2022 update – Just announced

Updated July 27, 2022 | On August 2, 2022, Basalsa is back in Basalt! In 2019, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce originally partnered with TACAW, who is now the best suited organization to continue hosting Basalsa, especially with its new home – The Contemporary. TACAW hosted Basalsa in 2021, and we are excited to announce that it is happening again.

The day will have so much going on: food trucks, children’s activities, dance lessons, an afternoon bachata social outside, and an evening social featuring a live band. Oh, and of course, we have terrific partners on this one, too. Thanks to and Mezcla Socials for making this a special day of dance.

All information for Basalsa 2022 will be on the TACAW website: https://tacaw.org/calendar/basalsa-2/

Details about Basalsa 2019

Basalsa = Basalt + Salsa

English | Español

On July 20, 2019, Basalsa came back to Basalt! Originally conceived by Pete McBride in 2008, the original Basalsa events occurred for three years in a row (2008, 2009 and 2010). Nine years later, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce has decided to revive this event showcasing dance, music and food, while bringing our diverse community together.

Basalsa will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2019, from 5–9 p.m. in Lions Park and on Midland Spur in Downtown Basalt. This event is produced in partnership with The Arts Campus At Willits (TACAW) and Mezcla Socials Dance.

El 20 de Julio 2019, Basalsa regresa a Basalt! Originalmente creado por Pete McBride en 2008, el evento original de Basalsa ocurrió por tres años seguidos (2008, 2009 y 2010). Nueve años después, La Camara de Comercio a decidido revivir este evento con un escaparate de baile, música y comida al mismo tiempo uniendo nuestra diversa comunidad.

Basalsa sera el Sabado, 20 de Julio del 2019 de 5-9 p.m. en el parque de Lions Park y en Midland Spur en el pueblo de Basalt. Este evento es producido en asociación con el Centro de Artes en Willits (TACAW) y Mezcla Socials Dance.

Schedule of events | Horario de Eventos

5:00 p.m.	Basalsa begins Basalsa comienza
	Dance lesson: family-focused Clase de Baile: Enfoque Familiar	Salsa with Antonio & Alejandra Salsa con Antonio & Alejandra	Stage and dance floor Escenario y pista de baile
5:30 p.m.	Zumbini Time – Kids’ Zumba La Hora Zumbini – Zumba para niños	Zumba with Veronica Zumba con Veronica	Kids Zone Zona para niños
	Dance lesson: adults Clase de Baile: Adultos	Bachata with Erik & Claudia Bachata con Erik & Claudia	Stage and dance floor Escenario y pista de baile
6:00 p.m.	Mask decorating and flower making Decoración de mascaras y creación de flores	The Art Base (sponsored by the Basalt Educational Foundation) The Art Base (patrocinado por Basalt Educational Foundation)	Kids Zone Zona para niños
6:00 p.m.	Dance lesson: partner focused Clase de Baile: Enfoque de parejas	With Fafa and partner Con Fafa y su pareja	Stage and dance floor Escenario y pista de baile
7:00 p.m.	Band starts Comienza la Banda	Sontres y Orquesta Sontres y Orquesta	Stage and dance floor Escenario y pista de baile
8:30 p.m.	Vendors close cierran lo vendedores		Callejón
9:00 p.m.	Basalsa ends Basalsa Termina
	After parties around town Fiestas de después en varios lugares del pueblo

Download the poster: English [PDF] | Español [PDF] Facebook event

About the venue | Sobre el lugar

Midland Spur and Lions Park – Located near Town Hall in Historic Downtown Basalt.
Midland Spur y Lions Park – Localizado cerca de Town Hall en el historico pueblo de Basalt.

Please leave your animals at home.
Favor de dejar sus mascotas en casa.

Food & Beverage | Comida y Bebida

Basalsa will have a mix of food vendors on site, including Caribbean Fusion, The Whole Empanada, Señor Mango, and Fryingpan Food Truck. Or grab a bite to eat in Downtown Basalt. The Chamber will have a special bar area with beer, wine, and margaritas. Water will also be available. NOTE: No outside alcohol is allowed.

Basalsa tendrá una mezcla de vendedores en el evento, incluyendo Caribbean Fusion, The whole Empanada y Señor Mango). Oh compre algo para botanear en el pueblo de Basalt. La Camara de Comercio tendrá un espacio especial tipo barra con cerveza, vino y margaritas. Habra agua disponible. NOTA: No se permite bebidas de afuera.

Parking | Estacionamiento

As this will be a popular community event, parking may be limited. It is highly recommended that attendees take advantage of walking, biking (including using WE-cycle), using public transit (RFTA) as well as area Park and Rides lots for a more positive experience.

Parking will be available in town, and at the Basalt Middle School.

Bike parking will be available between Town Hall and the Chamber of Commerce red Caboose.

Como esto sera un evento popular en la comunidad, el estacionamiento estará limitado. Le recomendamos a los asistentes a que opten por aprovechar y caminen, anden en bicicleta (incluyendo utilizar We-cycle), que utilicen transporte publico (RFTA) al mismo que estacionarse en los lugares de Park and Rides para tener la experiencia mas positiva.

