YA Salsa presents Grupo Salvaje performing live at metro Detroit's largest dance social

FARMINGTON, Mich. -- Expect Jan. 13 to be a lot warmer when YA Salsa transforms the American Legion Post 346 into a United Nations of dance. The event marks the return of Grupo Salvaje and live music to Detroit's biggest dance social.

"Our Detroit roots and the international flavor of salsa and dancers make for a fantastic combination of soul and flair," says musical director Eduardo Caraballo. "What makes Grupos Salvaje unique is that we are Detroit's only 12-piece tropical Latin orchestra. We feature a full horn section with powerful arrangements, enthralling percussion and swing, rhythm and harmony reflecting our deep Latin roots, and African and Taino heritage." Taino heritage refers to Indian tribes of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico, some of whose descendants later migrated to New York City where salsa really got its name and established itself as an international dance phenomena.

YA Salsa began just over four years ago, started by a group of dedicated dancers who wanted to help grow the Detroit dance scene and give new dancers a place to learn.

"We are privileged here in the Detroit area to have a group of sincerely dedicated and passionate people working to spread and expand the salsa community and the salsa dancing phenomenon," says Grupo Salvaje's lead singer and assistant manager, David Caraballo. "The work they are doing rivals similar efforts in any major city around the world. [Grupo Salvaje and YA Salsa] share the same fervor for the music and dance and our friendship continues to blossom."

Because dancers so greatly value the opportunity to dance to live salsa music, which is usually not an option at most venues, they actively follow bands like Grupo Salvaje, as evidenced by record attendance at last year's social where Grupo Salvaje played to more than 425 attendees.

"When bands like Grupo Salvaje work with groups like us," says YA Salsa organizer Jamin Williams, "it says that these guys see the potential in the Detroit salsa community and they are also doing what they can to help build it. And by their giving as they played for free last year, maybe they can help make the Detroit salsa scene stronger for everyone. After all, that is what this thing is all about!"

The next YA Salsa Social will be from 5:30 - 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, and will feature free salsa dance instruction to both beginner and intermediate-level dancers beginning at 5:30 p.m. Grupo Salvaje will play live from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 and includes light refreshments; free if you bring two new guests. The social will take place at the American Legion Post 346, 31775 Grand River Ave.

YA Salsa is Detroit's all volunteer organization whose mission is to grow salsa dancing in southeast Michigan; to make everyone in metro Detroit aware of the great dance opportunities they can experience for themselves right in their own community.

To learn more about Grupo Salvaje, visit their website at www.salvajeproductions.com.

To learn more about YA Salsa, watch video clips and view photos, visit the YA Salsa Web site at www.yasalsa.com.