Keeping the music ALIVE at Salsa After Work Monday’s at Taj Lounge NYC Hosted by DJ Henry Knowles & Talia Castro-Pozo
By Natalie J. Maniscalco
“What's important is to keep the Salsa music alive in New York City,” says Henry Knowles, a world class Latin DJ, manager of Grammy Nominated New Swing Sextet and creator of the Salsa “AfterWork” concept.
Marking 10 years of the inception of after work salsa parties, Henry Knowles in collaboration with Izzy Rodriguez at the time, originally started their Latin parties at Hush, a small venue on West 19th Street. After becoming an instant success, the trend took off and even Frankie Martinez was brought in as the weekly instructor for free salsa lessons. A year into the making, the venue was sold, but the party was moved to El Flamingo on West 21st Street where it lasted for four years, becoming one of the hottest Salsa AfterWork parties in New York City. “People cried when it closed,” says Henry. Not only was it a place for dancers to let loose after a day’s work, but El Flamingo offered talented bands and artists including Johnny Pacheco, Papo Lucca, Andy Montañez, Lebron Brothers, Johnny Colon, Spanish Harlem Orchestra with Ruben Blades, New Swing Sextet, Domingo Quiñones, and many more a home for LIVE music performances.
In July of 2005, the building was sold and a new venue was in need to carry on the tradition of LIVE music and Salsa AfterWork parties. “After El Flamingo closed, I had a difficult time finding the perfect place to move the party to. Finally I walked into Taj one night and instantly fell in love with the venue,” he says. “On Monday, April 25, 2006, we had the grand re-opening of Salsa AfterWork Mondays at Taj Lounge and after some time, Talia and Mike partnered up with me to help with promotions. Since then, the party has once again become the hottest AfterWork salsa party in NYC, including one of TimeOut NY's top NYC parties.”
Whether you're a hard-core salsa dancer or just looking to let loose and enjoy good vibes and a great crowd, Taj Lounge offers LIVE music, a salsa lesson by world renowned dancer Talia Castro Pozo, performances, food and drinks every Monday night. Check it out!
48 West 21st Street
Doors Open @ 5PM
Dance Performances @ 10:30pm
FREE beginner salsa Lesson with Talia @ 6:30pm
*Admission $8 before 7pm/$12 after (except special events)
*$8 Mojitos & $6 Coronas
*Reduced Dining Menu on Monday Nights
Restaurant Open until 10:30pm. For dinner reservation call Taj 212-620-3033
*21 & Over - ID Required
For More Info Call/Text:
914.316.3222 Henry / 917.620.3109 Talia or 646.418.6291 Mike
Produced by:
Henry Knowles in association with Talia Castro-Pozo & Mike Peña
For more info visit: www.tajmondays.com
