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Read the press release here.

Learn To Salsa Then Salsa It Up At Uptown Saturday Night

 Samuel del Real recruited musicians of different nationalities for his orchestra giving his music a blended sound.
Samuel del Real recruited musicians of different nationalities for his orchestra giving his music a blended sound.
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Courtesy of Facebook

UPTOWN — Uptown Saturday Nights will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chicago Summerdance with Salsa lessons and live Latin music.

Chicago Summerdance is a summertime celebration that transforms parks across the city into dance space, according to the City of Chicago website.

The monthly event hosted by Uptown United will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at Buttercup Park, 4901 N. Sheridan Road with salsa instructions with Denita Inez of May I Have This Dance, according to a news release for the event.

Following the lessons, Latin pianist Samuel del Real will perform with an orchestra. Music is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the free show can be reserved here.

Real was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, but has lived in Chicago for more than a decade. He recorded his first album in 1983 and his first hit "Ella No Baila Sola" became a "theme song in every night club of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Panama, and USA, among others countries," the release said.

In 1985, he moved to the United States and began recruiting musicians of different nationalities for his orchestra giving his music a blended sound. Real and his orchestra have performed at festivals, concerts and private events in London, New York, Minneapolis, Detroit and Miami, according to the release.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring chairs of blankets for sitting. Picnics are also welcome.

Uptown United will also be hosting free walking tours, which explore the rich history of the Uptown Entertainment District, lead by local guides from Choose Chicago's Greeter Program.

The hour-long tours leave Crew Bar and Grill, 4804 N. Broadway, at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

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