El Gran Combo Returns to Detroit! Sort of...

There's something about El Gran Combo that makes them not only the biggest band in Puerto Rico, but the also the most elusive band in Detroit. As I headed down to Club International in Mexican Town, my thoughts were largely centered on questions:

• Would there be room to dance?
• Would the salseros come out to support the band in a somewhat remote location from the usual salsa spots?

The last time El Gran Combo came to town they where in Royal Oak and had to reschedule. The new date was one that fell during the Chicago Salsa Congress, so reluctantly I sold my ticket. Then they played at the Chicago Salsa Congress on Sunday night, but I had to return to Detroit. So here was my third shot at basking in their glow...

Noticing the plethora of parking spaces in the enclosed parking lot at Club International, one question was starting to answer itself. But hey, that just makes it a more intimate experience... Right? Not the prettiest club outside, what really matters is what’s inside and hopefully that would be my fellow dancers.

After a quick trip back to the car to deposit my camera which had been detected during the security scan (no cameras allowed), I made my way into the dark cavernous hall. The first thing that struck me was how large the dance floor, stage and seating area were. Pretty good size. Not too crowded. Making my way around the room looking for some of those familiar faces, I was relieve to see Susan, Nellie, Jessica & Koki and a handful of people whom I recognized from the clubs and socials. Things were good! Having arrived a bit late, Grupo Sensacional had just finished their set and were breaking down their equipment. Now the anticipation and countdown for El Gran Combo began.

A few beers, a lot of chatting, some dancing and even a quick rueda de casino led by William and things were good. A little time went by… The stage was set, with instruments in place. Some more chatting a little more dancing -- still no band. Then at 1:00 AM, it came... The announcement that "due to unforeseen circumstances..." Well, all I can say is that when the disappointing news came, the guys from Salsa Detroit and Club international handled it well and made sure everyone got a prompt refund in full.

What are the lessons here? First of all, I had fun and it was in the end a pretty cheap night. It just goes to show that the salseros and salseras with the great attitudes -- especially Laura and Carrie from Toledo who arrived at 7:30 PM to get good seats. (doors ended up opening at 9:00 PM), make all the difference. Second, it probably takes a bit more of beating the drums to get the salsa crowd to change to unfamiliar venues and shell out $45 for a band. We have a number of good local and regional bands that make it tough competition for the dancing dollar. Now my question is: Will Detroit support superstar bands?

Someday, I will actually witness the magic of El Gran Combo, but until that day I'll simply have the story about the one that got away.

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