Habra estacionamientos disponibles en el pueblo, y en la Basalt Middle School.

Habra estacionamiento para las bicis disponible entre Town Hall y la cámara de comercio red Caboose.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners | Agradecemos a nuestros patrocinadores y asociados

The Basalt Chamber of Commerce’s Basalsa would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Town of Basalt, Alpine Bank, Basalt Education Foundation (BEF), Mountain Family Health Center, Active Store – Basalt.

Basalsa de la Cámara de Comercio de Basalt no seria posible sin el apoyo de nuestros patrocinadores: Town of Basalt, Alpine Bank, Basalt Education Foundation (BEF), Mountain Family Health Center, Active Store – Basalt

Basalsa is produced in part by The Arts Campus At Willits (TACAW), a non-profit focused on bringing the performing arts to the midvalley.

Basalsa es producido en parte for El Centro de Artes en Willits (TACAW), una organización sin fines de lucro enfocada en traer las artes a el centro del valle.

After Party | El After Party

The party doesn’t end at 9 p.m. – it just will continue at different restaurants around Downtown Basalt.

Official After Party

Sopris Bar is proud to announce the Official BASALSA 2019 AFTER PARTY AT SOPRIS BAR ~~ We are partnering with The Basalt Chamber of commerce, Mezcla Socials and the Arts Campus at Willits to bring you the best after party yet. Live Music by famous band Sontres and DJ Zafiro from the best Salsa club in Denver “La Rumba”. DJ Zafiro will be spinning tunes of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and more. Tickets giveaway at the BASALSA event in Basalt from 5-9pm, must be present to win!

After party Cover:
Gentlemen $15
Ladies $10

La Fiesta no termina a las 9 p.m. – continuara en diferentes restaurantes en el pueblo de Basalt).

el Basalsa 2019 After Party oficial

Sopris Bar se enorgullece en anunciar el BASALSA 2019 AFTER PARTY oficial en SOPRIS BAR ~~ Nos estamos asociando con la Cámara de Comercio de Basalt, Mezcla Socials y El Arts Campus en Willits para ofrecerte el mejor “After Party” hasta hoy. Música en vivo con la reconocida banda Sontres y DJ Zafiro del mejor club de salsa en Denver “La Rumba”. DJ Zafiro tocará melodías de Salsa, Bachata, Merengue y más. ¡Se regalaran boletos de enterada en el evento BASALSA en el pueblo de Basalt de 5 a 9 pm, deben estar presentes para ganar!

Boletos de entrada:
Caballeros $15
Damas $10

Volunteers | Voluntarios

We will need volunteers to make this event happen. Please consider giving your time to this event as a volunteer.
Sign up here: volunteersignup.org/4MCB3

Instructors | Instructores

MEZCLA SOCIAL DANCE

Many beautiful and positive experiences were created while dancing Salsa and other Latin music. This became the inspiration for offering a space and an opportunity for the community to learn and enjoy dance together, in 2015 Brian and Claudia created Mezcla Socials Dance. Everyone is welcome to join the classes, practices and Socials. Mezcla Socials strives to create an environment that is safe, conducive to dance training and offers opportunities for growing one’s dance skills. The organization supports local artists in the fulfillment of their goals, while at the same time bringing artists from other parts of the country to offer a variety of dance styles, levels and experiences to the Roaring Fork Valley community.

Muchas experiencias hermosas y positivas fueron creadas mientras se bailaba salsa y otra música latina. Esto se convirtió en la inspiración para ofrecer un espacio y una oportunidad para que la comunidad aprendiera y disfrutara bailar juntos, en 2015 Brian y Claudia crearon Mezcla Socials Dance. Todos son bienvenidos a unirse a las clases, prácticas y sociales. Mezcla Socials se esfuerza por crear un ambiente seguro, propicio para el entrenamiento de baile y ofrece oportunidades para desarrollar sus habilidades de baile. La organización apoya a los artistas locales en el cumplimiento de sus objetivos, al tiempo que trae a artistas de otras partes del país para ofrecer una variedad de estilos de baile, niveles y experiencias a la comunidad de Roaring Fork Valley.

LOCAL SALSA INSTRUCTORS

Antonio Arias and Alejandra Munoz – Current students of the choreographer David Muñoz. They study Afro Latin rhythms. Two years of training of Afro Cuban Technique and Body Movement.

Antonio Arias y Alejandra Muñoz- Estudiantes del coreógrafo David Muñoz. Estudian ritmos Afroantillanos. Dos años de entrenamiento Afrocubano Técnica y Body Movement.

LOCAL BACHATA INSTRUCTORS

Erik and Claudia Pena – Ten years of dance experience. They have studied various styles of dance including Bachata, HipHop, Break Dance, Belly Dance and Salsa. They have a love and passion for dance no matter the style. They want to help grow the community of dancers with which they can share their knowledge.

