Valentine 1995
Annual Valentine with “Pop Caribe” band at the Polish American Club
By Herman Santa
Although they call themselves salsa musicians, the “Pop Caribe” Orchestra can play everything from a Cumbia to a Bolero or any song requested by the audience, as demonstrated in the dance of “In Love” presented by the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” on Saturday, February 11, in the elegant ballroom of the Polish American Club in Port St. Lucie.
El “Angel de la Salsa” Angel Roque and his orchestra “Pop Caribe,” as they are already known in West Palm Beach. “The Angel of Salsa” can be compared to Frankie Ruiz, Tito Rojas, Jerry Rivera, Gilberto Santa Rosa, among other new salsa stars from the Caribbean. The orchestra “Pop Caribe” originated under the name “Los Angeles” in 1987. In 1989, they changed their name to “Pop Caribe,” but since Angel recorded his first CD last year, he is known as the “Angel of Salsa” and is “making waves” in West Palm Beach and other parts of the United States.
The CD titled “El Tesorito” with the song “I love you just the way you are” is already being played on Spanish-speaking radio stations in the United States, and Marta, the vocalist of the orchestra, tells us that in Texas it has reached the 5th position on the “Hit Parade” and in New York it is already in the “Top Ten.” The director and arranger is the Cuban Angel Roque, husband of Marta, who was born in Puerto Rico. The orchestra consists of talented young individuals of Puerto Rican and Cuban origin. At the Latin music festival in Texas last October, “Pop Caribe” made a splash with its “Salsa.”
Their performances are at Hispanic clubs in West Palm Beach such as the “Caribe Club,” “Lagoon,” “Cuban Club,” and they have played at luxurious American nightclubs like “Donald Trump,” “Rick Carlton,” “Sailfish Club,” among others. “El Angel de Ia Salsa” and his orchestra “Pop Caribe” will continue to perform in this area and are planning to travel to Venezuela on a musical tour soon, continuing to win over a larger audience each time.
Dominoes 2010
Dominoes games at Jensen Beach Park
By Herman Santa
Event 1995 (Cultural Show)
Multicultural Activity at Port St. Lucie Community Center
By Herman Santa
The “Spanish American Club, Inc.” of Martin and St. Lucie counties held its second Multicultural Show on Saturday, July 22, at the Port St. Lucie Community Center. The club is already recognized for its support of Hispanics and for its community services, education, and arts. The club is among the nonprofit civic organizations in the “Treasure Coast” counties that have taken the initiative to preserve the folklore, art, customs, language, and cultures of our Spanish-speaking countries.
This was the first time we had the participation of four countries who showcased their folklore. This multicultural event was scheduled to celebrate the anniversary and the independences of the United States, Colombia, and Peru. The Colombians were represented by a folkloric group from the “Artistas Colombianos” organization in West Palm Beach. They danced the San Juanero and the Mapale. The Peruvians entertained us with the folkloric group “Estampas Peruanas” from Boynton Beach, who performed a Marinera and a Valiche. The Americans were represented by “Sun Cats Squares” from Port St. Lucie. They danced the famous “How Down” and a “Tip Dance.”
Guatemalans were represented by their group “Maya Quetzal” from West Palm Beach, who delighted us with traditional dances from their land and culminated with the band “Marimba de Corn Maya” from Indiantown. After the multicultural event, Latin music was played with the “Disc Jockey” Manny González and his “Midnight Express” from Port St. Lucie. The Board of Directors of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” and its members thank everyone for their support and participation, as well as the individuals and organizations that helped us celebrate our second multicultural showcase. The proceeds from this event will go to the annual college scholarship fund for a Hispanic student in the area.
Luau 1994
Hawaiian party with D.J. Johnny’s Music Jensen Beach Women’s Club
By Herman Santa
The members of the Spanish American Club, Inc. (SACI) celebrated a grand “Luau” dance on Saturday, August 16, at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club in the city of Jensen Beach. The music was provided by Johnny’s Music, which transformed the hall into a great disco with all the effects of lights and sounds, and who managed to get all the guests on the dance floor with their modern rhythms. The celebration, which turned out to be quite impressive, had everyone enjoying a joyful time from 9 PM until 2 AM.
