From the State Office Building to Gospel Uptown: Finding a New Home When the State Office Building lost its cafeteria and catering license, Harlem Salsa needed a new home. The most logical move was just across the street to Gospel Uptown, a sophisticated and elegant supper club with the capacity to host our loyal crowd. It was a perfect fit—on the surface.

Gospel Uptown, though beautiful, faced financial struggles due to high lease and overhead costs. Recognizing its potential as a temporary haven, I negotiated a bar guarantee, ensuring the venue’s profitability while maintaining Harlem Salsa’s consistency—our cornerstone for success.

As competition grew from former partners turned rivals, I knew Harlem Salsa had to step up. DJs weren’t enough anymore; we brought in legendary bands like Cachao America, Orquesta Broadway, and TIPICA 73. For a while, Gospel Uptown thrived, hosting unforgettable nights of music and dance, but the venue’s financial challenges eventually caught up, and it had to close its doors.

Back to the State Office Building and Beyond: The Leather Lounge Saga When the State Office Building reopened under new management, I worked tirelessly to secure another bar guarantee. Though the arrangement wasn’t ideal, consistency was non-negotiable. With competition fierce, Harlem Salsa continued to elevate its game, featuring live bands at every event to keep the spirit and energy alive.

But as one chapter closed, another opened. Enter The Leather Lounge—a unique venue on a quiet, dead-end street with private parking. For Harlem Salsa, it was a promoter’s dream: we could host our events early, leaving the venue ready for their late-night young adult parties. While our salsa nights ended at 10:30 PM, their events brought a different energy, often requiring SWAT-level security due to rowdy crowds.

Unfortunately, the Lounge’s reputation and a massive, viral Facebook party drew thousands, leading to community unrest. The venue was ultimately shut down by the board, marking the end of this chapter

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The Dinosaur BBQ and Riverbank Chapters: Consistency is King Next up was Dinosaur BBQ, a popular restaurant chain with a cozy upstairs catering hall. Though smaller than our previous venues, it became home for a time. We made it work because, as always, consistency kept Harlem Salsa alive.

After Dinosaur BBQ, we moved to Riverbank State Park, a hidden gem with a restaurant turned catering hall. The location offered ample parking and easy accessibility, drawing lines out the door and creating another wave of salsa magic. But, like all good things, this chapter too came to an end.

Saint Mark’s Place: The Final Stop Before 2016 In the rich history of Harlem, Saint Mark’s Place holds a special place—it was where Marcus Garvey held his first rally. Transformed into a gym with a stage, it became Harlem Salsa’s home until 2016. By then, the challenges of catering to an aging population were undeniable. Senior dancers, once vibrant and full of energy, now faced health constraints, reducing their ability to support venues reliant on food and drink sales.

Still, we pushed forward, keeping the dance floor alive for those who could still enjoy it. It was a bittersweet time, but one filled with gratitude for the memories made and the community built.

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The Next Chapter: A Reunion in 2025 Looking ahead, Harlem Salsa’s story is far from over. In 2025, I aim to host a reunion—a celebration for everyone who has danced, laughed, and healed through Harlem Salsa over the years. It’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce, and honor the legacy of a movement that has brought so much joy to so many.

If the reunion is successful, perhaps it will spark a new chapter for Harlem Salsa. Because at its heart, this story has always been about more than just music and dance—it’s about community, healing, and the power of coming together to celebrate life.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. The rhythm continues, and so does the dream.