Salsa in Chicago?

Hi,

I'll be visiting Chicago at the end of this month and would love to know where to go for salsa on Friday nights.

Thanks!

Hi, Mathina... I'm not a local, but I've started visiting Chicago... the locals may have better advice. On a Friday night I have been to Rumba, Transit, and Sangria. Rumba is a great atmosphere, really good dancers, but it closed early. Transit had long sets of salsa, bachata, AND hip hop (we went there when Rumba closed, so I only got a snippet of what it might be like). Sangria is a restraunt that clears the tables at 11 and has dancing until 4 (I heard). There were some really good dancers there, friendly people, and great food. I'm actually headed to Chicago this weekend (although I haven't heard from my partner-in-crime for a few days...) so if we check out some place new, I'll try to post about it for you. I think you'll enjoy salsa in Chicago

Hi Mathina,

Welcome to Dance-forums! (and thanks Beto for the recommendation!)

tj (aka Tim)

Cute! I wondered if tj was you. I was just scanning one of Kindra's old threads from when she just got here and met everyone. Very interesting and almost voyeuristic.

Next question: who is Vin?

tj said:

tj (aka Tim)

Click to expand...

hah, cat's outta the bag!

hey mathina. welcome

More digging through the threads old and new to find out....

Welcome to df Mathina.

Thanks!

tj said:

Welcome to Dance-forums! (and thanks Beto for the recommendation!)

Click to expand...

I may not be on here much but I haven't forgotten about y'all. :wink:

mathina said:

Cute! I wondered if tj was you. I was just scanning one of Kindra's old threads from when she just got here and met everyone. Very interesting and almost voyeuristic.

Next question: who is Vin?

Click to expand...

Who is Vin? Hmm you should be able to figure that one out pretty fast, Mathina.

what I learned from this trip.... Rumba may always be the place to be. Sangria was not as packed this time and closed earlier than when I was there before. Last time I was at Sangria, there were lots of people and many good dancers. This time, there was plenty of space to dance and people were admiring us. Granted, even in Indy he and I get comments when we dance together, but we're certainly not the best, just know each other well. Someone suggested that there was a Salsa Cruise this Friday and that may be why Sangria was a bit sparse and closed early. Since Sangria closed early, we did head back to Transit, but all they played while we were there was hip hop, no latin music. We did Rumba Saturday night and it was fabulous... packed, plenty of dancing (I can't believe that I actually had to turn people down in Chicago! -but only for merengue) and plenty of dancers who were more advanced that me... but I got to dance with some of them too, so that was awesome. I hope you enjoy your trip to Chicago; we're already planning our next one.

that photo marked "salsa gang" - where and when was it taken, please?

alemana said:

that photo marked "salsa gang" - where and when was it taken, please?

Click to expand...

Santa Monica, California, 5/28/05, during the LA Congress. People from SalsaGang (Bay Area), Salserosweb (LA), SalsaDallas and DC (well, me) are all in that pic.

Beto,

I'm guessing Ivan, but I'm not sure. I'll have to read more of his posts and look for personality. :wink:

BrookeErin,

Thanks for all your info! I've gotten on the guestlist for Rumba and I can't wait to check it out. I'll post results here (it's not 'till the 29th).

you never know, I might be back that weekend.... we have a free stay at the Hyatt just gotta figure out when we can use it

Welcome to DF Mathina!!

I'm rarely on DF anymore....but I heard through the grapevine you were poking around here!

So...it's kinda wierd to think that these threads from the past just hang around forever...and the fact that you described your "viewing" as voyeuristic, has me a little concerned as to what thread you were reading!!! :shock:

Welcome!! :wink:

BrookeErin,

Hey, if you do end up going to Chicago this weekend let me know--we can meet up at Rumba. You say it closes early...how early is early? Also, I got on the guestlist; does that mean no cover or front of the line or reduced cover or what? Thanks!

Kindra,

That is for me to know and you to find out. Girl, I know more about you than you think I do... Just kiddin'. Friday night's debauchery notwithstanding, I still hold you in the highest esteem... LOL!

ps Maria and I were talking last night at CG about getting T-shirts made that say, "What happens at Mathina's stays at Mathina's." Whaddaya think? Probably a pretty limited market but how fun would that be?