Community Center of Mendocino and Pura Vida present a Latin dance party on Saturday, June 23, featuring Bay Area Latin/Brazilian jazz ensemble Key Elements, Pura Vida, and TreMendo Samba. This event is a fundraiser for the Community Center and the After School Enrichment Program. Key Elements, a project of veteran Bay Area salsa pianist Patricia Thumas, also features noted jazz saxophonist and flautist (and former Mendocino Coast resident) Robin Nzingah Smith, who performed with the Rutgers University Big Band at the funeral of Thelonious Monk; percussionist (and former Mendocino Coast resident) Sue "Suki" Kaye, known for her work with Azucar con Ache, Rita Lackey and Friends, Liquid Girlfriend, Montuno Groove, Omeyocan, Pura Vida, Zakiya Hooker, Bole Bantu, Azucar y Crema, Samba Ngo, and the Ngoma Players, and currently part of Puerto Rican folkloric group Taller Bombalele; and bassist Colin O’Leary, who, among his many notable musical accomplishments, is the longtime bassist with Bay Area favorites Pangea Futbol Club. Pura Vida, Mendocino County's original Latin-inspired dance band, has brought eclectic Latin rhythms to North Coast dancers for over 20 years. In addition to their signature Cuban son and salsa, Pura Vida performs cumbia, merengue, flamenco, and Brazilian bossa and samba rhythms, with a sprinkling of Rock, Jazz and Funk. Pura Vida's spicy Latin mix is diverse, energetic and always danceable, bringing Pure Life to every celebration. The evening will include a Salsa dance class with Georgia Ann Gregory and a Latin-style Zumba demonstration with Dakotah Mendoza. Tamale dinner, desserts and local beers and wines will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:00 for dinner; live music begins at 6:30. Advance tickets recommended; $15; available online at ccmendo.org and at Out of This World, Mendocino. Information at ccmendo.org, community@mcn.org or (707) 367-0605. Advance tickets are $15 minimum; variable online pricing allows you to optionally increase your support.
