Biography

The Antaños del Stadium: Echoes, Memory, and Rhythm of Cañonera Caracas

From the Baseball Diamond to Venezuela’s Musical HeartVenezuelan popular music preserves one of the most cherished and iconic pillars of its urban identity: Los Antaños del Stadium.

Los Antaños del Estadio Ecos Memoria y Ritmo de la Caracas Cañonera

Emerging in the mid-20th century, this ensemble not only rescued the musical traditions of early 20th-century Caracas, but also transformed merengue caraqueño, guasa, and pasodoble into a living bridge between the city’s colonial past and the nation’s modernity.

Origins: Born on the Baseball Field

The group’s history dates back to 1946, when musician and athlete Jacobo Espinoza decided to assemble a group of instrumentalists to liven up baseball games at the former San Agustín Stadium home to the legendary Cervecería Caracas team.

It was in that setting, where a passion for sports met a festive atmosphere, that the group was born under its original name: Los Cañoneros del Estadio.

The ensemble adopted the aesthetic and sound of the old cañonero bands, which swept through the streets, plazas, and dance halls (mabilas) of Caracas in the early 20th century, announcing local festivities to the beat of the bass drum, cymbals, saxophone, and snare drum.

What began as an initiative to entertain fans in the stands took deep root in Venezuelan popular culture.

Evolution: Consolidating the Cañonero Sound

Over the decades, the group expanded from sports stadiums to radio airwaves, television, and studio recordings. Under the musical direction of the distinguished saxophonist Aníbal Escobar who defined the group’s signature melodic style for over 50 years—and the leadership of Jacobo Espinoza, the ensemble forged an unmistakable sound.

Jacobo Espinoza el ensamble definió un estilo inconfundible

Traditional genres that were at risk of fading into obscurity—such as merengue rucaneao (characterized by its infectious 5/8 time signature), the pasodoble criollo, guasa, polka, and waltz—found in Los Antaños del Stadium a vehicle for their preservation and renewal.

Following the founder’s passing, his children, Enrique and Nicol Espinoza, took over the reins, staying true to the iconic acoustic and instrumental format that defined the group.

Significance: Guardians of Venezuelan Heritage

The legacy of Los Antaños del Stadium lies in having immortalized the soundtrack of “The Caracas of the Red-Tile Roofs” (La Caracas de los Techos Rojos). With a discography spanning more than 20 albums, they immortalized essential pieces of the national songbook, such as “Carmen la que contaba 16 años,” “El Norte es una Quimera,” and “Alma Cumanesa.”

Antaños del Stadium llevan el sonido caraqueño al Centro Cultural BOD Escrito por Team Aliado Publicado 26 Jul 2019 — Antaños del Stadium
llevan el sonido caraqueño al
Centro Cultural BOD
Escrito por Team Aliado
Publicado 26 Jul 2019

In 1996, marking a half-century of uninterrupted artistic work, the group was declared Musical Cultural Heritage of the City of Caracas.

Their legacy goes far beyond mere performance: they serve as a historical and methodological benchmark for all generations and música cañonera ensembles formed in Venezuela over recent decades.

Today: A Living Legend in the 21st Century

With over seven decades of continuous history, Los Antaños del Estadio remain active as one of the longest-running groups in Venezuelan music.

Although the urban landscape of Caracas has changed, the group continues to perform at festivals, cultural centers, and heritage events, proving that merengue caraqueño retains its vitality and festive charm.

From left to right:

Rafael Escobar: Bajo

Prof. Carlos Espinoza: Bombardino

Maestro Aníbal Escobar: Saxofón y Director Musical

José Gregorio Ascanio, “Melao”: Tumbadora

Miguel La O Álvarez: Cantante

Sra. Nikol Espinoza Mata: Cantante

Juan Ramón Pedrón: Batería

Luis Alfredo Planas: Cuatro

Enrique Espinoza Mata: Cantante y Percusión

Andrés Romero, “Tapón”: Trompeta

Today, the Espinoza family’s legacy stands as a testament to cultural resilience and popular joy. Los Antaños del Stadium represent far more than mere nostalgia for the past; they are living proof that a city’s musical memory can remain vibrant, energetic, and resonant across generations.

