Carrie Lazarus, co-anchor of NewsChannel 9 and Robert Kiltz, MD, founder of CNY Fertility Center and CNY Healing Arts, will introduce Latin cultural icon Tito Puente Jr., when he arrives with his 12-piece jazz band, Saturday, July 28, at the Skaneateles Area Arts Council’s (SKARTS) gala at Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles.
Concert goers will have a unique multi-sensual experience listening to the big band music of internationally acclaimed Puente Jr.; watching dancers perform from La Familia de la Salsa, one of the largest Latin dance organizations in Upstate New York, and joining in themselves to interact on the dance floor and take free salsa lessons during breaks. Vivid hot pink, orange and yellow table settings will enhance the outdoor event, as well as the gourmet menu, prepared by Chris Kuhns, executive chef of the Sherwood Inn.
“I’ve listened to Latin music through the decades; Tito Puente is the father of salsa,” said Brian Bromka, artistic director of La Familia de la Salsa and a graduate of Westhill High School. Bromka and his Latin dance group have performed at the New York State Fair, festivals, colleges and universities all over Upstate New York. La Familia de la Salsa draws interest from people of all ages and nationalities and teaches some 200 people a week such dance steps as salsa, casino, and Rueda de Casino, a Cuban style salsa with a caller.
Tickets for cocktails, dinner and dancing are $125. VIP tickets are $250. Proceeds from the gala support the SKARTS community grants program, as well as fund free concerts and cultural programs presented by SKARTS in Skaneateles. For more information, call Fouad Dietz at 315-685-6655 or go to www.skarts.org.
