Get ready to salsa, merengue and cha-cha with Latin jazz group Salsa Forte at Colorado State University’s Lagoon Concert Series on July 12.
The show is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the Lory Student Center’s west lawn. Salsa Forte is a full, 11-piece salsa band based out of Fort Collins. Half of the band teaches music at local schools, and the other half are frequently featured in the local music scene.
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Q&A with Salsa Forte
Rachael Dhakal-Green (trumpet/vocals) sat down with SOURCE to chat about the upcoming show and more. Salta Forte band members include Andy Reyes (singer), Corry Petersen (trumpet), Dave Lunn (saxophone/flute), Dawson Dowdy (keyboard), Jeremiah Teague (bass), Maya Dhakal (vocals), Peter Knudson (timbales), Rob Borger (trombone), Ruben Alonzo (percussion/vocals) and Sam Caston (congas).
How did you all get started?
Rachael Dhakal-Green: Salsa Forte was formed from members of the Fort Collins Latin music scene. We are a full Latin/salsa band, performing together for nearly 12 years.
What are some of the songs that you regularly play at events?
Our primary music styles are salsa, merengue, cumbia, cha-cha-cha and Latin jazz. Your Lagoon guests might recognize a lot of our songs, such as “Oye Como Va,” “Manteca,” “Ran Kan Kan,” and some other pop-turned-Latin tunes such as “I Want You Back” by Michael Jackson, or “Hello” by Adele.
I see you play trumpet. What made you choose that instrument?
Most of the members of Salsa Forte are also teachers in the area, including me. Though I teach world languages, I am honored to be playing alongside fellow music teachers, as they were a major influence in my ability to play trumpet with them today. I love playing with some of the best musicians in this part of the world.
What are you looking forward to the most in being part of this CSU tradition?
We are proud to be one of the first local bands to bring the tradition of live salsa music and dancing to Northern Colorado. Salsa — both the food and the music — mixes the very best of your favorites, and that’s reflected in the diversity of musicians that make up the band. We are honored to reflect the values of celebration and inclusion with the CSU Lagoon Series.
What’s the best way to get the crowd dancing to your music?
Ha! See if you can sit down for long! Our music gets you out of your seat and moving from the first note. Everybody’s gonna shake something. We’re here to make you dance!
Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
You can catch Salsa Forte every second Friday at Avogadro’s Number in Old Town Fort Collins. Our next performance will be Friday, July 14. There are dance lessons with local instructors and live music by Salsa Forte at a venue that is a Fort Collins Old Town staple. Check out our website for where else to catch us in Northern Colorado and Wyoming. Thanks for supporting local music!
Lagoon Concert Series
Day: Wednesday, July 12
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Lory Student Center’s west lawn
Food trucks: Bigs Meat Wagon, The Human Bean, Fork Yeah, Joe Zeppys Italian Kitchen and Gelato & aMore
See the entire summer lineup, get important parking information and more at lagoonseries.com.
