By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Copy Editor
The sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland witnessed a rare performance of Latin music on Sunday, August 13 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. when the Twin Cities based group Salsa del Soul performed there as part of the Summer Burst Concert Series. Although the concert was originally scheduled to take place at the New Richland City Park, the rainy weather chased the music indoors.
Five of the nine-piece orchestra performed on Sunday, including Bryan Rossi on keyboard, David Martin on bass and guitar, Frank Rivery on vocals and congas, Shai Hayo on timbales, and Leann Lingren on saxophone and flute.
Salsa del Soul was formed over 20 years ago to provide a great source of Latin music to the Twin Cities area. “Summertime is super busy,” said Hayo of the number of concerts the band performs. Although the band says they're lucky to perform four concerts over the course of a winter, summer has them performing more than 10 concerts per month.
According to Hayo, the group brings in an eclectic mix of audience members. Some listen to the music as part of their cultural background, while others are part of the dance culture. “You have this kind of mix between those two worlds,” said Hayo. “And then when we have the outdoor stuff, then you have people who are just interested in coming out[side].”
Dance is indeed part of the attraction with Salsa del Soul. The group brings a dance instructor with them to concerts. Professional Cuban Instructor Yeniel Chini Perez taught audience members young and old to cha-cha and salsa their way through music from Columbia to the Dominican Republic, a perk that proved popular on Sunday.
This isn't the first time the group has performed at churches. Hayo said Salsa del Soul has relationships with a few churches, where they perform for special services like Epiphany and Pentecost. Two Lutheran churches have a repertoire of favorite hymns that the group performs as salsa. “It's really cool,” said Hayo.
Melissa Williams, who helps to organize the Summer Burst Concert Series, spoke of the audience's enthusiasm for Sunday's concert. Per Williams: “We had several that said, 'Get them back!'”
Hayo was enthusiastic about the idea, and added, “If you ever make it to the Cities, come and see us.”