The rhythms of Primo Cubano bring a Latin vibe to One Longfellow Square’s first New Year’s Eve party.
The first-ever New Year’s Eve party at concert venue One Longfellow Square in Portland was a spicy night of salsa dancing to the music of Maine band Primo Cubano.
“Primo will draw a decent crowd, and it’s New Year’s Eve, so they drew an even bigger crowd,” said Jim Tieman, a salsa instructor from Portland.
In fact, the party sold out a day ahead, disappointing many who planned to pay at the door.
Primo Cubano plays traditional Cuban dance music dating back to the turn of the 20th century, resulting in a vibe that is sultry and retro.
New Year’s Eve guests checked their coats at the door and got moving right away, thanks in part to a pre-party beginner salsa lesson by Vanessa Gutierrez of Alma Cubana Dance Company of Portland.
“I’m trying to get something started in the salsa scene here,” Gutierrez said. “I have a small group and a performance team, but I want to get more social salsa happening.”
“What a great way to do New Year’s,” said Christine Rogers of Portland, salsa dancing for the first time.
“There’s a whole contingent of us, a Latin dance community in Portland and in Portsmouth,” said Christina Morrill of Falmouth. “We’re a friendly crowd.”
“What a great venue, and a mix of ages,” said Nicky Hamann of Portland.
“In a year when we finally recognized Cuba, this is great,” said Rinker Buck of Damariscotta.
Freelance writer and photographer Amy Paradysz can be contacted at:
amyparadysz@gmail.com
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