Get Together 1994 (Vignier)
Get Together with Disc Music at the residence of Guillermo y Cecilia Vignier in Port St. Lucie
By Cecilia Vignier
On April 3rd, the members gathered and celebrated Easter with a “Champagne Brunch” event held at the home of members Guillermo and Cecilia Vignier. Each member prepared a specialty, showcasing their new culinary creations. All efforts were rewarded with the praise expressed by the attendees as they tasted the healthy and exquisite dishes. Numerous people attended, including Mr. Leo Davignon, Tilín Vila, Domingo, and Euglena Montiel, along with the distinguished presence of Captain Kenneth La Grave from Venezuela.
The club president, Mr. Tomás González, welcomed everyone present and addressed the members who celebrated their birthdays in the month of April. We happily celebrated birthdays for Marialuisa Carrión, Gladys Vélez, Cecilia Vignier, Herman and Lucy Santa, Dr. Trinidad Rojas, Delma Amorós, and Annie Del Rosario. Everything was so joyful, and everyone was so happy that they promised to make the “Champagne Brunch” a tradition.
Christmas Toys 1996
The holidays arrived, and with them, the toy collection at the Best Western Hotel
By Herman Santa
On Saturday, December 14, the members gathered at the Best Western hotel in Port St. Lucie to collect Christmas toys. Over 30 members donated new gifts in Christmas bags for underprivileged children in the area. The toy collection committee is made up of Herman Santa and Willie González. Herman and Willie will take the gifts to the towns of Indiantown and Ft. Pierce, where many families with limited financial resources live.
Cruise 1997 (Viking Prince)
All aboard the “Viking Prince”!
By Herman Santa
When what you seek is to disconnect from reality for a little while, to rest, enjoy, eat, drink, dance, and gamble on slot machines and table games, then that is what the members do once a year. On Saturday, May 22, the members and friends took a boat to the Bahamas on the “Viking Prince” cruise for a day to enjoy this annual trip.
We departed from Port St. Lucie to the Palm Beach port. The cost was $10, which included a continental breakfast, a buffet-style lunch, and dessert. There was music (Island), Broadway-style shows, and even a sundeck for those who enjoyed sunbathing.
Anniversary 1996
4th Anniversary of SACI with D.J. “Johnny’s Music” at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club
Por Herman Santa
The “Spanish American Club, Inc.” celebrated its 4th Anniversary on Saturday, July 22, at the Jensen Beach Women’s Club.
The dance was enlivened by D.J. “Johnny’s Music.” Johnny Saltos had us dancing from early on with his modern rhythms. The psychedelic lights, smoke, and his way of energizing the crowd made us feel as if we were in a disco. As usual, we did the wheel, the bridge, and there was no shortage of the “cañita” to dance to the calypso style. José Lorenzatto’s Argentine family entertained us with a tango.
The occasion was also used to celebrate the May birthdays of club members Isa Bryson, Reneé Arnao, and Odette Gayoso. In the end, Johnny dedicated songs to the mothers. I want to thank everyone who collaborated and supported us in this activity, especially the organizer, César Bohórquez, the Board of Directors, and the club members who contributed.
The club is among the non-profit civic organizations in the “Treasure Coast” that have taken the initiative to preserve the folklore, art, customs, language, and cultures of our Spanish-speaking countries. Board of Directors: Lilia Bohórquez; Director (Cuba), Pete Echevarría; President (Puerto Rico), Isa Bryson; Vice President (Honduras), Arnaldo Palenzuela; President (Cuba), Odette Gayoso; Secretary (Puerto Rico).
Event 2001 (Caribbean Parade)
Labor Day Parade and Caribbean Festival!
By Carlos David Ramirez
Unfortunately, the Hispanic presence was only represented by the participation of the “Spanish American Club, Inc.” It is essential for the Hispanic community in Martin and St. Lucie counties to engage directly to make our presence known. Next year, VISION Magazine will announce, with anticipation, the advent of this and many other events in which we can all participate.
We have a large Hispanic community in Stuart, Port Salerno, Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, White City, etc.; which has not participated in any county activities. Soon, Hispanics will make our presence known in the area by participating actively. Just as we work, we must be present at all social events, as united we are stronger. VISION Magazine opens its doors to the Hispanic Community so that they can count on our support in all kinds of activities.
Note: This article was scanned from Revista Vision, Page 7, Sept. 2001. The photos were taken by Herman Santa, co-founder of the Spanish American Club, Inc.
Dominoes 1995
By Herman Santa
“Picnic” Dominoes games at St. Lucie Inlet State Park
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