Orquesta Aragon Takes Stage in AN AFTERNOON IN HAVANA at the Coliseum Today

The legendary Orquesta Aragon will take the stage at "Afternoon In Havana" at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida today, June 23, 2013. The celebration of Cuban culture is from 2-6pm and will be hosted by three of television's most notable dancing pros: Mary Murphy (So You Think You Can Dance), Tony Dovolani and Maks Chmerkovskiy (both Dancing with the Stars). The newly crowned World Latin Dance Champions will perform and the high-style showgirls from Havana's "Tropicana" will also dance.

In addition to Cuban music, and professional dance presentations, there will be opportunities for everyone to dance. Cuban food and drinks will be available, and a courtyard cigar area outside will allow enthusiasts to enjoy tobacco. The afternoon is a celebration designed to recreate Havana's golden days when the city and its clubs were a top tourist destination.

Sixteen of Cuba's best performers make up the latest incarnation of the Orquesta Aragon including musicians who are part of the "Buena Vista Social Club" notably vocalist Julio Fernandez Colina and world renowned percussionist Amadito Valdes who were in the film and album. The Orquesta Aragon was founded in 1939 and popularized the Cha Cha Cha. Orquesta Aragon is lead by Rafael Felipe Lay who was handed the baton by his father. When Ry Cooder traveled to Cuba, he pulled the country's best musicians from various groups and had them record (and later tour) under the name "Buena Vista Social Club." BVSC is now an umbrella name used by different ensembles of musicians.

The Tampa Bay business community is showing strong support for an "Afternoon in Havana." Corporate sponsors include: Florida Blue, AT&T, Advantica, Visibility Management, Tampa Bay Magazine, and the Vinoy. Other business leaders are using the event to entertain clients in a unique setting that celebrates the music, dance and food of Cuba.

Tickets for reserved table seating are $70, $95, $145. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $295, $995, and $1495. VIP tickets include a dance class taught by the pro's, Tony & Maks, special seating, and a reception with the stars and musicians. Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com. Sponsorships are available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. For more information see www.AfternoonInHavana.com or call (727) 538-7750. The Coliseum is in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida at 535 Fourth Av N.