The third concert of this year’s FirstWorks Summer Beats concert series transports audiences to the dance floors of New York City’s Salsa scene with an electrifying performance by La Excelencia. The 12-piece Salsa Dura band is inspired by the salsa sounds of the 1970’s and the sociopolitical landscape of today. La Excelencia’s in-your-face sound and energetic live performances reach outside of the salsa norm and have propelled the band to mainstream audiences around the world. Their music combines traditional salsa elements with a modern and unapologetic sound to invigorate social mindedness amidst a powerful and danceable soundtrack.

Come early for pre-show workshops:
4:30-4:50 PM: Music demonstration with La Excelencia
4:50-5:30 PM: Intro to Salsa dance workshop with Mambo Pa Ti
Workshop description: Join Mambo Pa Ti for a fun beginners workshop! We will cover basic steps and partner work, helping you understand rhythm enjoyably and engagingly. Perfect for those new to dance or looking to refresh their skills. Come dance with us!

Our event will MC’d by Lydia Perez, founder and artistic director of the Puerto Rican Institute of Arts and Advocacy, Inc.

Accessibility info:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Accessible bathrooms nearby (at the Roger Williams Park Casino)
• Chairs available (first-come, first-served)
• Earplugs available

• For questions about accessibility, contact Rainy Stanford