Back by popular demand, the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point is once again hosting its Latin Legends Weekend on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 p.m.
Event organizers and Masters of Ceremonies, Judy Battista of the “Latin Jubilee Radio Show”, and John Moultrie, Music Director, will offer this year's featured Latin theme to honor the Legends of music and dance. This year's event will be dedicated to the memory of legendary dancer "Cuban Pete," who graced the event last year with a memorable dance performance.
Musical guests will include: Orquesta Los Soneros de Oriente with their Cuban style rhythms; bassist Alfonso Joseph "El Panameno"; legendary mambo Palladium dancer Freddy Rios; and singer Raquel J. Special guests will feature Josue Joseph, Executive Producer "La Epoca - The Palladium Era" movie, the Tropical Image Dancers, a special appearance by Barbara Craddock and DJ Barry Ruzzi of El Sonido.
Under the present leadership of Emilo "Chiripa" Aracena, Orquesta Los Soneros de Oriente has recorded a CD, featuring the late Héctor Casanova on vocals, bassist Leopoldo Fleming Sr., as well as trumpeter Bobby Quesada. Singer Lourdes López, who worked in Cuba with the Trio Oriental and Trini Márquez are also part of this unique 12-piece orchestra.
Freddy Rios is the Palladium mambo dance legend and world famous choreographer and dance instructor. He has stared recently on network television on the "Cristina Show" and "Sabado Gigante" and has toured nationally and internationally. Rios is one of the most amazing dancers from the Palladium.
Afonso "El Panameño" Joseph was one of the forefront bassists of Cuban legend Arsenio Rodriguez and has performed in such famous venues as the Palladium, Roseland Ballroom, and Birdland. As a bass player and vocalist, Joseph accompanied, recorded and performed with some of the most popular and prominent bandleaders and musicians during the heyday of Latin music.
The Tropical Image Dancers, under the direction of Arelis Beato and Jeremy Allmonte, will electrify the dance floor, demonstrating not only the legacy of Latin legends, but their unique and passionate style of dancing.
Josue Joseph, Executive Producer, of "La Epoca -The Palladium Era" and members of his cast will perform as well. The film documents the evolution of mambo, salsa and the legacies of Latin legends such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Arsenio Rodriguez and many others.
Barbara Craddock, known globally for her talent and passion for the mambo genre, has choreographed and consulted on original Latin ballet productions, and has produced and directed many successful Latin dance series. She has performed with major artists and has appeared on many television programs and in documentaries.
Raquel J has performed for many audiences, including the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Before releasing her first debut album, titled "My Body", Raquel J recorded tracks for many artists in a variety of genres. As a songwriter, her music and voice have been showcased in corporate events, computer software, and independent films.
Ticket prices for the Latin Legends show are $45 per person (including cocktail), or enjoy the dinner and the show for $100 per person. Overnight packages are $339 per couple including show, dinner and breakfast buffer or $379 per couple for show, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
For more information or reservations please contact the Thayer Hotel, at (800) 247- 5047, or check their website at www.thethayerhotel.com.
Built in 1926, the Thayer Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only full-service hotel on the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to Albany, New York. Originally constructed to accommodate U.S. Military Academy personnel and their guests, the Thayer Hotel was a successor of the original West Point Hotel. The Hotel is named for Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, Superintendent of the Academy from 1817 to 1833.
Over the years, it has hosted a long line of dignitaries and celebrities including General Tommy Franks, General Douglas MacArthur, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, Her Royal Highness Princess Alsha Bint-Huessen of Jordan, singer Luciano Pavarotti, actors George C. Scott, James Earl Jones and Gregory Peck, the Philadelphia Flyers, and many others.
