On this night I had the opportunity to offer Dave Valentín, a drink. Before he took the first sip he purposely spilled some of his rum and coke on the floor for those that are missing. This was one of the first things that impressed me about New York's bohemian culture when I first arrived here many years ago. When I told him this and asked him why he did this he touch his heart with his hand and said "porque, para nosotros ellos no han muerto, están aquí con nosotros". Then he played like the old-days.

The house was packed with many of New York's music and dance celebrities including "el casique" Jimmy Antón, Nilda Borreo, director of the New York Mambo Organization, Juan Matos "Don Juan", of the New York Mambo Organization, "la diva de los DJs y la reina de la clave" DJ Elvira, dance instructor Mario Diaz, Ralphie "la Rumba", India, Cita Rodriguez, promoter Izzy Rodriguez "EZ", Jose Oblando, communications director of El Museo de la Salsa, Martin Cohen, founder of Latin Percussion and publisher of CongaHead.com, living legend Jose Fajardo, promoter P. Antonio, and many more.