November Mambo Nights are back and this year they will feature Grammy winning vocalist Willy Torres and his NYC Salsa Project.

The weekend of fun starts tonight with the Farewell Party for the Veranda Bar, at the Elbow Beach Hotel, which closes on Monday.

"Patrons are encouraged to wear white to show your heartfelt thanks for the management and staff of the Veranda Bar who have truly made it a classy, sophisticated spot for Latin music and dance," said general operations manager of BermudaSalsa.com Teresa Whitter.

Tomorrow, November Mambo Nights will feature Willy's NYC Salsa Project and performances at the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre, at the Fairmont Southampton.

SalsaMania Sundays will take place at the Sabor Dance School at the Berkeley Institute Cultural Centre. Music will by DJ Nelson Torres.

The concept of the Willy Torres and his NYC Salsa Project is very simple: it's a six-piece ensemble with the sound and sophistication of a big orchestra.

Willy Torres said: "Willy's NYC Salsa Project was first formed about two years ago. I was in the middle of recording the third CD 'United We Swing' for The Spanish Harlem Orchestra when I commented to my friend and co-producer Henry Knowles that I had been thinking about making my own band.

"I expressed to Henry how I had been ready for quite some time, but had not had the time or opportunity to do it. He immediately said, 'Lets do it, we will start something small'.

"So we played at Taj Lounge, which is an Indian Restaurant Club in New York, every Monday. He said, 'You can experiment all you want with your sound and orchestration'. I started to play at Taj with a four-piece band and that's where it all started."

They have performed in The Chicago Salsa Festival, The Cubby Bear in Chicago, The Magic of Salsa Kingdom, in Southport, England, the Poland Festival, in Krakow, as well as venues such as LQ and The IMPERIAL in New York.

Mr. Torres leads the band as the percussionist, vocalist, composer and arranger.

"Along with me, the other side of the percussion and vocals are complimented by my mentor and one of the best musicians in this business Robert (Bobby) Allende," he said. "On bass is Nelson Torres composer/arranger and master of his own style and interpretation when it pertains to Latin music.

"Arranger, composer and piano virtuoso Desmar Guevara, who also arranges for the band, and is an amazing theatre composer, leads the piano accompaniment.

"Jorge Castro is on baritone sax and flute, and is our musical director. He is an amazing Jazz and Latin Jazz musician, arranger and composer.

"Last but not least on trombone and vocals is Ron Prokopez. He is a New Yorker with Latin American roots, who with his unique styles, brings out the fire on every Moña and the elegance of a real trombone sound. Although he is very young he has an ability to express a virtuoso sound and interpretation of our music."

To the Bermudian people, and for the most part those who love his particular flair, he said: "I would just like to thank everyone for giving us the opportunity to bring our music to you. We are very exited and we will play our hearts out for all of you. Thank you."

Tonight: White Night Farewell Party at the Veranda Bar 9 p.m. to midnight.

Tomorrow: November Mambo Nights: Live Latin Music by Willy's NYC Salsa Project and local performances. Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre, Fairmont Southampton. Doors open at 8 p.m., Showtime 8.30 p.m. and dancing follows from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets $95, available online at www.bdatix.com, or at Brown & Co., iStore, Music World and Secrets.