Mambo music made a big comeback in 1997 with the release of Ry Cooders masterpiece, The Buena Vista Social Club movie and music CD. Cooder went to forbidden Havana, Cuba to film his moving documentary on the lives of these past greats of Cuban Son music, now known around the world as Salsa.
After the big success of Buena Vista Social Club, latin dancing became all the rage once again in clubs and dance halls around the world. On the west coast of the United States, in the heart of Los Angeles, a club called The Conga Room was enjoying a level of success that had not been seen since the days of the Tropicana or the Village Gate. Salsa dancers and celebrities of all kinds lined up around the block to see the great musical acts that were imported from Cuba.
The Conga Room, owned by actors Jimmy Smits and Jennifer Lopez, became an instant smash sensation when they began to bring over many of Cubas biggest musical stars. On any weekend night you could stand next to celebrities like Wesley Snipes, Andy Dick, or Leah Remeni, among others. They would all come to kick up their heels with the hottest latin dancing this side of Puerto Rico.
Bands such as the all female group Bamboleo featuring their alluring singer Vania were the toast of the town. Everyone wanted to meet them and get to know them and what it was like living in Cuba. Everybody got up to dance when this group got warmed up.
Another great Cuban group to grace the stage at the Conga Room was Los Van Van. They practically invented the style of salsa music called Songo and a latin dancing craze ensued that flourishes to this day.
Other great groups to come over included Arte Mixto, Maraca, Manolin, and Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son. From Thursday to Sunday the place was jam packed with latin dancing couples who tore up the dance floor. Celebrities would sit at their private tables and were there to be seen.
After the club would shut down at two in the morning, many revelers would head over to open all night Canters on Fairfax. Canters is a great Hollywood tradition and features Jewish favorites such as Matzo soup and Kerplatz, along with the worlds best corned beef sandwich. This was definitely the place to go for star watching and everyone would show up sooner or later including Leo, Brad, and Angelina. After a night of latin dancing, you needed the homemade grub at Canters or a hot dog from Pinks to get you safely home.
After 9-11 it became increasingly difficult and nearly impossible for Cuban musicians to get the necessary travel visas and documents from the State department so although the Conga Room continues to this day, its allure as a top nightspot diminished substantially. Many nightlife enthusiasts in L.A. still remember the club fondly and hope to see it re-emerge as The Place to Go in Los Angeles for latin dancing.