Casa Mexico: Summer Salsa Concert -- La Verdad ft. Super DJ Robby

The Summer of Salsa has been drawing West Coast Latin music devotees to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for years. On July 10, La Verdad -- the premier West Coast Latin ensemble led by Gabriel Gonzalez -- takes the outdoor stage for a 7-11 p.m. set at 501 N Main St in downtown Los Angeles.

Before the performance, Dancing 101 with Roberto offers a free beginner salsa lesson at 6 p.m. -- the kind of session where newcomers end up moving next to veterans by the end of the night, no hierarchy. Super DJ Robby opens and bridges the sets. Latin Gold Records curates a vinyl collection for the evening.

This is not a concert you watch from a distance. The entire courtyard is a dance floor, the crowd spans first-timers to regulars who have been coming to this series for years, and the Plaza's open-air setting puts the city behind the stage. Free with RSVP. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site.