Salsa beat at Bondi

BY CYNTHIA BARCLAY
The South American Festival will kick off in Bondi Pavilion on Sunday, February 15 with the pulsing of a pure Latino beat.

The celebration of Latin America culture from Cuba and Bolivia, to El Salvador, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina expects to attract 5000 people this year, with successful bands on stage like Club Havanna, Mi Tierra and the Brazilian show with Capoeira.

Festival director Sue Andersen said the festival has grown as its popularity spread over the last 29 years.
‘The original idea was from a photographer named John McDonald, who came with the concept after a trip from South America 28 years ago. It started with a very simple photo exposition and a free concert and since then it has been growing every year,’ she said.

Now the festivities included three long stages, one art gallery, one amphitheatre and craft stalls.
Dance classes – including tango, samba and salsa – will be available and Sydney’s hottest Latino DJs will be mixing up the latest Latin house music.

Also, workshops will run throughout the day for both adults and children and sumptuous food can be found in the courtyard for those with a taste for something exotic.

There will be a huge array of arts, crafts, clothes and jewellery along the beachfront from 10am and artworks from a variety of South American regions will be showcased at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery from Tuesday February 3 until Sunday February 15.

Tickets available at the door: $20/$15 concession; children under 12 free.
For more information call the Bondi Pavilion on 8362 3400 or visit http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/info/pavilion/saf/