Erik y Claudia Peña – Diez años de experiencia en el baile. Han estudiado varios estilos de baile incluyendo Bachata, HipHop, Break dance, Belly Dance y Salsa. Poseen un amor y pasión por el baile sin importar el estilo. Ellos quieren ayudar a crear la comunidad de bailarines con la cual ellos podrán compartir sus conocimientos.

DENVER SALSA INSTRUCTORS

Fafa Keta-Boy and Amina Bisous – Salsa/Chacha/Bachata/Merengue instructor since August 2000. Taught in Africa/UK/USA Host /Resident Instructor of Latin party at The Church Night Club in Denver 2005-2015. Owner/Host/Resident Instructor of Mambo Soul Fridays at Opal 2009-2014. Instructor at Salsa Central Denver 2005-2018. Owner/Host/Instructor Friday Salsa Con Clave at Vinue Restaurant ’18-current. Salsa DJ 20 years, Wedding/Special Event dance choreographer 09-current.

Fafa Keta-Boy and Amina Bisous – Instructor de Salsa/Chacha/Bachata/Merengue desde agosto del 2000. Dio clases en África/UK/USA como Anfitrión / Instructor en capacitación de Latín party en el Church Night Club 2005-2015. Dueño / Anfitrión / Instructor en capacitación de Mambo Soul Fridays en el Opal en Denver 2009-2014. Instructor en Salsa Central Denver 2005-2018. Dueño / Anfitrión / Instructor de Friday Salsa Con Clave en Vinue Restaurant 2018-actualmente. DJ de Salsa por 20 años, Coreógrafo para bodas y eventos especiales 2009-actualmente.

LOCAL ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR

Verónica Boscherino (Glenwood Springs, CO) – Certified Zumba Instructor since November, 2015 Bilingual (English-Spanish) Legal Translation Course of Studies at the School of Law of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina Verónica grew up in the City of Buenos Aires, where she took salsa dancing lessons in different styles: Salsa on 1, Cuban, Rueda de Casino, and Los Angeles style. For the past 5 years she has been taking many different dance workshops and classes, focusing mostly on Salsa on 2 and Bachata. She has been part of the Afro-Latin Dance Team for the past 2 years: she’s learning choreography and building up her dance and performance skills. Her passion for dancing and sharing it with others ultimately led her to become a Zumba Instructor–something she has done for adults and kids throughout the community, including the Glenwood Springs Community Center, Glenwood Springs Elementary School, and Summer Advantage USA. She has also led “Zumba in the Parks” for the past three summers, and she is currently leading “Zumba Under the Bridge” in Downtown Glenwood Springs.

Verónica Boscherino (Glenwood Springs, CO) – Instructora certificada de Zumba desde noviembre del 2015. Bilingüe (inglés-español) Curso de Traducción Jurídica de Estudios en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Verónica creció en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, donde tomó clases de baile de salsa en diferentes estilos: Salsa on 1, Cuban, Rueda de Casino, y estilo Los Angeles. Durante los últimos 5 años ha estado tomando muchos talleres y clases de danza, enfocándose principalmente en Salsa on 2 y bachata. Ella ha sido parte del equipo de danza afrolatina Afro-Latin Dance Team en los últimos 2 años: ella está aprendiendo coreografía desarrollando sus habilidades de danza y presentación. Su pasión por bailar y compartirlo con otros finalmente la llevó a convertirse en una Instructora de Zumba, algo que ha hecho para adultos y niños en toda la comunidad, incluyendo en lugares como el Glenwood Springs Community Center, Glenwood Springs Elementary School y Summer Advantage USA. También ha dirigido “Zumba en los parques” durante los últimos tres veranos, y actualmente está liderando “Zumba bajo el puente” en el centro de Glenwood Springs.

History of Salsa dancing in the Roaring Fork Valley | La Historia de la Salsa en el Valle de Roaring Fork

The Salsa music was first introduced in the Roaring Fork Valley starting in 1992, when the radio show Latin Collage was the only Latino radio show in the Valley, transmitted by KJAX (Aspen Public Radio). The show’s hosts were Tere and Ricardo Hernandez. In 2000, the duo, playing as DJ Salson, found a home at Jimmy’s Restaurant in Aspen, thanks to its owner Jimmy Jeager. “The Salsa Nights at Jimmy’s” lasted for 10 years.

In 2008, Peter McBride (then a town councilman), in partnership with the Town of Basalt, worked with Tere and Ricardo to create the first version of “Basalsa” – a dance festival focused on Salsa in Basalt, CO. The festival was presented as a street dance for the town for three consecutive years until 2010. (Press coverage: 2008, 2009, 2010)

Today Tere and Ricardo continue to be involved in the Salsa community, having taught salsa dance and other tropical rhythms in the Community Center in Glenwood Springs since 2005, as well as instructing non-credit classes at Colorado Mountain College.

In 2019, following the success of the year prior’s Coco Extravaganza, the Basalt Chamber decided to revive the event with its founder’s blessing. In the words of Pete McBride: “The key is to make a dance party celebration for everyone.” We hope that is what Basalsa will be this year.

Tendremos mas detalles pronto!