Live Bands
Victor Baro y Su Orquesta
Friday June 9th
Born in the Dominican Republic in March of 1960, Victor Baro migrated with his parents to New Jersey in 1969. At the age of seven he started to take formal music lessons. After attending Barringer High School in Newark he continued his education attending Bronx Community City College. While attending school he received an offer to play with Los Nietos de`l Ray, Tito Allen and Adalberto Santiago which catapulted Victor’s career, enabling him to tour with Frankie Ruiz and Willie Colon.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Jose "Juicy" Jusino
Saturday June 10th
Jose "Juicy" Jusino When Jose "Juicy" Jusino was three years old, his father taught him to play the congas, bongos, and timbales. At the age of five, Juicy's father took him to see Tito Puente and his Orchestra, and encouraged the child to play with a group of children who were playing with Tito. Those children turned out to be Bobby Allende, Tito Allende and Marc Quiñones, and the band became known as The Rumberitos All Stars. The group played with Tito Puente at the Corso, Madison Square Garden, Avery Fischer Hall and at many other locations. Tito also gathered the Rumberitos to do a show with Julio Iglesias. When he was seven years old, Juicy performed with the Fania All Stars, which included Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto and Hector Lavoe. His first recorded performance came at the age of nine when he played timbales on a song called Saludo Cordial for Jose Mangual's album Para Bailar Y Gozar. Juicy sites Tito Puente as one of the most important influences in his life.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
La Clave Secreta
Sunday June 11th
Pioneers of Cuban-Salsa (a.k.a. "timba") and always pushing the envelope with a powerful sound, La Clave Secreta is a project that stands for "excellence" with three important ingredients: an all-original repertoire, very powerful and creative arrangements, and brilliant performers from all over the world. In 2009, La Clave Secreta was nominated to the Grammy Awards, in the category of "Best Tropical Album" Their motto? “Quality before anything”.
07:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez Jr
Thursday June 15th
John Rodríguez Jr. (born 1945), better known as Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez, is an American bongo player. He was the long-time bongosero for Tito Puente, and also played with Tito Rodríguez, Ray Barretto and Alfredo de la Fe. He belonged to several popular bands of the salsa era such as Tico All-Stars, Fania All-Stars and Típica 73.
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Los Hermanos De Leon
Friday June 16th
Los Hermanos De Leon are the new generation of salsa dura. They both play from the heart and give you that raw authentic in your face sound that will get you on your feet. Anthony and Tito are also known for their soloing and interacting with the audience as they start playing there trombones in the crowd.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
El Combo Del Mañana
Saturday June 17th
El Combo Del Mañana is a salsa group made up of the next generation of young Latino musicians who are bringing back the sound, style y sabor of the great salseros of the 70’s. Leading this 13-piece ensemble is multi-instrumentalist & musical director Joshua Szeimberg, who aims to preserve the rich legacy & culture of live New York salsa.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Grupo del Este featuring Jose “Pepito” Gomez
Sunday June 18th
José "Pepito" Gómez began his musical career in Camagüey, Cuba. His first professional gig was as lead vocalist with the legendary group Maravilla de Florida. After two years, he moved to Havana, where he joined La Charanga Latina and had his first opportunity to tour Europe and North America. Also he worked with other groups, including Pupy y Los Que Son Son, Colé-Colé, Azúcar Negra, and Compay Segundo (Buena Vista Social Club). In 2008, Gómez moved to New York City, where he would continue singing with a number of groups including Los Hacheros, led by Jacob Plasse. Later, Gómez, Plasse and Michael Eckroth formed a Cuban Big Band called Orquesta Akokán. In 2018, their self-titled new album was acclaimed across the globe and earned both Grammy as well as Latin Billboard nominations. The band is on a road for world-wide touring.
08:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Willy Torres
Thursday June 22nd
With over 35 years of successful music career and as a recording musician/musician and artist Willy Torres is one of the best Latin/salsa dance bands in the New York City (east Coast) area. Throughout Torres’s career there has been hundreds of albums of which he has been a part of, in part as: producer, arranger, vocalist, background vocalist, vocal coach, musical Director, pianist, multi percussionist, multi instrumentalist to name a few. Mr. Torres has made a name for himself as a first call musician in every level out of the New York area, although originally from Puerto Rico. It is very common for Mr. Torres to get flown all over the world when it pertains to producing and recording major international albums.
08:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos
Friday June 23rd
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos are the primary source for the Classic Salsero who's looking for a “Blast from the Past” sound that was popular in the decades of the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s. Entre Amigos are a two trombone-led Salsa band based in Brooklyn, NY, presided over by the formidable figure of Willie Villegas who is no newcomer to the worldwide Salsa scene, Willie has played with such luminaries as 10x Grammy award winner and NEA Jazz master Eddie Palmieri, the legendary “Rey de la Pachanga” Joe Quijano and the Iconic Joe Cuba Sextet as well as Salsa legends Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodríguez, Paquito Guzmán and “The King of the Mambo” Tito Puente.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Alfredo de la Fé
Saturday June 24th
Alfredo Manuel De La Fé is a Cuban-born and New York-based violinist who lived in Colombia for more than 16 years and is responsible for transforming the violin into an important sound of Salsa and Latin music. The first solo violinist to perform with a Salsa orchestra, De La Fé has toured the world more than thirty times, appearing in concert and participating in more than one hundred albums by such top-ranked Latin artists as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, José Alberto "El Canario", Cheo Feliciano, The Fania All-Stars, Santana[2] and Larry Harlow. His second solo album, Alfredo, released in 1979, received a Grammy nomination as "Best Latin album". A child prodigy, Alfredo's father who was a singer (a tenor of opera) in Havana, Cuba and sang on Cuban radio with Bienvenido León and Celia Cruz in the 1940s recognized his son's skills and encouraged his musical talent.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Yuniel Jiménez
Sunday June 25th
Yuniel Jimenez "El Guajiro" (The Country Boy) is a singer-songwriter and a master tres player who came from Santa Clara, Cuba to New York City. He brought with him not only his tres-guitar but a piece of the country side of Cuba to the Big Apple. In 2012, he described his experiences in a single ¨Un Guajiro en Nueva York¨ which was also the tittle of his first album. The 12 track album depicts various life situations inside and outside of Cuba through the eyes of the Cuban singer-songwriter. In 2015, his second CD, called ¨Hay Gente Pa' To'....¨ was released. This is an album that has been enjoyed by a more diverse public. In 2017, ¨La Malicia¨ and ¨Hay Gente Pa´ To´ won the hearts of people of Medellin, Colombia and were voted #1 songs for six consecutive weeks in Latinastereo Radio Station. The genuine lyrics and unique sound of the Cuban Tres in that album will enchant any language speaker and certainly make a music listener dance!
08:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Arturo Ortiz & 7 Con Calle
Thursday June 29th
Arturo Ortiz was born in Santurce, PR, raised in Carolina, PR. Started playing since tha age of 4… Professionally at 17, came to NY in ’83, at the age of 24. Earliest bands in PR, San Felipe ’74, Perignon, Tito Allen, Johnny El Bravo, Freddy Kenton, Conjunto Canayón. In addition to being a great pianist, Arturo also is probably the top synthesizer programmer, for Salsa acts such as Marc Anthony’s and Ruben Blades’ band tours.
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Sonora Nuyorkina
Friday June 30th
Music by DJ J Loco
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Nelson Rodriguez y el Clan
Saturday July 1st
Nelson Rodriguez is a very talented and versatile singer from Cuba, who is well known around the city, being the leader for Tres Del Solar. Now he join forces with Arturo Ortiz, master pianist, arranger & producer, to create this new ensemble of musicians, expand on the repertoire and possibilities, with the sole purpose of making you dance to great hits from various artists, from beginning to end!! We present you with Nel Rodriguez y el Clan!
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Chino Pons
Sunday July 2nd
Chino Pons was born in 1971 in San Miguel del Padron, Havana, Cuba ,one of the poorest neighborhoods in Havana; surrounded by the Abakua Plantes, Bembe and Rumba cultures. Growing up in an environment of traditional and Afro-Cuban music, among musicians and legendary dancers from 1940's and 1950's, had a great influence on him and inspired him to create music. Chino's relatives gave him a solid foundation in Son Cubano music, and absorbing their knowledge of Rumba Guaguanco, Yambu, Columbia, Cha Cha Cha, Danzon, and Bolero gave him the desire to create a new, more modern, sound while still maintaining many elements of traditional Cuban music.
08:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Grupo Ocho
Thursday July 6th
GRUPO OCHO – Their sound is huge, versatile and surely irresistible to your dancing shoes. Come see for yourself why they have taken this City by storm and have quickly become a crowd favorite embellishing our dancing floor with multiple music genres like Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue and Bachata. This sensational band is comprised of some of the best musical talent in New York City. Grupo Ocho is headed and directed by renowned Pianist, Arturo Ortiz, who has worked with some of the top artists in the Salsa genre such as Marc Anthony and Ruben Blades, just to name a few. The band features Puerto Rican Recording Artist, Luisito Rentas, as their lead singer. Born in the small town of Juana Diaz, Luisito began his music journey by the age of five when he became the lead singer for popular local group La Rondallita Juanadina as they went on to perform and entertain crowds all over the island for several years. Lusito later moved to New York City and worked with many of the top-tier salsa bands, including writing and recording several songs for folk-music artists and also recording an instrumental Album with renowned Fania All Stars’ Legend, Yomo Toro. GRUPO OCHO – Puerto Rico in the House!
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Victor Baro y Su Orquesta
Saturday July 8th
Born in the Dominican Republic in March of 1960, Victor Baro migrated with his parents to New Jersey in 1969. At the age of seven he started to take formal music lessons. After attending Barringer High School in Newark he continued his education attending Bronx Community City College. While attending school he received an offer to play with Los Nietos de`l Ray, Tito Allen and Adalberto Santiago which catapulted Victor’s career, enabling him to tour with Frankie Ruiz and Willie Colon.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Anissa Gathers
Sunday July 9th
Anissa Gathers (Mercedes) is a New Yorker raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 12, when she returned and quickly found her niche in the salsa scene. Anissa was always drawn to the music of Celia Cruz during her tenure with the company Ballet Mestizo of NY. She has opened for Julio Iglesias in Tenerife, Spain as well as for Tito Nieves and Victor Manuel. She also played the titular role in the musical Celia in New York, Miami, Puerto Rico and Chicago.
08:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Sebastian Natal
Thursday July 13th
Sebastian Natal is an Uruguayan born multi-genre multi-instrumentalist, seasoned performer and music producer. He is proficient in piano, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone and vocals across a range of genres including salsa, samba, tango, Afro-Peruvian music, Cuban timba, Latin Jazz, candombe, Argentine Folklore and son. Sebastian’s vast range of talents have landed him many opportunities all over the world, touring with and playing alongside a range of artists including English rockstar Eric Clapton, the incredible Camila Cabello, the jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig, Uruguayan music group Sonora Borinquen and many more across a range of countries including Argentina, Europe, Uruguay, Asia, Latin America and North America. He gained substantial commercial success, producing albums with the 5 times Grammy Award winning Willy Torres. Currently, he is the bassist of the Pedrito Martinez Group, who were nominated for Grammy and Latin Grammy a couple times.
09:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Astoria Salsa Project
Friday July 14th
Astoria Salsa Company is a project born out of percussionist Samuel Torres vision to put together a world class ensemble made of New York’s finest and most in demand latin musicians. Covering a wild range of latin American rhythms such as salsa, bolero and champeta played with the intensity of the city of New York.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Luisito Chavez
Saturday July 15th
Music by DJ J Loco
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Jose "Juicy" Jusino
Thursday July 20th
When Jose "Juicy" Jusino was three years old, his father taught him to play the congas, bongos, and timbales. At the age of five, Juicy's father took him to see Tito Puente and his Orchestra, and encouraged the child to play with a group of children who were playing with Tito. Those children turned out to be Bobby Allende, Tito Allende and Marc Quiñones, and the band became known as The Rumberitos All Stars. The group played with Tito Puente at the Corso, Madison Square Garden, Avery Fischer Hall and at many other locations. Tito also gathered the Rumberitos to do a show with Julio Iglesias. When he was seven years old, Juicy performed with the Fania All Stars, which included Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto and Hector Lavoe. His first recorded performance came at the age of nine when he played timbales on a song called Saludo Cordial for Jose Mangual's album Para Bailar Y Gozar.
