Por Ivan Gomez
Next Sunday, July 13, the city of Cleveland will experience a night full of talent at Blue Palm Latin Restaurant & Lounge, where a competition will take place to select the best salsa DJ in the area. The event is part of the official selection for the “Salsa Across Borders” festival, which will be held on August 10 at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m., blending a DJ competition with a social dance to discover new talent. The mission is simple: to find the DJ who can ignite the dance floor and connect with the audience.
The competition is divided into three rounds. In the first round, each DJ must play three salsa tracks back-to-back, each representing a different level of dancing: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Judges will evaluate not only the song choices but also the smoothness and clarity of transitions between tracks. Scratching is allowed but not required. Dancers are welcome to take the floor during this round. Scores range from 1 to 10, and only the top four DJs will move on to the next round.
In the second round, semifinalists will be challenged to show their versatility by playing three different salsa styles. Accepted genres include Cuban salsa, salsa caleña, mambo, romantic salsa, salsa dura, and timba. The two highest-scoring DJs will move on to the final round.
In the final round, the two DJs will have the freedom to play three of their favorite salsa jams (with no repeats from previous rounds), showcasing their taste, creativity, and mastery of the genre. This time, the audience will choose the overall winner.
The panel of judges features notable figures from the salsa scene. Eileen Torres, a salsa historian, dancer, and film producer, brings her expert eye and deep experience. She will be joined by Rebecca Sweet, professional dancer, instructor, and co-owner of the well-known Viva Dance Studio.
In addition to the competition, attendees can enjoy a vibrant happy hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with special offers including $2 Medallas, 2-for-1 margaritas, half-off appetizers, and $15 import beer buckets. The venue’s tropical atmosphere blends urban and Caribbean flavors for a unique experience.
The event is backed by respected institutions such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, LatinUs Theater Co., Esperanza Inc., Assembly Room, and the John P. Murphy Foundation, along with other cultural and educational organizations dedicated to uplifting Latino talent in the region.
The winning DJ will perform live on August 10 at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, representing Cleveland’s local scene on one of the most prestigious stages in American music and pop culture.
The public is invited to come out, dance, and support those who turn rhythm into a bridge between cultures. To sign up or get more information, simply scan the QR code available on official promotional materials.
