Los Círculos: A Night of Illumination, Unity, Samba and Salsa!
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
6:00pm
Los Círculos: A Night of Illumination, Unity, Samba and Salsa!
Tuesday, September 30
6 pm: Duarte Triangle, 170th St & Broadway
7 pm: Plaza de las Americas, 175th St & Broadway
Los Círculos is a multi-site lighting installation that aims to increase a sense of joy, unity, and belonging in Washington Heights. Los Círculos is designed by Marvel and produced by Community League of the Heights (CLOTH) and Van Alen Institute, in collaboration with a coalition of neighborhood organizations and design experts.
On September 30, join us for music, dancing, and the official unveiling of Los Círculos. At 6 pm, the installation at Duarte Triangle will be illuminated. A drum line led by Manhattan Samba will then lead us to Plaza de las Americas for the second illumination, followed by salsa music from María y Simón and dancing!
Los Círculos is supported by the NYC Department of Small Business Services and, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Van Alen Institute’s work is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Featuring María y Simón, “Dream Duet”
“Dream Duet” is a colorful mother-and-son duo full of salsa, rhythm, and love. Simón, only 12 years old, plays the bass and sings with natural talent, while María Escobar, a seasoned singer with a strong career in Colombia, joins him with her powerful voice.
Together, they deliver a vibrant show that blends music, some dancing, and a joyful salsa journey through classic hits perfect for dancing and enjoying with the whole family. The show is backed by a wonderful band of exceptional musicians – an electrifying septet, whose talent lifts the experience to the highest musical level.
Featuring Manhattan Samba
Manhattan Samba is an international, multigenerational Brazilian samba bateria with musicians of all ages, from Brazil, Central and South America, the Caribbean Islands, Europe, Japan and the U.S., all trained by Ivo Araujo in his weekly, Wednesday, samba classes.
Manhattan Samba brings to life the pure, swinging, exuberant, focused, high energy rhythms and passions of the legendary Rio de Janeiro samba schools, as performed at Rio’s annual world-famous Carnival.