On Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, the Honolulu Culture and Arts District, the Arts District Merchants Association with Hispanic Center of Hawaii will present the second annual “Cinco de Mayo 2010,” Street Festival, produced by Tim Bostock Productions. This celebration will showcase Latino culture in Hawaii and includes music, dance, cuisine and the arts. Cinco de Mayo is more than a widely popular celebration: it is one of those special times when everyone can feel a little bit Latino/a in their soul.
 
In the spirit of the recent successful Arts District street festivals such as St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras, the purpose of this event is to showcase the transformation of the Arts District in Downtown/Chinatown from red light district to trendy urban neighborhood with its multi-cultural night life. Cinco de Mayo Street Festival specifically highlights Honolulu’s connection to all the beautiful colors, cuisine, arts, music and folklore of Mexico.
 
Local Mexican restaurants including El Palenque, Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, CJ Salsa, and more, will feature seasonal specialties, along with Le Crepe Café, Bombay India Restaurant, Indigo Restaurant, Otto Cakes, Hawaiian Hot Dogs and other neighborhood restaurants.
 
The streets will be covered with Fiesta decorations and Mexican flower girls will entice the crowds to join in the spectacle. Mexican Ballet Folklorico will perform, as will Espiritu Libre, who is known for their Latin rhythms from salsa to samba to Caribbean beats. Other street performances include Monkey Waterfall and Dancers Unlimited.
 
Live music will run from 6pm to 10pm on two stages, including:  Son Caribe Salsa Band, Santana Tribute Band and Espiritu Libre. Headlining the event is Son Caribe, Honolulu’s premiere Latin band.  This dynamite five- piece combo is led by Eddie Ortiz (trumpeter, vocalist, and arranger), and the group plays a wide variety of musical styles including salsa, merengue and bachata. Featured vocalist Cynthia Romero's sultry and silky smooth voice complements a solid rhythm and horn section in the eight piece ensemble.
 
The Santana Tribute Band features Roshan capturing the soul & fire of Santana's guitar magic while maintaining his own musical personality. If you love Santana and his music then you already know what this band is about.
 
A special appearance as well by KWAI/ K-108's popular & longest running Hispanic Radio Show in Hawaii - Alma Latina. Led by host Nancy Ortiz & other guest DJ's, they will spin the best in Latin music all night long on the corner of Nuuanu and Pauahi Streets. Also the favorite KTUH DJs including Mr. Nick, and others will hold it down at the KTUH tent on Hotel Street, plus the astonishing Mechanical Riding Bull on Hotel Street, and dozens of Lowriders on display along Nuuanu Avenue.
 
“Cinco De Mayo Street Festival 2010” is free to all.  Over 21’s will be carded and $3 wristbands required for enjoying alcoholic beverages including $6 Margaritas featuring Tequila Cazadores, $6 Mojitos made with Appleton Estate Rum and Coruba Rum, $7 Red Bull and 42 Below Vodka, plus $4 Cold Cerveza choices of Corona, Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial and Pacifico.  All the district bars and restaurants are joining in the special promotions that night, with additional food and drink specials such as La Paloma (Cazadores Reposado, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Sprite) and Nuuanu Maitini (42 Below Vodka, Pineapple Juice, OJ, Dark Rum).  Most venues will be open to 12midnight or later.
 
Presented by the Arts District Merchants Association, in collaboration with Honolulu Culture and Arts District and the Hispanic Center of Hawaii.  Sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, Red Bull, 42 Below Vodka, Corona, Negro Modelo, and Modelo Especial, and the Honolulu Weekly.   Produced Tim Bostock Productions.
 
 
For more information and press pictures of 2009 musicians & previous downtown celebrations, please contact Maya Portner at Tim Bostock Productions 521-9699 – maya@artsatmarks.com