Salsa Social

This Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025, join us at Mechanics Hall for an evening of timeless elegance, music, and connection. Whether you are planning a romantic outing for two or seeking a vibrant evening among friends, this special celebration offers an experience to cherish in the heart of Worcester.

The festivities commence at 8:00 PM with a dance lesson in Salsa and Bachata led by the talented Laura Leones. Her expertise and engaging style will guide both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike, ensuring all can step onto the dance floor with confidence and grace.  
At 9:00 PM, Mechanics Hall comes alive with the rhythms of Willie Colon y El Grupo Chevere. Renowned for their exceptional performances throughout Massachusetts since 1994, their lively and sophisticated music will fill the Great Hall, creating a joyous atmosphere for all to enjoy. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the unmatched ambiance of Mechanics Hall, a historic venue that has brought people together for generations. With its exquisite acoustics and welcoming charm, the Hall is the perfect setting for an evening of dance, music, and community. We invite you to make this Valentine’s Day an occasion to remember. 

Mechanics Hall Members: FREE   

Nonmembers: $10 online $15 at door   

Audience: 18+ 

Cash bar and concessions available. 

BUY TICKETS

🕗 8:00 PM: Salsa & Bachata dance lesson with the amazing Laura Leones—perfect for beginners and seasoned dancers alike! 

🎶 9:00 PM: Live music and dancing with the incredible Willie Colon y El Grupo Chevere. 

This event is eligible for free tickets under the Card to Culture Program
Mechanics Hall is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Limited number of tickets available. Use promo code CARD2CULTURESALSA to redeem. For eligibility requirements, please see Mechanicshall.org/cardtoculture

Free tickets also available through Vettix.org, an organization that provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life.

Artists:

Laura has a background in Ballet. She studied and performed with The Boston Ballet Company in their productions of The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty. Laura came to Latin Dance in 2017 as a student and later instructor at Tumbao Latin Dance in Worcester. Since then, she has studied with many leading Salsa and Bachata instructors in New York, Boston, Connecticut, Providence and Houston and has performed on various Salsa and Bachata dance teams at Latin Dance congresses across the U.S. Laura continues to teach at Assabet After Dark. In addition, Laura is a certified Barre Vida fitness instructor.    Laura is excited to share her passion for dance with the students at Fiesta Dance Company. She believes that dance is an amazing form of self-expression and Latin Dance provides a unique opportunity to use what you have learned in class outside the dance studio. One of the best things about Latin Dance is that it is accessible to everyone no matter your age or whether or not you have danced before.  Laura is a lawyer and longtime resident of Westborough who met her husband salsa dancing (of course). They share 6 children and two granddaughters, Victoria and Hallie, who were the inspiration behind My Grown-up & Me Class. 

Grupo Chévere is a dynamic Latin band based in Massachusetts, bringing the vibrant rhythms of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and Bolero to life. Established in 1994, this seven-member ensemble of professional Latin musicians has been electrifying audiences for nearly three decades. Known for their high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing repertoire of popular covers, Grupo Chévere is the ultimate choice for Latin events. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, their infectious rhythms and soulful melodies will have everyone on their feet, dancing the night away. Under the leadership of Willie Colon, the band’s Director and Manager since its inception, Grupo Chévere has become a staple in the entertainment scene. With 29 years of experience in the industry, Willie has guided the band to deliver unforgettable performances that leave lasting memories. Get your dance shoes ready and prepare for an explosive night of music, rhythm, and joy with Grupo Chévere!