JUNE 20 Event: Salsa brava
Don't miss out! Join us at the James Ballentine Uptown VFW Post 246 on June 20 at 9:30 PM for a special night featuring Salsa Brava.
As the sun sets on Friday, June 20th, and Minneapolis prepares for the longest day of the year, the James Ballentine Uptown VFW Post 246 will transform into a beacon of rhythm and revelry for Salsa Brava—a spirited celebration that blends Latin dance, community joy, and global music culture. Running from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM, this special evening marks the eve of the summer solstice and offers a musical prelude to Fête de la Musique, also known as International Music Day. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound, full-service bars, and one of the best dance floors in the city, the Uptown VFW isn’t just a venue — it’s a cultural cornerstone dedicated to uplifting Minneapolis and honoring its veterans. Whether you’re a music lover, a dancer, or simply in search of connection, Salsa Brava invites you to experience something far more than a night out—it’s a moment of shared celebration rooted in rhythm, movement, and meaning.
The musical menu for the night is a rich blend of sound and soul: Salsa, Bachata, Timba, Cumbia, Merengue, Reggaeton and more will pulse through the speakers, creating an infectious energy that fills every corner of the venue. These genres, rooted in African, Indigenous, and Latin traditions, represent more than just music—they carry histories of resistance, joy, and celebration across generations and geographies. The dance floor becomes a tapestry of stories expressed through movement, where newcomers and seasoned dancers alike can connect without a word. The Uptown VFW’s inclusive spirit and high-quality acoustics elevate the experience, while the bars keep the drinks flowing—from classic mojitos and margaritas to local brews and crafted cocktails. In every sway of the hips and stomp of the foot, there’s a sense that something larger is at play: a communal heartbeat shared by all.
Guiding this night of rhythmic transformation is Jesse Marks and his talented circle of musical collaborators, who will lead us into Rhythms In The North—a sonic journey that welcomes summer and honors the universal language of music. Known for his ability to weave together traditional Latin sounds with contemporary global beats, Marks curates more than a set—he crafts a soundscape where identity and emotion meet. With each transition, he draws the crowd deeper into the story, connecting Minneapolis to Havana, San Juan, Barranquilla, and beyond. This eve-night celebration is not only a tribute to International Music Day, but also a reflection of what music can do when it’s shared with intention: build bridges, spark joy, and turn strangers into neighbors. As the clock inches toward midnight and the solstice approaches, Salsa Brava and Rhythms In The North promise a night of motion, meaning, and memory under one communal beat. Don’t just attend—immerse yourself, and let the music move you into the warmth of summer.