Intro Text
The sounds of the Caribbean will permeate the Southeast Minnesota air for two very special days in June as we celebrate the history, artistry, and infectious magic of Salsa dance music! Featuring Salsa del Soul, a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Minnesota Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. The styles of music they perfom include Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Timba, and, of course, Salsa!
The sounds of the Caribbean will permeate the Southeast Minnesota air for two very special days in June as we celebrate the history, artistry, and infectious magic of Salsa dance music! Featuring Salsa del Soul, a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Minnesota Salsa fans. The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. The styles of music they perfom include Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Timba, and, of course, Salsa!
The two-day mini residency will feature a free Pop-Up Mini Concertat the Paramount Theatre in Austin, MN, a free Salsa Music Dance Party, including free Salsa dancing lessons courtesy of Dahl Dance, on the Treasure Island Resort & Casino Stage at Rochesterfest, as well as a pair of Salsa Music Workshops, one focusing on Latin percussion and the other on the Latin horn, to take place in the South Tent of the Rochesterfest festival grounds in Soldier Field Park.
***Tuesday, June 25***
SALSA MUSIC/DANCE WORKSHOPS Rochesterfest Festival Grounds - Soldiers Field Park - South Tent In preparation for the evening’s Salsa Dance Party featuring great live music from Salsa del Soul, members of the band are providing two musical workshops in the afternoon, while Dahl Dance will provide Salsa dance instruction in the evening.
3:00pm – 4:00pm – Latin Percussion/Drumming Workshop.Salsa del Soul’s music director, Shai Hayo will lead a percussion workshop for 10 to 12 area musicians. Participation by invitation only. General public is welcome to observe.
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Latin Horn Workshop.Salsa del Soul’s principal trombonist, Scott Agster will lead a workshop 5 to 10 area musicians. Participation by invitation only. General public is welcome to observe.
5:45pm – 6:30pm – Salsa Dancing Workshop.Dahl Dance presents Salsa Lessons. Come down and learn how to salsa dance from Dahl Dance instructors just before the Salsa Dance Party with Salsa del Soul. Wear comfortable shoes/sneakers and dress accordingly as we’ll be dancing in front of the stage.
Brought to you by the Friends of Riverside Concerts with additional support by the Mayo Clinic. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support Grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
Established in 2010, the Passport Sessions program brings musicians to our local community to highlight a wide variety of cultures and traditions.
Each year, three bands perform for local youth and the community. Youth at Rochester's School Age Child Care (SACC) program are given up-close-and-personal outreach sessions, and we partner with Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA) for fun, free community concerts at Thursdays Downtown.
WHEN
Public concerts at Thursdays Downtown start at 7 p.m.
SACC outreach events are not open to the public.
COST
Passport Sessions concerts at Thursdays Downtown are free and open to the public!
SACC outreach events are free, but not open to the public.
SEATING
Thursdays Downtown is an outdoor festival. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Come early to choose your spot! Seats are not provided.
ITEMS TO BRING
Thursdays Downtown is an outdoor festival in Downtown Rochester. Items to make your experience more comfortable are welcome. Concessions will be available at the event.
CONCESSIONS
Thursdays Downtown features a large variety of local food and beverage vendors. Vendor information is available here.
SURVEYS
Public Music staff will be at the events with surveys. Please help us improve our events by completing one!
WEATHER POLICY
Thursdays Downtown is an outdoor festival, and events may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Please check our event updates page for changes to the Passport Sessions schedule.
THURSDAYS DOWNTOWN
Passport Sessions artists perform free concerts at Thursdays Downtown, an annual outdoor summer festival located in downtown Rochester.
A weekly summer staple of downtown Rochester, Thursdays Downtown combines arts, music, food, and a vendor market into one free community-uniting, block-party-style event.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.