Here’s a roundup for the next couple of weeks:
Bhangra Indian folk-dance groups from across the county will compete at the Visalia Fox Theatre for $3,500 worth of prizes as part of College of the Sequoias’ fourth-annual Bhangra competition.
This year’s competitors come from far away as New York and Washington, D.C. Other teams are based in the Bay Area, Southern California and Sacramento. One team is based in Fresno.
The competition is part of COS’ Arts & Lecture Series, which aims to bring top-notch entertainment and cultural events to Tulare County.
Bhangra dance and music started in Punjab, now divided between north India and Pakistan. Traditionally, lyrics reflected the harvest celebration, love, patriotism or social issues.
Today, Bhangra is a mix of traditional music with hip-hop, pop, house and reggae rhythms. Traditionally it was an all-male activity, but today many of the dance groups have gone co-ed.
Details: Giant Bhangra 4 starts at 8 p.m. May 8 at the Visalia Fox Theatre. Individual tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. COS students with a valid ASB card get in free. Advance tickets can also be purchased at www.foxvisalia.org at the Visalia Fox Theatre Box Office.
Salsa at The Cellar Door
Kemaya, the popular Fresno-based salsa band that has performed several times at The Cellar Door, returns Saturday to the downtown venue.
The night of music — which is billed as a pre-Cinco De Mayo event — will include free salsa dance lessons.
The 10-member band boasts a full-range sound that is always ignites a lively dance party, steeped deep in traditional salsa music, promoter Aaron Gomes said.
Details: Kemaya will perform at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at The Cellar Door, 101 W. Main St. The cover for the 21-and-older show is $7.
Backtrack: Visalia Choices