This live performance of the group playing their classic merengue rucaneao perfectly showcases the style, festive energy, and traditional sound that have defined them throughout their long and storied career.

Also Read: Porfi Jiménez The Master of Rhythm Who United Two Nations

Fernando Lavoy The Montunero of Salsa and Son

The Indelible Footprint of a Masterful Voice in the Golden Era of SAR Productions.

Introduction and Musical Legacy, Fernando Lavoy was one of the best-kept and most dazzling secrets of 20th-century Afro-Cuban music.

Born on May 6, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, he possessed an exceptional mastery and vocal quality that quickly caught the attention of the era’s biggest icons.

It was the legendary trumpeter Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros who, blown away by Lavoy’s innate gift for traditional phrasing and improvisation, affectionately dubbed him “El Montunero” (The Montuno Master).

Fernando Lavoy El Montunero de la Salsa y el Son

Throughout his career, Lavoy showcased his talent as both a singer and songwriter in heavyweight ensembles, including:

The celebrated Sonora Matancera
Chocolate Armenteros’ orchestra
Conjunto Dinastía Diez
Roberto Torres’ mythical SAR All Stars

He also led his own group, “Los Soneros.” His tragic murder in 1992 in Miami, United States, cut short the life of a brilliant artist, but left an indelible mark on the heritage of tropical music.

The Rise in New York and the Alliance with SAR Productions

After emigrating to the United States in 1980 in search of new artistic horizons, Lavoy immediately immersed himself in New York’s effervescent Salsa and Son scene.

His first big break came courtesy of Chocolate Armenteros, contributing masterfully to the album “Y sigo con mi...” under the SAR Productions record label.

Sar All Stars La India de Oriente,Jorge Maldonado Y Fernando Lavoy y en el tres Charlie Rodriguez

Founded by Roberto Torres, this record label was characterized by a unique musical aesthetic: it championed the classic texture of Cuban son, extending song lengths to allow generous space for instrumental solos and pure improvisation.

In 1981, Lavoy solidified his place as a member of the SAR All Stars, catapulting his voice into the spotlight of the most demanding music lovers.

Unlike other commercial acts of the era (such as Fania Records) that leaned heavily into crossovers with the English-speaking market, SAR Productions stood firm in direct Cuban roots. While they injected subtle nuances of jazz, they preserved that traditional, deep, and organic cadence that captivated Hispanic audiences.

Fernando Lavoy y Los Soneros: A Distinct Identity

Between 1981 and 1982, Fernando Lavoy recorded two foundational albums under his own name: “Los Soneros” (1981) and “Fernando Lavoy y Los Soneros” (1982).

Although the norm at SAR was to use the talented house band to back soloists, Los Soneros presented themselves as an autonomous group with their own identity, produced by the infallible Roberto Torres.

The ensemble stood out for its solid instrumentation led by trumpeter Juan González, who served as director and arranger, accompanied by his son Juan González Jr. on piano and the virtuoso Juan Méndez on bongo.

The band was formally structured as a classic, old-school conjunto: four powerful trumpets, bass, conga, bongo, and three backing vocalists stylishly led by Norman Rodríguez.

Analysis of a Masterpiece: The 1982 Album

The 1982 record is absolute proof of Lavoy’s musical maturity; he composed 50% of the repertoire.

“No voy a dormir”: The album opens electrifyingly, where a powerful trumpet introduction gives way to Fernando’s entrance, followed by a masterful trumpet solo by Juan González and an explosive bongo breakdown by Juan Méndez that builds into a montuno climax.
“Cóquela suave”: A son montuno penned by Lavoy that, true to its name, begins with a smooth, gentle cadence before transforming into a hard-hitting, danceable son, enriched by a sublime piano solo from Juan González Jr.
“Pegaditos”: A famous composition by Miguel Matamoros who, along with Arsenio Rodríguez, stands as one of the pillars of son is reinterpreted while respecting the purity of its traditional structure. The track shines with a high, piercing trumpet that floats above the Cuban singer’s vocals, experimenting with tempo variations that gradually increase the rhythmic intensity alongside flawless backing vocals.
“Juana la sin goma” & “No vuelo contigo”: The album closes with the former, a track packed with playfulness, dance energy, and high-octane lyrics, and the latter, a more laid-back son that, without quite becoming a bolero, maintains the majestic structure of Cuban son with a vibrant closing montuno.

