The weather was just about perfect for a celebration of Latin culture.

It was already hot,  so it already put people in a tropical state of mind, Saturday, July 17 for Latin Fest.

The Southern Alberta Multicultural Centre downtown was packed with hungry patrons enjoying Latin food outside. The ice cream booth was particularly busy.

Most of the people packed inside to enjoy Latin music and dance in an air conditioned atmosphere.

 I was only able to stay for a couple acts. Most of them performed several times.

Around 3 p.m. Rigoberto Alvaredo sang a variety of Latino pop and jazz songs ba

cked by a taped accompaniment.

 He enjoyed himself, wandering all over the dance floor crooning into his microphone.

He was pretty popular and was called back for an encore of “La Bamba” which several of the performers covered.

Traditional dancing is always a highlight of Latin Fest.

There were several dance troupes on the bill but I only caught Mexicanos Sin Fronterosas Dancers.

They began with a beautiful graceful dance dressed in blue and white then another group in yellow, red and white danced a different dance.

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor