As ya’ll know, Jennifer Lopez is now referring to herself as a Nuyorican, which is basically short for a New York native of Puerto Rican descent. But for all you straight up Latinos who don’t need any fancy title to show love for your culture, there’s the Calle Cinco Festival Latino. This daylong fiesta highlights every great aspect Latin America. Music performances by El Canario, Truko Band, Salazar Band, Los Yaimas, Grupo Salvaje and the Bio Ritmo Stars playing salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, Latin jazz and Latin rock. Show off your dance skills during the Salsa contest. Food from different regions will be offered, including catering by Latorre’s. Enjoy examples of painting, sculpture and crafts created by artists all over Latin America. If all that’s not enough, party into the wee hours of the morning at Latorre’s after-party. The festival is Saturday, Sept. 9 on 5th St., in front of the Bobcats Arena, from Noon until 11pm. Admission is free. All proceeds will benefit the Latin American Chamber of Commerce. For more details, visit www.callecinco.com or call 704-344-0004.
This article appears in Sep 6-12, 2006.