Ultimately, Fernando Lavoy’s work remains a foundational pillar that vindicates the sabor, rhythm, and eternal essence of son montuno.

Text courtesy of Maida Lorena Lavoy.

Foto Museo De La Salsa, en Barrio Obrero, en su visita en 1991 junto al gran cantante puertorriqueño Yayo El Indio y Carlos Molina Castellanos, actual director del Museo De La Salsa

Also Read: Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros: The Golden Legacy of the Cuban Trumpet

The Senior Mulato Jerry Rivas and His Half-Century Legend with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

From the chords of the Puerto Rican cuatro to the eternal voice of “Los Mulatos del Sabor”

Few names resonate with as much power, respect, and relevance in the salsa firmament as that of Jerry Rivas.

Born in Tampa, Florida, but with his soul deeply rooted in the heart of Orocovis through his parents’ heritage, Jerry Louis Rivas Díaz has carved his name in letters of gold into the history of Caribbean music.

El Mulato Mayor Jerry Rivas y su Leyenda de Medio Siglo con El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Nearing 50 years as the lead vocalist for El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Rivas is more than just a singer; he is a living institution of salsa, a definitive sonero of his era, and the guardian of a legacy that continues to keep the entire world dancing.

Roots, Strings, and the Making of a Self-Taught Musician

Jerry’s history with Puerto Rico formally began in 1960, when his family moved back to the “Isla del Encanto” to settle in Bayamón.

There, the young Jerry began to breathe in the folklore and rhythms that defined the Boricua identity. What many do not know is that long before commanding microphones and international stages, Jerry was deeply passionate about string instruments.

As a fundamentally self-taught musician and singer, his first great love was the guitar. Over time, his musical curiosity led him to master the Puerto Rican cuatro, the island’s national instrument par excellence.

De los acordes del cuatro puertorriqueño a la voz eterna de Los Mulatos del Sabor

Not content with just that, he decided to delve deeper into the roots of Afro-Caribbean music, learning the secrets of the Cuban tres under the tutelage of the renowned professor Carlos Seguí.

This solid foundation as an instrumentalist not only shaped his ear but also gave him an impeccable sense of rhythm and timing that would later define his unique style for soneo (improvisational singing).

The Path to the Top: From Local Bands to a Historic Recruitment

Before the spotlight of El Gran Combo fell upon him, Jerry Rivas honed his craft throughout the island’s musical circuit, leaving his mark on every project:

Grupo Complicación: His teenage musical battleground, where he served as a guitarist for three years.
Conjunto Cojoba: A group he joined in 1972, sharpening his stage presence.
Conjunto Chaney (1974): Jerry was part of the select group of founding musicians of this project, which years later would become a powerhouse of romantic salsa.
Latin Brass (1976): The definitive showcase where his voice truly began to shine on its own.

It was precisely in 1976 when destiny knocked on his door. Following the shocking departure of the iconic “Niño de Trastalleres,” Andy Montañez who left the orchestra after 14 golden years to join Venezuela’s Dimensión Latina El Gran Combo found itself facing one of the most difficult transitions in its history. Replacing a legend seemed like an impossible task.

However, the keen eye of Don Quique Lucca (founder of La Sonora Ponceña) did not fail. Don Quique recommended the young Jerry to Don Rafael Ithier. After hearing him perform, Ithier didn’t hesitate: in 1977, Jerry Rivas officially joined the “University of Salsa.”

Nacido en Tampa, Florida, pero con el alma arraigada en las entrañas de Orocovis por la herencia de sus padres, Jerry Louis Rivas Díaz

Nearly 50 Years of History at “The University of Salsa”

Joining such a demanding institution in the midst of an era-defining shift was a monumental challenge. Audiences initially viewed the new member with skepticism, but Jerry, armed with unwavering humility and immense talent, never tried to imitate his predecessor; instead, he forged his own legend.

