The Portland Mi Gente
Club originated in 1994 the intent was to set up a fraternal organizations with
members and host a once a month Latin dances, somewhat like the Cuban Club is
set up in Southern California. We were able to host a dance every month at the
Doubletree/Red Lion hotels in the Janzen Beach area till approximately 1998
when the Oregon liquor commission not understanding the Latin culture stopped
the Hotels from allowing us to continue hosting the dances there. After that we
help set up a number of Latin clubs in the Portland metro. And open up our own
in the City of Hood River OR. “Tito’s Wine & Dance” we then gave birth to
our daughter in 1998 and decided to get out of the night life business. Here
and there we go out to a club to dance and say hi to our old friends, so listed
below are a few entries from our experience. We don’t go dancing very offend
anymore so the dates are far apart. We still continue to DJ many parties and
sometimes a local club invites us to DJ at their club for them. We keep very
current in our music collections so we get thrilled to help the clubs out when they
need a DJ. If you need a DJ please click on the Disc Jockey Service Link or
give us a call. We have also provided some Classic Latin music for you to hear
while browsing the internet, hit the play on the player on the upper left. If
you know of new Latin Clubs in the PDX area let us know so we can list them.
Dec 12th 09; We returned to visit our friend Jorge at Aztec Willies Wow! free admission during
December. No band but just as good they had “DJ Alejandro” excellent music.
The sound was equalized allot better, we had a great time with the free salsa
lesson and the dancing. PDXlatino was also there
taking picture check out their web page at pdxlatino.com
Feb 14th
09, Happy Valentines to all, we went to the Mambo Lounge, $12
admission for two bands, that’s a good deal! They started with a basic salsa
dance lesson, and then “Melao de Cuba” took
the stage, first time I hear this group, they did great! I dance to all their
music. After they were done, DJ Rodger continued, he was playing awesome music
not one bad song. The night was perfect how could it get better? Then came “Cubaneo” the drummer started beating on the cow
bell and my body started moving again. Once again I was on the floor, Cubaneo is the best!!!! The sound systems
all sounded great, nice friendly atmosphere, good drinks and a large dance
floor. EXCELLENCE once again! I Totally recommend the
Mambo Lounge.
Nov 15th
08, Saturday night at the Mambo
Lounge; it was our first
time. It is just around the corner from the Viscount Ballroom on SE 8th AVE.
They don’t have a big sign out front so you must walk the side walk to see the
small sign posted on a sandwich board. It is an older building and the doors
are kept closed, you must open the doors. Inside you will run into the doorman
and then go up two flights of stairs. On the way up you might see a few private
parties happening on the first and second floor. Just keep going up to the
third floor and there you will find the Latin Music. It does not have the
“Night Club” look, no special effect lighting, yet it is well lit up. It looks
more like a dance hall/ ballroom. The Disc Jockey is the best we have heard so
far. Every song that Roger Rumba played was a well-known hit and his music selection
is excellent: Salsa, Merengue, and Cha Cha’s. He does
add a bit of good Cumbia. I did not hear any Reggaeton or Bachata and that’s a
good thing for me, since I am not a big fan of those styles. The dance floor is
large and the music is well equalized making it very pleasant to the ears. The
bar is small yet the bartenders are fast so I never had to wait for my drinks.
Drinks are about $6.50 each (a bit high) and if you use a credit card, there is
a $10 drink minimum. Admission is $10 each person, but they had my favorite
band, Cubaneo. What can I say about Cubaneo? They are by far the best Latin band I have
seen in the Portland Metro and they only get better every time! FUEGO FUEGO! So $10 for a live band is a great price. If you are
not into the night club look, I would recommend the Mambo Lounge. You will not find a better DJ anywhere. Andrea’s DJ is also good, but I must say Roger takes my vote!
Sept 25th 08 Thursday night at Andrea’s
Cha Cha
Club! Once again Cubaneo was
performing and once again they sounded great! Andrea’s has
also done some remodeling and the dance floor is now a bit larger. For a Thursday night the club was jumping.
The DJ that night was great, a great selection of music and easy on the ears he
kept me dancing even when the band was not playing! The place is small but
On Sept 5th 08 we went to Aztec Willies Taqueria to
enjoy a night of salsa dancing, the atmosphere was excellent, good size dance
floor, good bar, the DJ that night was not so hot, music was not equalize well
(hard on the ears), his selection was average L. Cost
$6 to get in, I would probably not go there again for the dj
night..
But on a prior occasion we went there and had the pleasure to listen and dance
to Conjunto Cubaneo ! wow
they are good ! we had a blast ! we
paid $10 to watch them and dance to their music.. that’s
a bargain !
Nov 24th 07 we visited our old
friends at Caribe Club in Beaverton, Wow! we were very
impressed, they have done massive remodeling, they have three dance floors, one
for salsa music, one for cumbia and party tropical
music and the one downstairs for mexi-tex (banda). The atmosphere is very nice and the sound systems
and lighting effects are excellent. Good over all
music selection. I would recommend the trip out to Beaverton!