NM: Spicy Sounds of Salsa to Fill the Alvarado Transportation Center Oct. 3

They’ve all resounded through the walkways of the Alvarado Transportation Center at some time; the sounds of bagpipes, mariachi, guitars, country music, even Shakespeare. On Oct. 2, the sounds of Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata and other Latin styles make their debut at First and Central.

That’s when salsa group Calle 66, featuring Jackie Zamora will entertain the noontime crowds at the Alvarado. Soirée Entertainment Dance Company will also feature a dance production in conjunction with the music from noon to 1 p.m. in the fountain area of the Transportation Center.

Calle 66 is a native New Mexican band formed in 2005. They are described as one of Albuquerque’s hottest salsa bands with a unique style and flavor. Besides Zamora as the lead vocalist, the band is composed of pianist Steve Figueroa, trumpeter Paul Gonzales, saxophonist Glenn Kostur, bassist Colin Deuble and percussionists Ricky Carrido and Tomás White. They frequently appear at the Cooperage Restaurant in Albuquerque and at the Albuquerque Museum, as well as events such as Salsa Under the Stars.

Soirée Entertainment Dance Company was founded in 2009 by Emily Dunkin. The troupe’s goal is to fuse different styles of dance and entertainment, including ballroom, ballet, jazz, singing and acting. They accomplish this, they say, because their performers have diverse backgrounds in many forms of entertainment. Soirée has performed at different locations and events around Albuquerque and performers say they continue to collaborate, expand, and grow.

Come experience a performance designed to evoke the Latin music craze of 1950’s New York City, when “Mambo” and “Cha-Cha” were staples of the dance crowds at the old Palladium Dance Hall at 53rd and Broadway.