Come early for free Latin dance lesson, and get ready to dance the night away
[COOPERSTOWN, NY] November 25, 2024 – Get ready to move to the beat – whether tapping your toes or dancing the night away – as the sensational international band ZapOte brings its “world-beat meets funk” sound to Cooperstown. Fusing high-energy Latin funk with the pulsating grooves of Afro-Cuban jazz, samba, hip-hop, and global rhythms, ZapOte is set to deliver an unforgettable night of music and dancing for all ages. The concert, presented by Cooperstown Concerts, will take place December 13 at 7:00 PM at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street in Cooperstown. Free Latin Dance Lesson at 6:00 PM for ticketholders!
With a reputation for exhilarating live shows, ZapOte’s “tropical pop” combines intricate percussion with the deep rhythms of Latin jazz, infectious swing of samba, and irresistible pull of funk, creating a soundscape where fans can lose themselves in the music. The performance promises an evening of joy, connection, and community—perfect for music lovers and dance enthusiasts alike. With deep bass grooves and swinging horn lines, the band’s powerful music also provides a backdrop for socially conscious lyrics, with messages of universal consciousness, empowerment, compassion, and unity.
“ZapOte has made waves across the music scene for their captivating music and messages and we’re very excited to welcome them to Cooperstown. It’s exhilarating seeing people coming together, immersed in music, exploring new sounds, and enjoying a great time,” said Randy Smith, Cooperstown Concerts president.
With origins rooted in diverse global influences, ZapOte’s music resonates with audiences around the country and around the world. The band has performed across the U.S. and internationally, including at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Frauenstimmen Festival in Switzerland, the Belize International Jazz Festival, the U.S. State Department’s Arts Envoy in Belize, and more. ZapOte’s founder and leader Dawn Drake is an active musician in New York’s eclectic music scene, who also plays bass and congas with artists from around the globe. She is a percussionist, bass player, singer and composer/songwriter. She studied percussion in Ghana, and pursued Afro-Cuban batá and conga drumming in Cuba and in NYC, as well as samba percussion in Brazil. She holds a Masters degree in Ethnomusicology and an MFA in Composition and Performance from California Institute of the Arts. She is a Professor of Caribbean Music at John Jay College, as well as a teaching artist.
“With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, Cooperstown Concerts has been a cornerstone of the local music scene, hosting unforgettable performances,” said Smith. “Bringing ZapOte to our stage this season, we’re building on this tradition and featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites.”
Free Dance Lessons for Ticketholders before the Concert
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or it’s your first samba, ZapOte’s infectious rhythms are sure to make you want to dance. Cooperstown Concerts will offer free Latin dance lessons to ticketholders before the show, so get your dancing shoes ready, come early and put the spice back in your salsa! Lesson will be right before the show, from 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm in the Otesaga Hotel ballroom.
Ticket Information
Don’t miss your chance to experience the vibrant music that only ZapOte can bring. Gather your friends and family and join in the fun. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are: Adults, $30; Students (with College ID), $10; Youth (6 to 18), $10; Under age 6, Free.
This concert is sponsored by Bieritz Insurance Agency of Cooperstown. Cooperstown Concerts 2024-2025 Season Programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by the Scriven Foundation.
About Cooperstown Concerts
Founded 55 years ago, Cooperstown Concerts has served as a home for live music – dedicated to bringing an eclectic mix of world-class live music to our community. The 2024-2025 season continues this tradition of excellence, featuring a diverse lineup that invites audiences to explore new sounds, discover emerging artists, and enjoy timeless favorites. With a commitment to diversity in programming and a deep connection to its audience, Cooperstown Concerts offers an opportunity for people to come together, experience and engage with high-quality music from around the globe, and enjoy a great performance close to home. Cooperstown Concerts is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
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Summary Content for News and Calendar Items
News Summary
ZapOte Brings World-Beat Funk and Fiery Latin Jazz to Cooperstown
Get ready to move to the beat – whether tapping your toes or dancing the night away – as the sensational international band ZapOte brings its “world-beat meets funk” sound to Cooperstown. Fusing high-energy Latin funk,with Afro-Cuban jazz, samba, hip-hop, and global rhythms, ZapOte is set to deliver an unforgettable night of music and dancing for all ages. The concert will take place December 13 at 7:00 PM at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, 60 Lake Street in Cooperstown. Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are: Adults, $30; Students (with College ID), $10; Youth (6 to 18), $10; Under age 6, Free. Free Latin Dance Lesson at 6:00 PM for ticketholders!
Calendar Summary
ZapOte, the international “Tropical Pop” dance band with Latin and Afro-Cuban sounds, will perform on December 13 at 7:00 PM at the Otesaga Hotel (60 Lake Street, Cooperstown). Tickets are available online and may be available at the door. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit cooperstownconcerts.org. Tickets are: Adults, $30; Students (with College ID), $10; Youth (6 to 18), $10; Under age 6, Free. Free Latin Dance Lesson at 6:00 PM for ticketholders!
