So we’re in Lyon, at the business end, having taken a tour of Geneva. It’s at this point that Slap and I discover Ricky’s French is limited (he knows jack sh**) having trying to converse with a local in loud English with rabid hand movements. We discover that a taxi is required to find the Hotel Du Paris.

We locate our hotel and hit the sack for a couple of hours, we’re trashed. We’ve been travelling since 8:30 am, it’s now about 7pm.

We freshen up and contemplate our next move………a few beers. We’re quite chilled and relaxed now but still a bit tired. We’ve got a choice- go and see Oscar D’leon or sink more beers. Ricardo’s not due to play till about 11/12ish in a club so it’s a close call. It’s around 10pm now. We opt for Oscar. A short taxi ride and we’re there.

There are three days of open air music and bands, festivals don’t always have workshops etc. We arrive at Ile Barbe, the open air venue, security is mega tight. Because we missed the artist validation period we can’t get in. Ricky starts a lively debate with security in his best French!!! Slap and I take two paces back!!! Finally he calls Florian(check his interview)his DJ buddy. It’s handshakes, hugs and kisses all round (when in Rome) He gets us in.

We get our passes sorted out, we’re all called Ricardo!!! Slap and I are issued press passes. It’s a nice warm evening, the crowd number about 3000+ The whole event is well organised, no queuing at the bar, good facilities, numerous vendor stalls decent dance areas and free drinks courtesy of Flo.

The DJ is playing a nice mix of music; it appears to be Cuban orientated crowd in terms of dance styles. The are a few in liners sprinkled around keeping it nice and tight. An announcement is made Oscar is on.

The 16 piece band are on warming the crowd up with the backing singers, the crowd are lapping it up. Oscar leaps on wearing the tightest strides you could imagine. He was running up and down the stage, I feared for his condition. He must be late sixties at least.  Anyway the band had lots of energy and drive; they belted out all the old favourites, the crowd joined in. You name it they played it. Live music give songs a different dimension. Songs you hated suddenly have a different feel; my hips were moving.

Ricky uttered a comment which Slap and I will never forget. I’ll spare his embarrassment and keep it a secret. But if you see him ask him what he said.!!!

At this point we’d met Aimeline(check video interview) We had to leave to get to  Woodlands one of three festive after party venues. Florian ushered us over to the VIP area. They had a stretch limo waiting for us ( ok it was a people carrier) We were chauffeured to the club. We received a nice greeting from security, Ricky passed up the offer of testing his French again.

The club was empty, just a few teenagers loitering around. I thought we’d walked into a youth club. The club has three main sections, a chillout area with seating to the left, the main dance floor centrally placed. Then off to the right tucked away are a small number of small alcoves. This place used to proved adult entertainment!!!!! There was the odd strange instrument draped on the walls in this area. We looked at each other thinking ……..yes, say no more.

The club was still dead, Flo assured us people would come. Flo’s  now on dexx banging out   rare salsa vinyl grooves, stuff to kill for. The teenagers at this point were eating each other. Slowly the club starts to fill. Ricky at this point starts to get a point twitchy. It was either the prospect of playing to the dead, changing his music selection or he really had a twitch. I have a Dance with Aimeline, the kids give us strange looks.

Aimeline is now in the booth, she really looks the part. She plays the whole shabang, few salsa monga, bachata, meringue, and straight up salsa. The clubs filling up nicely. The party‘s in full swing. Aimeline’s done a tremendous job in warming the crowd up. The dancers have arrived.

Flo gives the bar staff a mild dressing down for charging us. Drinks are now courtesy of the management.  The mojitos are tasting even sweeter now. It felt like the Carlsberg ad moment.

Ricky’s on dexx now ,cues up and his away. The crowd love it. Ricky starts to do his dad dancing in the booth then thinks better of it. Slap and I manage a few dances in between re-fuelling. It’s very rare an opportunity like this presents itself where good music is really appreciated. The circular dancers and on liners were having a good time. Forgot to mention the club is basement level, it’s like an oven, but what club isn’t.

It’s about 4ish, we’re beat and decide to call it a night. People are still arriving!!! Flo sorts out the Taxi. It’s off to bed for us.