Across nearly five decades, his voice has immortalized anthems of the global salsa songbook. Essentials on any dance floor like “Azuquita pa’ el café,” “Ojos chinos,” “Y no hago más na’,” “El menú,” “Cupido,” and “La clave” carry his unmistakable stamp.

His elegant performance style, combined with his sharp wit and deep respect for the dancer, solidified the orchestra’s golden age and ensured the transition was a resounding success.

“Joining El Gran Combo was a tremendous school and responsibility. Replacing Andy was no easy feat, but Don Rafael Ithier gave me the confidence to just be myself on stage.” Jerry Rivas, looking back on his beginnings.

Pocos nombres resuenan con tanta fuerza, respeto y vigencia en el firmamento de la salsa como el de Jerry Rivas.

The Present and Vibrant Legacy of an Eternal Sonero

Now in 2026, the tropical music landscape has changed drastically, but El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico remains unshakeable at the top.

Jerry Rivas stays incredibly active, leading the vocal front of “Los Mulatos del Sabor” alongside the orchestra’s newer generations, Anthony García and Joselito Hernández. This blend of Jerry’s veteran wisdom and the energy of the new vocalists has injected a refreshing vitality into the group.

Jerry Rivas is not just a survivor of salsa’s golden age; he is the living bridge connecting the rich traditions of the 20th century with contemporary audiences.

From his days tuning strings in Bayamón to packed stadiums across Europe, Latin America, and the United States, his journey stands as a testament to discipline, passion, and love for his culture.

We wish lifelong health, inspiration, and continued success to this eternal maestro who, besides being one of salsa’s most beloved voices, has never ceased to be, in every sense of the word, a complete musician. Long live the music of Jerry Rivas, and let the drums keep rolling!

Also Read: The Gran Combo of Puerto Rico “Los Mulatos del Sabor”

Angie Machado, “El Colorao” The Trumpeter’s Trumpeter and a Living Musical Legend

A legacy carved in brass and talent.

The history of Latin music especially Salsa and Afro-Cuban Jazz could never be written without mentioning the bright, precise, and melodic tone of a trumpet that has shaped the course of countless hit records.

Angie Machado Un legado tallado en bronce y talento

That signature sound belongs to one man: Ángel Vicente Machado Santiago, known universally throughout the artistic community as Angie Machado.

On June 23, 2026, the music world dressed to the nines to celebrate the birthday of this titan. Born in 1954 in the picturesque municipality of Arroyo, Puerto Rico, Angie Machado has not only witnessed the evolution of tropical music over the last five decades; he has been one of its foundational architects.

His career stands as living proof that musical genius, when cultivated with rigorous discipline, transcends passing trends and becomes legendary.

The Forging of a Virtuoso

His path to excellence was no accident. From a very young age, Angie understood that a natural gift for music required a solid vehicle for expression. His formal training began at the prestigious Escuela Libre de Música, a breeding ground for talent in Puerto Rico, where he developed the foundational skills to understand the language of brass and wind instruments.

Later, he made the leap to the Conservatory a space where, beyond musical theory, he absorbed a philosophy of life: discipline as the only route to mastery.

Under the tutelage of rigorous maestros and fueling his growth by analytically listening to history’s greatest trumpet virtuosos, Machado understood that music is not just played; it is studied, reflected upon, and felt deeply.

Those grueling hours of constant practice, where the sound of his trumpet filled every corner, became the bedrock of the “old school” style that distinguishes him today.

That school didn’t just teach notes; it taught phrasing, style, respect for the arrangement, and, above all, the intuition to know when the trumpet should lead and when it should elegantly embrace the melody.

The Trumpet That Defined an Era To speak of Angie Machado is to speak of the history of Salsa itself. His talent was never confined to classrooms or local bands; he rapidly became an indispensable session musician.

If you look at the liner notes of the most iconic albums that defined the “Golden Era” of Salsa, you are almost guaranteed to find his name in the credits.

