Alma del Barrio Salsa Fest – Fifty Plus Years of Salsa Dura and More
Thousands converged on Lawton Plaza, at Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA. 90045. The annual gathering was held on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Thousands converged on Lawton Plaza, at Loyola Marymount University, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA. 90045. The annual gathering was held on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
This special occasion was the Alma del Barrio Salsa Fest VIII, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Qué Siga La Rumba! The highly anticipated event drew thousands of salseros from throughout Southern California.
Salsa Fest is Southern California’s largest and most popular festival of its kind. Salsa Fest, a daylong celebration of Latin Music, dancing, food, and local vendors hosted by LMU Radio’s KXLU-FM, returned to Loyola Marymount University for its eighth year during Latinx Heritage Month.
In a release statement, “Salsa Fest VIII marks a time to celebrate culture, music, and community,” said Lydia Ammossow, who directs LMU Radio’s KXLU-FM operations. “Year after year, we look forward to the event as a day dedicated to Latin music, and a way to champion the community members who have supported KXLU.”
It’s hard to believe that Salsa Fest has only been held for eight years. In my mind, it seems like it has been going on forever.
The festival featured a main stage with live entertainment, delightful food trucks, and a variety of vendors. Guests were able to browse and/or purchase festival merchandise, clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. On a musical note, one could pick up some classic salsa music on vinyl. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, vinyl records are still around and quite popular. Keep in mind that the holidays are just around the corner. Just a thought!
Nelson Rodriguez and Kathy “La Rumbera” Diaz served as co-hosts. Several Alma del Barrio DJs were on site, enjoying the festival and participating in a meet-and-greet with guests.
Alma del Barrio staff couldn’t have asked for better weather for the fest. The weather forecast stated that we could experience clear, blue skies, with lots of sun and a 100% chance that everyone would have a great time.
Salsa Fest was significant on a couple of levels: first, it was held during Hispanic Heritage Month, and it served as a family reunion of Southern California salseros. You know what I mean if you had a chance to frequent the many venues that hosted popular concert series throughout the summer. LACMA, Autry Museum, Ivy Station, Plaza de Artes Y Cultura are a few that come to mind. Outdoor music festivals featured salsa or Latin music on their respective lineup.
LMU Radio’s KXLU 88.9 FM’s popular Alma del Barrio staff worked very hard to put on this top-notch salsa fest. The salsa fest is a thank you to the community for their support of the station and the popular soundtrack played by Alma del Barrio DJs for five decades plus. Alma del Barrio was created by then-LMU students Enrique “Kiki” Soto and the late Raul Villa in fall 1973.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the beautiful layout of Lawton Plaza for the fest. It’s been three years since I attended Salsa Fest. The built-in amphitheater is a classy highlight for the fest and other gatherings on campus.
The vibes in Lawton Plaza were electrifying several hours before the official start of the show. The crowd continued to grow throughout the day.
You are probably wondering out loud, when am I going to finish up with the pleasant salsa chisme? The wait is over!
The show got underway with introductory remarks by Sergio Mielniczenko from “the Brazilian Hour.” Sergio welcomed acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist Rogê for some original and classic Brazilian samba.
DJs from Alma del Barrio made sure that the show stayed fluid by playing an eclectic soundtrack to complement and enhance the fest.
Lázaro Galarraga (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Legendary percussionist and singer Lázaro Galarraga & Sitara Son were up next. This tight band livens up the festivities with a set of Afro-Cuban music and salsa to the delight of Southern California salseros.
Roosevelt “El Presidente de la Salsa” from Peru thrilled the salseros throughout the summer as a guest vocalist with local bands performing in the area. His first order of business when he took office was to perform at Alma del Barrio Salsa Fest while fronting his own band. The fall semesters of classes are in session as “El Presidente de la Salsa” took the crowd down memory lane with a fiery set of old school salsa dura.
It only got better. Susie Hansen Latin Band put on the finishing touches, a la musical notes, on another successful iteration of Alma del Barrio Salsa Fest. Southern California salseros danced to the very last note, as Susie Hansen Latin Band performed a set of salsa, charanga, cha, cha, cha, and bachata, delivered in their distinct hard-driving style.
Alma del Barrio held an awards ceremony to recognize and honor Joaquin del Toro, a longtime DJ, for his dedicated service. Additional awards were presented to master percussionist and singer, Lázaro Galarraga, and Susie Hansen.
Salsa fans the world over can listen to “Alma del Barrio” at 88.9 FM in Los Angeles, and online at www.kxlu.com, or by downloading the free LMU Radio KXLU smartphone app. You can stay connected with Alma del Barrio on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming concerts and events, etc. Brief highlights of Salsa Fest VIII should be available on social media platforms as well as YouTube.
Please consider supporting this annual event to ensure that it thrives for years to come for the community. Donate to KXLU.
