Jacquy Pfeiffer & Sebastien Canonne • The French Pastry School
The French Pastry School at the City Colleges of Chicago is a culinary institute dedicated solely to the art of pastry. The school was co-founded in 1995 by internationally acclaimed Master Chefs Jacquy Pfeiffer and Sebastien Canonne M.O.F., who teach the school's six-month L'Art de la Pÿtisserie program along with a roster of award-winning Chef Instructors. Offering the finest pastry training in the United States, the school produces the best-prepared chefs entering the profession. The foundation of instruction is the European artist-apprentice teaching model, which employs constant exposure to master chefs, hands-on training and the use of the finest tools and ingredients.
www.frenchpastryschool.com • 312.726.2419

James D. Petrizzo • Albert Uster Imports
For over forty years Albert Uster Imports has been setting the standards of culinary excellence. Our dedication to the highest quality products and services has made us the leader in pastry and chocolate products for the professional chef. On our team we've enlisted culinary masters, expert sales specialists, and highly trained service professionals. Together we can help your company rise above the ordinary into the extraordinary world of culinary perfection.
www.auiswiss.com • 800.231.8154

Art Smith
Art Smith, chef, author, television personality and 2002 James Beard Award nominee for his first cookbook, Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family (Hyperion, 2001), creates simple, comforting recipes designed to get busy families eating together again. His breakfast recipes offer working dads and moms new twists on old favorites that will get everybody to the breakfast table.and still make it to the bus stop on time. Art's commitment to family dining began with two internships at The Greenbrier Resort. He was then selected for the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom College Program. Art's next step, at the age of 24, brought him to the Florida Governor's Mansion where he worked for Governor Bob Graham, now a U.S. senator, and his wife Adele as executive chef. After training and working in Florida, Art traveled extensively through Europe and Africa as a family chef aboard several transatlantic motor yachts. Upon his return to the U.S., he took a position as a chef on the American European Express Train. Ultimately settling in Chicago, Art began a career teaching. He also served as private chef for the families of various celebrities. For the past four years, he has been the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham.
www.artinthekitchen.com

Rosita Ragin • Chicago International Salsa Congress
Rosita Ragin is the Executive Producer and co-creator of the Chicago International Salsa Congress (CISC), but mostly she is our ambassador of dance. She is a woman with sophistication and a heart of gold; a woman whose vision has brought an array of talent from around the globe to congregate for a weekend of celebration. The CISC is produced through Cultural Expressions Productions, Ltd. (CEP), a 15 year multicultural organization, which was originally formed to preserve the historically significant and cross-cultural influences of Latin music and dance through education and presentation.
www.chicagosalsacongress.com • 773.285.3197

Saladeen Alamin • Chicago International Salsa Congress
Saladeen Alamin, Co-Producer & Artistic Director of the Chicago International Salsa Congress, Choreographer, Performer, Instructor, Afro Cuban & Latin Music DJ. He learned to dance at a very young age, and at 13 formed a duo called Mambo Deuces. Along with his partner, they became top exhibition dancers in Chicago in the 1950's. He is a trained boxer, has studied the teachings of Islam and was a Muslim Minister. Saladeen currently teaches Latin dance at the Old Town School of Folk Music and will be teaching a mambo class for us this evening.
www.chicagosalsacongress.com • 773.285.3197

Maggie Garcia • Chicago International Salsa Congress
Maggie Garcia, Administrative Manager for Cultural Expressions Productions & the Chicago International Salsa Congress, has been dancing since the age of 6. Remember "show & tell in grade school"? Well it was none other than a dance performance with her brother! She volunteers a lot of time to events such as the CISC & community events. Very proud mother of two children who also dance and have performed at the Congress. Maggie's day job is a little different - Executive Assistant to the Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago.
simplymambo@msn.com • 312.446.1909

Mambo Avenue • Live Music
Mambo Avenue - This Latin band was formed by a group of friends who enjoy music. This is an instrumental band as they feel that music speaks for itself and lyrics are not necessary. They truly appreciate the opportunity to perform for everyone at this very special event and hope you enjoy it.
Leroy Silva: leroyave@hotmail.com • 773.216.5140

Lavelle Clemons • Photographer
Lavelle Clemons, Photographer of the Chicago International Salsa Congress. At the age of 19 Lavelle was playing drums and touring through the Regal Theatre, the Apollo in New York, Germany and Copenhagen to name a few. He has played with the Red Saunders Orchestra & the Lou Rawls Band. In the 1970's he got involved in photography and has worked with Time Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and also has photographed high profile fashion models. Lavelle has 15 years in photography and 18 years with the Police Dept. He photographs every CISC and captures the essence of Latin dance through its performers, creators, musicians and zealous fans. His life has been a testament to his passion and through his work it continues today.
708.525.0669

Cultural Expressions Productions, Ltd. and the Chicago International Salsa Congress wish to thank The French Pastry School and C-CAP for the opportunity to participate in your event For the Love of Chocolate. We truly hope everyone enjoys the mambo class, the performances, and the music. Let's all dance together and have a great time while we support this worthy cause.

We would also like to acknowledge those who volunteered with us at this event: Gloria Farr, Co-Founder of CEP & Co-Artistic Director of CISC; Bernie Riley, Co-Founder of CEP; Michael Santana, Associate Producer of CISC; models Maricza Valentin, Founder of Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance, Kelsey Garcia, Corie Jimenez, Heidi Kohz; and the performers of the Chicago International Salsa Congress.