His ability to adapt to diverse styles from the required grit in Willie Rosario’s orchestra or the explosiveness of Tommy Olivencia, to the subtle elegance demanded by Gilberto Santa Rosa or the unmatched swing of Bobby Valentín positioned him as the most sought-after trumpet player in the industry.

The roster of icons with whom he has shared the stage and the studio is, quite simply, staggering. He has been the musical partner-in-crime to Cheo Feliciano, the soul of Frankie Ruiz’s recordings, the technical and creative backbone for Eddie Palmieri, and a brother-in-arms to Oscar D’León.

His trumpet has traveled the world, backing maestros like Justo Betancourt, Andy Montañez, Lalo Rodríguez, Paquito Guzmán, and Viti Ruiz, as well as a powerhouse of artists ranging from traditional sounds to contemporary fusions, including Luis Enrique and Alex León.

A Living Legend What makes Angie Machado a truly singular figure is not just his résumé, but his enduring relevance. In an industry in constant flux, he has preserved the absolute integrity of his sound.

His “privileged old-school” pedigree doesn’t mean he is stuck in the past; it means he possesses a technical foundation so robust that it allows him to collaborate seamlessly with any generation of musicians.

To those who know him, Angie is not just the trumpet player who can nail a recording session in minutes with breathtaking precision; he is a silent mentor a man who has watched the decades roll by while maintaining the same humility and love for the instrument he had when he first started out in Arroyo.

As we celebrate another year of his life, we are not just celebrating an exceptional musician; we are honoring a living piece of our cultural heritage.

Angie Machado reminds us that behind every great song that has made us dance or cry, there is a human being whose dedication and discipline have turned the brass of a trumpet into pure poetry.

Also Read: The King of Bass Mr. Bobby Valentin

Phil Robinson Blends Sensitivity and Tradition in His New Single “Allí Me Enamoré”

A Romantic Salsa Gem That Transforms the Bond of Friendship Into an Honest Declaration of Love

Romantic salsa adds a new gem to its repertoire with the release of “Allí Me Enamoré” (“There, I Fell in Love”), the latest single by Phil Robinson.

Phil Robinson une sensibilidad y tradición en su nuevo sencillo “Allí Me Enamoré”

It is a track filled with sensitivity, nostalgia, and emotion that aims to reconnect the audience with the genre’s narrative essence.

Composed by Puerto Rican songwriter Andy Roldán renowned for his ability to translate intimate feelings into deeply human lyrics this song unfolds as a love story that blossoms from the complicity of a sincere friendship into an inevitable confession of the heart.

From its opening verses “Hola amiga, ahora que al fin puedo mirarte a los ojos…” (“Hello my friend, now that I can finally look into your eyes…”) the track draws us into an intimate, almost confessional conversation, where the protagonist opens the pages of his soul to reveal a long-held feeling.

The lyrics journey through memories, silences, glances, and restrained emotions, building a narrative that many listeners will easily identify with: that exact moment when friendship is no longer enough because love has already taken root.

Phil Robinson delivers a warm and honest performance, anchoring every phrase with an emotional weight that highlights the depth of the lyrics. His voice successfully balances tenderness and passion, turning the song into an intimate, almost cinematic experience where every word feels lived in real time.

One of the greatest achievements of “Allí Me Enamoré” is its capacity to bridge the present day without abandoning salsa traditions. The contemporary reference to the everyday act of “opening your profile where I can see you” embeds the song into the emotional language of the digital age, bringing modernity to a classic story of unrequited love.

The chorus “En las páginas de tu alma, amiga, allí me enamoré” (“In the pages of your soul, my friend, there I fell in love”) stands as the poetic centerpiece of the composition: a delicate metaphor that transforms the human soul into an open book, an intimate territory where true love is born. This imagery gives the track its own unique identity, making it a memorable piece within today’s romantic repertoire.

La salsa romántica suma una nueva joya a su repertorio con el lanzamiento de “Allí Me Enamoré”, el más reciente sencillo interpretado por Phil Robinson.

