MELINA Almodovar

The Salsa Guru

Melina Almodovar grew up in Puerto Rico in a family of musicians, artists, poets, and sculptors. Her dad sang bolero music and her mom danced flamenco so it is no surprise her dream was to become a salsa singer. Today she is known as La Muñeca de la Salsa (The Doll of Salsa), the title of her first album. She is a prolific salsa singer, songwriter, dancer, and entertainer and you can currently download her fourth album “Corazon Salsero”.

Melina has produced the Miami Beach Salsa Fest at the Miami Beach Bandshell for over ten years. Over two thousand people attend this free event, the largest Hispanic event in Miami after Calle Ocho. This year the event will take place on September 28th and will have salsa bands and dancers from many countries.

Melina is on the board of AYUDA Miami a non-profit that has helped at-risk families and elders for over 35 years. This year she is doing a special Bolero Night concert to benefit AYUDA Miami that will take place on September 26 at La Poubelle. You can get tickets at eventbrite.com for the Bolero Night and register for the Miami Beach Salsa Fest.

Melina fell in love with Miami because of its music scene. See our interview to discover her favorite places to dance and listen to music. Find out where you can take salsa lessons and discover her favorite restaurants from Puerto Rico.