WE ARE ACCEPTING community ‘growing up salsa’ PHOTO & story SUBMISSIONS FOR THE digital GALLERY all through the summer: TO SUBMIT YOURS CLICK THE LINK below. This is all of our history!:

Vintage Poster: Chicago Salsa orchestra openers: “LA JUSTICIA” “LA UNION” y “LA SOLUCION” for "HECTOR LAVOE" - INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM - MAY 3, 1975 - Chicago, Il. (4610 North Sheridan Road) Photo credit: Carlos Flores

Fortaleza Y Flow: GROWING UP SALSA: “Ayer, Hoy Y Mañana”

The Fortaleza y Flow 2022 people’s gallery is an interactive community-sourced experience highlighting Chicago’s Puerto Rican history, innovation and participation of the Salsa music genre + culture over the years from the lens & experiences of the community, musicians, culture creators + pioneers both young + elders.

The gallery will feature images, media, and stories of music, dancing, performances, joy, celebration, friendship, family, and candid moments unique to the CHICAGO Puerto Rican Salsa music experience.

In addition, there will be multiple interactive and immersive installations including a room called “La Discoteca” where guests up to five at a time are invited to experience a private booking and be transported into a 90’s style club amid vintage posters, photos and video footage. The room will have its own live DJs playing Salsa and Caribbean hits from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s as well as a bartender to serve refreshments to your group. (21+)

On Saturday, June 11th, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, there will be a FREE Salsa dance workshop facilitated by Chicago movement educator: Blanca Aviles. As well as a never before seen old school ALL STAR orchestra performance featuring original members and music of Chicago's Salsa bands of the 70's-90's curated by master musician + performer Carlos Garcia.

On Sunday, June 12th, from 2:00pm - 5:00pm we will center the young pioneers of mañana, with a special performance and youth jam lead by young musicians of Ruiz Belvis’ Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Afro-Latin Percussion ensemble. In addition to featuring an all youth artisan market! (16-19). Come to this all ages event and support the future generation of pioneers, artists and entrepreneurs.

These special features will transpire during the weekend of June 10th-June 12th, but the exhibition will remain for the summer with programming throughout the exhibition time. Closing will be on August 12, 2022.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS, CONSULTANTS, & COLLABORATORS: Music Moves Chicago, Arif Smith, Nayda De La Rosa, Mateo Mulachy, Carlos Garcia, Carlos Flores, Nilda Ruiz, Brenda Torres-Figueroa, Ruiz Belvis’ Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Afro-Latin Percussion Ensemble, Chicago Freedom School, Blanca Aviles, Future Rootz…this is a breathing growing list as we continue to build in intentional collaboration throughout the exhibition residency with our community elders and culture creators de ayer, hoy y manana.

A public list of of free + ticketed events can be found below:

**JUNE 11th, 2022** This **FREE** all ages ticket guarantees your entry not only to our exhibition (minus “La Discoteca”) but it gives you access to our Salsa dance workshop and all-star orchestra performance that begins at 5pm! Limited capacity!!! Secure your spot for this historic performance. It will also be livestreamed on our IG @thehoneycombnetwork (2657 W. Division St.)

RSVP HERE

FORTALEZA Y FLOW: “PRE-OPENING EVENT”

june 10th, 2022 (21 & over)
$50 TICKET INCLUDES:

Early entry to exhibition before public opening including “La Discoteca”

Playlist peak + Chicago music menu
Screening of 1979 WTTW news feature “Growing Up Salsa” + Panel discussion with with a few OG musicians in the story and the time period including Carlos Garcia, Teddy Serrano, Jimmy Ortiz & more surprise guests!
FOOD + DRINK
Puerto Rican soul food catering
Beverages and refreshments until exhausted

LIMITED TICKETS!

PROCEEDS GO TO FUNDING THIS EXHIBITION & FUTURE EVENTS.

Get Tickets