Get Ready to Spice Up Your Tuesday Nights in Chula Vista
The infectious energy of live Latin music is about to fill those warm evenings again at Otay Ranch Town Center. “Salsa Under the Stars” has become one of those community traditions we genuinely look forward to each year, and this season promises to deliver all the rhythm and connection that made us fall in love with it in the first place.
Meet Your Musical Guides
The Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet brings authenticity that you can feel in every note.
Led by Manny Cepeda, a San Juan, Puerto Rico native with impressive musical credentials including a Bachelor’s in Music Education, a Master’s in Music, and 31 years serving as the Navy’s top Enlisted Bandmaster, this isn’t just any cover band playing background music.
Since establishing the Manny Cepeda Orchestra in 2004, they’ve earned their reputation as San Diego County‘s premier Classic Salsa Band through countless performances that showcase genuine Latin musical traditions.
When we say they know how to move a crowd, we mean it—these musicians understand the soul of salsa music and how to share it with everyone present.
No Experience? No Problem
What keeps drawing us back is how welcoming this series feels for everyone. The basic instruction component means we can all participate regardless of our dance floor confidence level.
We’ve watched complete beginners discover their rhythm alongside experienced dancers who’ve been perfecting their moves for years, and somehow everyone finds their place in the music.
The no-partner-required approach removes any social anxiety about showing up solo. We’ve made some of our best connections with fellow San Diegans while learning steps together and laughing through the inevitable missteps that come with trying something new.
Summer Lineup Worth Blocking Out
The series runs through September with carefully selected sessions that build toward a finale as part of the Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. We’re particularly excited about the variety each session brings—every gathering offers its own unique energy and crowd dynamics.
That final celebration deserves special attention as the perfect way to wrap up a summer of musical discovery and community building while honoring the cultural roots of salsa music.
Double the Evening Entertainment
One of our favorite aspects is how the weekly Farmers Market runs alongside the salsa series. We can browse local vendors for fresh produce and unique finds before settling in for the musical portion of our evening.
It creates this perfect flow where we’re already in community mode, chatting with neighbors and discovering local businesses before the dancing begins.
See you there!
We’ll be practicing our footwork and soaking up every minute of live music and community connection.
📆 Select Tuesdays: June 24, July 8, July 29, August 12, August 26, September 16, September 30
🕐 4:30 PM–7:30 PM (4 PM–7 PM on Sept 30)
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