Musically, the single is built upon an elegant melodic foundation, remaining faithful to the core DNA of romantic salsa, with arrangements designed to embrace the lyrics without stealing the spotlight.

The instrumentation subtly accompanies the emotional development of the story, allowing both the vocals and the message to breathe naturally.

With this release, Phil Robinson reaffirms his commitment to a style of salsa that not only invites people to dance but also to feel, remember, and confess. “Allí Me Enamoré” is a song for those who have loved in silence, for those who discovered too late that a friendship concealed a deep love, and for those who still believe in the power of a great story sung with absolute truth.

THE MUSICAL CAREER OF PHIL ROBINSON

Phil Robinson is a sonero, songwriter, performer, and director of his own orchestra. His charisma and his entrepreneurial, creative, and positive attitude allow everyone who speaks with him to enter his world, captivated by his love for music and his passion for learning, evolving, and improving every day. Robinson has loved the arts from a very young age.

Orquesta Yaré was the dream of a young man who, like Phil, wanted to make it big in the world of Latin music. It was founded and directed by Leroy Gutiérrez (conguero, timbalero, and bongosero), featuring original tracks alongside his brothers Johnny (bongosero) and Loui (trumpeter).

At the time, Leroy was a percussionist, but he also taught himself to play the piano. Gutiérrez invited Phil to join the group to turn him into a star. Yaré was a 12-piece orchestra, and all of their music was entirely original.

During a performance at Landis Park in Vineland, New Jersey, Orquesta Yaré backed the legendary Néstor Sánchez and Larry Harlow, the “Judío Maravilloso” (The Marvelous Jew) of the Fania All-Stars, who attended as guest artists. For Phil, it was a dream come true to share the stage with icons he so deeply admired. Years after that historic performance, Robinson reunited with Larry Harlow in Los Angeles and was able to share a photograph of that very first experience together.

As his musical journey evolved, he became the lead vocalist for Henry Mora and the All Star Salsa Orchestra of Los Angeles, while also collaborating with various local bands.

From there, he went on to become the lead voice for Eric Matos and Orquesta La Caliente, as well as Papo Rodríguez y La Sorpresa.

With the latter group, he recorded two original songs composed by Puerto Rican pianist Nelson Montalvo: “Fantasía” and “Mi Regalo,” which were included in the 2005 album titled Oye Salsa Sabor y Clave.

During Phil’s tenure with Papo Rodríguez, the renowned Panamanian singer Camilo Azuquita arrived in the city, and the band transformed into Azuquita y su Melao.

Phil served as his lead vocalist and primary background singer for several years, performing at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Palladium and sharing the stage with iconic industry figures. Thanks to these valuable collaborations, Robinson fully polished his signature style.

Phil Robinson es sonero, compositor, ejecutante y director de su propia orquesta

Throughout his career, Phil has shared the stage with legends of the stature of Adalberto Santiago, Tony Vega, Herman Olivera, Yolanda Rivera, Meñique, Luigi Texidor, Wichy Camacho, Cuban singer Franco, Willie Chirino, and Celia Cruz, among many others.

After seven years of dedicated work, Phil completed and released his latest musical project titled Entre Dos Mundos (Between Two Worlds), produced by Arturo Solar.

This production features classic compositions from renowned authors such as Armando Manzanero, Ted Koehler, Harold Arlen, Virgilio and Homero Expósito, Enrique Benítez, Vicente Garrido Calderón, and Jesús Alejandro, alongside original tracks penned by Phil himself.

Robinson notes that, starting in 2023, he became a TV spokesperson and the MC (master of ceremonies) for the San Juan Puerto Rican Festival.

KCAL Channel 9 LA KCAL Channel LA Promoviendo el Festival Boricua en KCAL 9 Los Angeles

Here at Malanga Radio, we celebrate this premiere as proof that romantic salsa remains alive, evolving with new voices, new pens, and new emotions.

Allí Me Enamoré” is now available on all digital platforms.

Chechy Rosado

Public Relations

+57 301 685 2655

Barranquilla – Colombia

Also Read: Phil Robinson Sonero, composer and performer bandleader