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Santiago y la Orquesta
Friday July 21st
A Colombian style Salsa band, Santiago Moyano is a third generation of singers in his family and fronting one of the best live Salsa performances currently in NYC.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Latin Movement
Saturday July 22nd
Music by DJ J Loco
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Arturo Ortiz & 7 Con Calle
Friday July 28th
Arturo Ortiz was born in Santurce, PR, raised in Carolina, PR. Started playing since tha age of 4… Professionally at 17, came to NY in ’83, at the age of 24. Earliest bands in PR, San Felipe ’74, Perignon, Tito Allen, Johnny El Bravo, Freddy Kenton, Conjunto Canayón. In addition to being a great pianist, Arturo also is probably the top synthesizer programmer, for Salsa acts such as Marc Anthony’s and Ruben Blades’ band tours.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos
Saturday July 29th
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos are the primary source for the Classic Salsero who's looking for a “Blast from the Past” sound that was popular in the decades of the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s. Entre Amigos are a two trombone-led Salsa band based in Brooklyn, NY, presided over by the formidable figure of Willie Villegas who is no newcomer to the worldwide Salsa scene, Willie has played with such luminaries as 10x Grammy award winner and NEA Jazz master Eddie Palmieri, the legendary “Rey de la Pachanga” Joe Quijano and the Iconic Joe Cuba Sextet as well as Salsa legends Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodríguez, Paquito Guzmán and “The King of the Mambo” Tito Puente.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Chino Pons
Sunday July 30th
Chino Pons was born in 1971 in San Miguel del Padron, Havana, Cuba ,one of the poorest neighborhoods in Havana; surrounded by the Abakua Plantes, Bembe and Rumba cultures. Growing up in an environment of traditional and Afro-Cuban music, among musicians and legendary dancers from 1940's and 1950's, had a great influence on him and inspired him to create music. Chino's relatives gave him a solid foundation in Son Cubano music, and absorbing their knowledge of Rumba Guaguanco, Yambu, Columbia, Cha Cha Cha, Danzon, and Bolero gave him the desire to create a new, more modern, sound while still maintaining many elements of traditional Cuban music.
08:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Nelson Rodriguez y el Clan
Thursday August 3rd
Nelson Rodriguez is a very talented and versatile singer from Cuba, who is well known around the city, being the leader for Tres Del Solar. Now he join forces with Arturo Ortiz, master pianist, arranger & producer, to create this new ensemble of musicians, expand on the repertoire and possibilities, with the sole purpose of making you dance to great hits from various artists, from beginning to end!! We present you with Nel Rodriguez y el Clan!
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Grupo K'ndela
Friday August 4th
Music by DJ J Loco
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Los Hermanos De Leon
Saturday August 5th
Los Hermanos De Leon are the new generation of salsa dura. They both play from the heart and give you that raw authentic in your face sound that will get you on your feet. Anthony and Tito are also known for their soloing and interacting with the audience as they start playing their trombones in the crowd.
10:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Uptown Royalty
Thursday August 10th
Uptown Salsa Royalty is truly a new musical phenomenon. Created by sensational seasoned stage veterans husband/wife dynamic duo Jodi Music & Ron Renaissance.
09:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Sebastian Natal
Friday August 11th
Sebastian Natal is an Uruguayan born multi-genre multi-instrumentalist, seasoned performer and music producer. He is proficient in piano, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone and vocals across a range of genres including salsa, samba, tango, Afro-Peruvian music, Cuban timba, Latin Jazz, candombe, Argentine Folklore and son. Sebastian’s vast range of talents have landed him many opportunities all over the world, touring with and playing alongside a range of artists including English rockstar Eric Clapton, the incredible Camila Cabello, the jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig, Uruguayan music group Sonora Borinquen and many more across a range of countries including Argentina, Europe, Uruguay, Asia, Latin America and North America. He gained substantial commercial success, producing albums with the 5 times Grammy Award winning Willy Torres. Currently, he is the bassist of the Pedrito Martinez Group, who were nominated for Grammy and Latin Grammy a couple times.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Grupo Ocho
Friday August 18th
GRUPO OCHO – Their sound is huge, versatile and surely irresistible to your dancing shoes. Come see for yourself why they have taken this City by storm and have quickly become a crowd favorite embellishing our dancing floor with multiple music genres like Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue and Bachata. This sensational band is comprised of some of the best musical talent in New York City. Grupo Ocho is headed and directed by renowned Pianist, Arturo Ortiz, who has worked with some of the top artists in the Salsa genre such as Marc Anthony and Ruben Blades, just to name a few. The band features Puerto Rican Recording Artist, Luisito Rentas, as their lead singer. Born in the small town of Juana Diaz, Luisito began his music journey by the age of five when he became the lead singer for popular local group La Rondallita Juanadina as they went on to perform and entertain crowds all over the island for several years. Lusito later moved to New York City and worked with many of the top-tier salsa bands, including writing and recording several songs for folk-music artists and also recording an instrumental Album with renowned Fania All Stars’ Legend, Yomo Toro. GRUPO OCHO – Puerto Rico in the House!
