By Silvia Yacoubian
The Partnership is thrilled to introduce Voices of Downtown Frederick – a blog series highlighting the many communities that help make Downtown Frederick special. This month’s blog celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and is written by Silvia Yacoubian.
It was a Wednesday evening and Danielle’s Restaurant’s energy was buzzing with a mix of their usual happy hour crowd and joyful diners. A man in a pin-striped suit was moving through the restaurant, dodging waiters and waitresses and trying to get his mic to work. A few sound-checks later and the man seemed to be less nervous, just slightly less. As new faces emerged through the doors, some looking a bit shy, and some confused, the energy of the restaurant seemed to escalate even more. Within a few minutes the newcomers settled excitedly into the bar area, and with a final sound check, the words could be heard, “Hello everyone and welcome to Frederick Salsa!”
Downtown Frederick had its first taste of Salsa! Arron Ferrufino had successfully pulled off the first Salsa meet-up at Danielle’s Restaurant, at the corner of N. East Street and E. Patrick Street. Roughly 25 people had attended and danced to the tunes of Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and Grupo Niche among many others. In attendance were those seeking to try something new, something different, and definitely something fun. Up to this point, most of Frederick thought salsa was something to eat with chips.
Fast forward 15 years and Frederick Salsa has become a large and diverse community, reaching so much farther than the boundaries of Frederick, Maryland. Regulars at events consist of not only local Frederick residents but also those who drive from Virginia, West Virginia and DC. Thanks to technology, music and Latin dance enthusiasts from all over the world can search and find weekly events, when planning visits to Frederick or nearby areas. Relationships are built, meaningful friendships are made, and lifelong memories are created. People from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds gather to hear music, socialize and dance. It is their happy place. Frederick Salsa is a conduit in bringing people of all ages, nationalities, genders, and even political parties together! For a moment, differences are forgotten.
So, what is salsa? As Dominican musician, composer, bandleader, and record producer Johnny Pacheco said, “Salsa is flavor and spice. Salsa is Latin soul. Salsa is rhythm.” It is music and dance that was born in the Caribbean with heavy African roots. When you grow up in a Latino/Hispanic home, it’s part of everyday life. One can’t talk about Latino culture without it. What was born in Puerto Rico and Cuba, spread to the rest of the world fast. Frederick, Maryland was not immune. Salsa transcended all borders and landed at Danielle’s in downtown Frederick on April 19, 2009. Danielle’s might be gone, but Frederick Salsa is here and more vibrant than ever.
Through the years many businesses in downtown Frederick have opened their doors and welcomed Frederick Salsa. Those businesses have been instrumental in growing a diverse and inclusive community. To say that Frederick has seen a lot of change in the past 15 years is irrefutable. As Frederick grows and becomes more diverse, it offers a chance to learn about different cultures, including through music and dance. Hispanic Heritage month, happening from September 15th through October 15th, brings many opportunities to celebrate and learn about what makes us unique. Just as important, it teaches us how similar we all are. Music and dance transcend all abstract differences and bring us together. For that reason, I welcome you to visit Frederick Salsa.
Frederick Salsa has recurring Salsa Nights in Downtown Frederick during “Dancing Under the Stars” at Sky Stage on the third Wednesday of each month, from April through October, from 7 to 10 pm. The remaining Wednesdays of each month, one can find Frederick Salsa at Carroll Creek, under the trellis next to S. Market Street, from April through October, from 7 to 10 pm. Additional events are held throughout locations in Frederick County. Latin music and dance enthusiasts can visit www.facebook.com/frederick.salsa to see upcoming socials and events.
Silvia Yacoubian was born in Peru and immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 with her family. She has lived in Frederick, Maryland for 28 years and works for the City of Frederick.
