- by Dena Burroughs

If tropical music is your thing and you have a closet full of costumes and are ready to begin the Halloween partying tonight already, here are six options to choose from:

Lucky 7 Mambo at Cicada in downtown L.A. – As part of the Latino Professional Network’s Halloween celebration, this Salsa band will rock the night for a cover charge of $20. This is an event where either a Halloween costume or your regular office attire will do – after all, aren’t you “dressing up” too when you play “professional”? The event starts at 6.30 pm and the earlier you arrive the better your chances will be to enjoy the complimentary tastings of tequila, margaritas, rum, appetizers, and more. If you are a cigar lover, take one with you – the Cicada has a very nice patio. More information about this event at http://www.lpnonline.com/eWebPages/Next-Event-and-RSVP.eWeb 

Angel Lebron y Sabor Latino at Minx in Glendale – If you are closer to the Glendale area, you may want to check out the Halloween celebration at Minx with live Salsa music for a cover charge of $10. Along with the live band and recorded music by two DJs, there will be salsa dance performances and a costume contest with cash prizes for the winner. Minx is located at 300 Harvey Drive, in Glendale. The evening starts at 9 pm.

Andy Andy at the Conga Room in downtown LA – The Dominican bachata singer will be at the newest Latin club in downtown L.A. for a cover charge of $25. (However, you can print out this flier to pay $20 instead.) Bachata is a genre of music and dance that originated in the rural neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. Andy Andy’s performance will be supplemented by recorded Salsa, merengue, and other music genres played by a DJ.

Octavio Figueroa y la Combinacion at Dakota Lounge in Santa Monica – The Peruvian band leader will perform with his band La Combinacion starting at 10.30 pm at the Dakota Lounge, a spot that is becoming increasingly popular for Thursday Salsa dancing in the west side. Cover charge is $10. More information at http://www.2umbao.com 

Orquesta Tabaco y Ron at Mama Juana’s – If Studio City is your turf, you may want to check out one of L.A.’s better known Salsa bands for a cover charge of $10. Mama Juana’s is a restaurant and the cover charge is waved with dinner purchase. Some street parking is available but valet parking is the most convenient. More information at http://www.mamajuanas.com

70s Salsa party at Olivia’s in Burbank – Those of you with a warm spot in your hearts for the 70s can enjoy a colorful Halloween party at Olivia’s, located at 245 E. Olive, in Burbank. This is a party with recorded music only. There is a dance class with instructors Mike and Christina at 8 pm. More information is at http://www.mikechristina.com