live music. Both places offered a very unique ambience, very classic and in some ways both places remind us of our Indy Salsa clubs. One of them in particular caught our attention not only because of its name "Azucar" but, also the music played: pure Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. This place, in the "Centro Hotelero" (Hotels Area) has live music from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. and it charges $15 per person. And, like in some of our Indy clubs where we have our Salsa Parties, this place has free lessons from 10:30 to 11:00 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. The group "Swin Tropical," from Dominican Republic , which played when we went dancing is really good. We asked for Bachata (Obsession) and they played it for us. One of the singers/dancers dedicated it to "mi amiga Puertorriquena y su acompanante". What a sweet detail!

The other place "Sabor Latino" (like one of our former Indy groups) was also a great choice! This place, closer to the Cancun downtown area than "Azucar", has live music too but, from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. This place offers several interesting deals: no cover from 10:00 P.M. to 11 or 12 depending on the day of the week; $6 for ladies and $8 for you guys after 10:00 P.M., or $12 per person with open bar (national drinks only) from 10 to 2:00 A.M.; and no cover at all on Wednesday. The group/band "Cubano" that played when we went dancing on Wednesday, January 10th, compares greatly with "Swin Tropical". The group's lead singer has little to fear from our Puerto Rican salsero Marc Anthony! What a voice!

Another option was a place called "Mambo Cafe" but, we did not have the time to go dancing (maybe, next time). The last one "Bachata Tropical" was closed due to the impact of the hurricane that for three days devastated this place, a year ago.

To make this trip even more exciting and unique, we had the opportunity (we meant, Privilege) to join Larry, Carol, and their Yoga friends at their hotel last night (January 7th). They had daily yoga classes under a palapa next to a lagoon. When we caught up with each other, the yoga bliss had spilled over into salsa bliss. We found them dancing to live music under a palapa. So, of course, we all danced, we ate, we talked, and we took pictures for you to enjoy (not to be jealous at all, please). Based on our recommendation, Larry and his crew visited "Azucar" on Saturday, January 13th, and this is what he said: "We went to Azucar last night and it was wonderful. Beautiful place, awesome salsa videos on big screen, spectacular lighting and dance floor but the band...my goodness...an eleven piece band that must have been from salsa heaven! We were blown away."

One thing that was always present was our Friends in our Indy Salsa Community. In the clubs, we observed a few good dancers, who reminded us of some of you. Some dancers look, in their dancing style, like Erin, Barbara, Bensu, Marques, Mathias, and others. It is interesting to know that no matter where we are these images are a part of that experience. And, for that we are grateful and proud!

See you in January at the Red Room and the Vault (meaning me, since "in the name of Jesus", our Jesus has to stay in Paradise for a while).

Love you all, Que Viva la Salsa!


Jesus and Maby in Mexico City