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Jose Candelaria
Saturday August 19th
Jose Candelaria is a vocalist, songwriter and actor based in New York City. Born in the Dominican Republic, he developed a love for the Arts at a young age. Jose broke through with a performance on American Idol and later became lead singer of the NYC Salsa-Rock Band, Descarrilao. He's featured on their album "Grupo Descarrilao" and he can also be heard on the album by La Pachamambo, "Aguzate". In 2020 Jose released his debut solo single "Perdon". Coming up he will be featured on the "Congahead" youtube channel with some of NYC's top musicians. Visit www.JoseCandelaria.info for more information.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos
Thursday August 24th
Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos are the primary source for the Classic Salsero who's looking for a “Blast from the Past” sound that was popular in the decades of the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s. Entre Amigos are a two trombone-led Salsa band based in Brooklyn, NY, presided over by the formidable figure of Willie Villegas who is no newcomer to the worldwide Salsa scene, Willie has played with such luminaries as 10x Grammy award winner and NEA Jazz master Eddie Palmieri, the legendary “Rey de la Pachanga” Joe Quijano and the Iconic Joe Cuba Sextet as well as Salsa legends Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodríguez, Paquito Guzmán and “The King of the Mambo” Tito Puente.
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Santiago y la Orquesta
Friday August 25th
A Colombian style Salsa band, Santiago Moyano is a third generation of singers in his family and fronting one of the best live Salsa performances currently in NYC.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Grupo K'ndela
Thursday August 31st
Music by DJ J Loco
08:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Sebastian Natal
Friday September 1st
Sebastian Natal is an Uruguayan born multi-genre multi-instrumentalist, seasoned performer and music producer. He is proficient in piano, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone and vocals across a range of genres including salsa, samba, tango, Afro-Peruvian music, Cuban timba, Latin Jazz, candombe, Argentine Folklore and son. Sebastian’s vast range of talents have landed him many opportunities all over the world, touring with and playing alongside a range of artists including English rockstar Eric Clapton, the incredible Camila Cabello, the jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig, Uruguayan music group Sonora Borinquen and many more across a range of countries including Argentina, Europe, Uruguay, Asia, Latin America and North America. He gained substantial commercial success, producing albums with the 5 times Grammy Award winning Willy Torres. Currently, he is the bassist of the Pedrito Martinez Group, who were nominated for Grammy and Latin Grammy a couple times.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Astoria Salsa Project
Saturday September 2nd
Astoria Salsa Company is a project born out of percussionist Samuel Torres vision to put together a world class ensemble made of New York’s finest and most in demand latin musicians. Covering a wild range of latin American rhythms such as salsa, bolero and champeta played with the intensity of the city of New York.
11:00 PM - 03:00 AM
Sebastian Natal
Saturday October 28th
Sebastian Natal is an Uruguayan born multi-genre multi-instrumentalist, seasoned performer and music producer. He is proficient in piano, bass, percussion, trumpet, trombone and vocals across a range of genres including salsa, samba, tango, Afro-Peruvian music, Cuban timba, Latin Jazz, candombe, Argentine Folklore and son. Sebastian’s vast range of talents have landed him many opportunities all over the world, touring with and playing alongside a range of artists including English rockstar Eric Clapton, the incredible Camila Cabello, the jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig, Uruguayan music group Sonora Borinquen and many more across a range of countries including Argentina, Europe, Uruguay, Asia, Latin America and North America. He gained substantial commercial success, producing albums with the 5 times Grammy Award winning Willy Torres. Currently, he is the bassist of the Pedrito Martinez Group, who were nominated for Grammy and Latin Grammy a couple times.