El Caobo Internacional

05/13/2026

Por si acaso les interesa leer el artículo sobre lo que la salsa le debe a Cuba... en español

Por qué decidí publicar esto ahora Hace tiempo que venía dándole vueltas a este artículo. ​ El tema es delicado, y sabía que incluso un intento honesto de ser equilibrado podía...

05/10/2026

I finally decided to publish this one.

The conversation around Cuba and salsa can get heated very quickly — and understandably so. There are real questions of roots, credit, evolution, royalties, and historical memory.

But I also believe the subject can be discussed with respect, without accusation on one side or defensiveness on the other.

In this article, I take a careful look at what salsa owes Cuba, what happened after the music traveled, and why the Cuban grievance deserves to be heard without erasing the contributions of New York, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, Panamá, the Dominican Republic, and beyond.

Read it here:

https://www.elcaobo.net/blog/what-salsa-owes-cuba-and-what-happened-after-it-left-home

Why I decided to publish this now I had been sitting with this article for a while. The subject is delicate, and I knew that even an honest attempt to be balanced could still be misunderstood. When...

05/08/2026

Twelve summers. One lakefront. A lot of music, dancing, friendship, and gratitude.

I just posted a new newsletter article about the upcoming 2026 season of **ECI Tuesday Mambo Salsa Bachata & More “Under the Stars” at Pier 31** — and this one means a lot to me.

This summer marks our **12th year at Pier 31**, with the season opener coming **Tuesday, May 26, 2026**. In the article, I share a few thoughts on what this event has become, thank the venue’s management — especially Nikki and Shaunna — and recognize the dancers, music lovers, customers, instructors, DJs, and friends who have helped keep this summer tradition alive.

Take a moment to read it, share it, and lock into the season.

https://www.elcaobo.net/newsletter.html

See you under the stars at Pier 31.

05/02/2026

This summer at Pier 31, ECI Tuesdays will bring even more energy to the lakefront!

Join us for Mambo, Salsa, Bachata & More with El Caobo, plus special guest DJ appearances by DJ Alvin Black III, DJ Deshawn “Boogie Down” Brown… and a Mystery Guest DJ to be revealed.

ECI TUESDAYS
Mambo • Salsa • Bachata & More
Pier 31 — 31st Street Beachside Bar & Grill
Dance Lesson: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Open Dancing: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Lock into the Facebook event, invite your people, and stay tuned for more announcements as the season gets closer.

Summer, music, dancing, community, and the lakefront — that’s ECI Tuesdays at Pier 31.

04/30/2026

NEW ON THE BLOG

WHEN BAD BUNNY WENT SALSA

What “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” reveals about salsa’s enduring power

Sometimes a song does more than entertain. It opens a door, starts an argument, brings back a memory, and reminds us that a rhythm many people treat as “classic” is still very much alive.

Read the full article here:

What “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” reveals about salsa’s enduring power Sometimes a song does more than entertain. It opens a door, starts an argument, brings back a memory, and reminds us that a...

04/28/2026

This summer at Pier 31 is going to be special! 🔥

ECI Tuesdays: Mambo Salsa Bachata & More returns to the lakefront for Summer 2026, and we are excited to feature an incredible lineup of guest dance instructors:

AMINA MAY — Bachata
KAT ARMOUR CHAVEZ — Mambo
JOE SPENCER — Salsa

Every Tuesday at Pier 31
Dance Lesson: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Open Dancing: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

31st Street Beachside Bar & Grill
3101 S. Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL

Music, dancing, lessons, lakefront energy, and that beautiful summer vibe under the stars.

Lock into the Facebook Event now so you do not miss the season opener or any of the summer parties:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19UybrGCpZ/

See you at Pier 31, friends!