International Salsa Magazine

Events

Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia Artists in November of HTV

North America / USA/ Miami
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia

With a history of over 15 years, Colombian singer- songwriter Andrés Cepeda and Mike Bahia, representative of the urban genre, exclusively relate their experiences with each of their productions and the musical genres for which they have traveled.

Andrés Cepeda

Andrés Cepeda
Andrés Cepeda

The Colombian singer Andrés Cepeda, has been one of the most renowned artists of Latin American music scene. This Latin Grammy winner has been wowing his audience with his successes year after year since he began his career. The Colombian began his single career in 1999 releasing a first album: “Sé morir” disc in just one month received platinum status, framing in nearby rhythms like pop, bolero and the ballad.

In 2001 he released his second production, “El Carpintero”, for which he received double platinum.

In 2002 he published “Para amarte mejor”. This production was the first of that kind in Colombia. In 2005 he presented his work “To better love”. This album received platinum disc for sales in Colombia.

1- Andrés Cepeda
1- Andrés Cepeda

In 2007 he released a remake of “Para Amarte Mejor” in which two new songs he composed with master Jorge Luis Piloto included: “Pronóstico” and “Si fueras mi enemigo” songs that gave him international recognition and won him Latin Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Album … “Día tras día” became after its launch in 2009, one of the most successful albums of his career, receiving gold and platinum discs.

This gave rein to that was nominated this year in three of the most important categories of the Latin Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Album.

2- Andrés Cepeda
2- Andrés Cepeda

In 2012 Andrés Cepeda presented to the public his seventh album “Lo major que hay en mi vida.” Cepeda received four nominations for this album by The Latin Recording Academy, taking for the first time Latin Grammy in the category “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”.

He was joined for this award three prizes that gave the Nuestra Tierra 2013 Awards in the categories Best Album of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance. Additionally, he received double platinum. In 2015 he released his latest production, “Mil Ciudades” album that featured the participation of leading industry figures.

Andrés Cepeda flyers
Andrés Cepeda flyers

Mike Bahia

Mike Bahia
Mike Bahia

Meanwhile, in the second installment of HTV En La Mira of the month arrives on Thursday, November 17 the reggaetonero, Mike Bahia, one of the great musical promises of the moment.

1- Mike Bahia
1- Mike Bahia

Bahía had already begun his career by participating in the reality show “La Voz Colombia” (second edition), where he was a pupil of Fanny Lu. Then he debuted as a soloist in 2014 with the single ‘Buscándote’, a song produced by Montana The Producer (who worked for J Alvarez and Chris G), Juan Jhail (who collaborated on projects Kevin Roldan and alkylated) and Ronny Watts (alkylated and Hernán Saraza).

2- Mike Bahia
2- Mike Bahia

Later in his still brief career, Mike Bahía launched four singles: “Estar Contigo” (2014), ‘Buscándote (remix)’, ‘Tarde’ and ‘La Muñeca’ (all 2015). The latter will integrate the first album of Mike, which will be called ‘Soy Yo’. Mike himself wrote ‘La Muñeca’ in collaboration with Juan Jahil and Juan Gálvez, alkylated vocalist.

3- Mike Bahia
3- Mike Bahia

4- Mike Bahia
4- Mike Bahia

For his part, the director Nuno Gomez, who worked with alkylated in several videos, directed the clip in various locations in Venezuela. So you know, do not miss these two artists and enjoy their confessions in HTV because HTV it gets good!

Mike Bahia flyers
Mike Bahia flyers

Tony Vega Celebrates Half a Century of Romantic Salsa in Puerto Rico

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Coca-Cola Music Hall was swept up in the sounds of salsa as Tony Vega took the stage for his concert “49+1: Half a Century of Romantic Salsa.” Thanks to the production of Alexandra Fuentes and a promotional partnership with the radio station Salsoul, the legendary vocalist returned to Puerto Rico for a night filled with music, nostalgia, and profound emotion.

Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Throughout the celebration, Vega was backed by the musical direction of the virtuous instrumentalist, composer, singer, and independent producer known in the salsa world as Jota Ruiz, of the prestigious Ruiz de Ponce musical dynasty. Jota led an elite ensemble featuring:

  • Savier Díaz (congas), Edwin Clemente (timbales), Jorge Mercado (bongo), Juan Rivera (piano), and Alexis Pérez (bass).
  • José “Pucho” Ruiz (the Ruiz family patriarch) and Víctor Ambert on trumpets.
  • César Ayala and Julio Hernández on trombones.
  • Fernando Muscolo on keyboards.
  • Hugo Maysonet and Alejandro Villegas on backing vocals.
  • A string section composed of Jonelys Ruiz, Sairilis Meléndez, Sinaí González, Sofía Acosta, Orlando Rivera, and César Jacomino, with Luis Rodríguez providing general assistance.

  • Tony Vega recordando su etapa con Eddie Palmieri Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
    Tony Vega recordando su etapa con Eddie Palmieri Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Tony Vega’s performance made it clear that his storied career has been a cornerstone of salsa history, particularly within the salsa romántica movement. The audience made the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan vibrate, singing at the top of their lungs to the many hits Vega has placed at the top of the charts over the decades.

Tony Vega y la orquesta acompañante Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega y la orquesta acompañante Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

The artist of Puerto Rican descent structured his set to detail the various stages of his brilliant career. He opened the night with “Cosquillita,” representing his professional debut alongside Raphy Leavitt. He then playfully performed “Feo pero sabroso,” a nod to his time in the recording studio with Louie Ramírez, followed by “El cuarto” and “Vámonos pa’l monte” as a tribute to his artistic growth under the mentorship of Eddie Palmieri.

Tony Vega y su sección de percusión Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega y su sección de percusión Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

A deeply significant and nostalgic moment arrived with a medley chronicling his years with Willie Rosario, prompting the crowd to sing even louder to “Busca el ritmo” and “Mi amigo el payaso.”

From there, the vocalist reminisced about the transition to his ongoing solo career. He shared the story of his historic contract with Ralphie Mercado of RMM, which, as Tony recalls, was famously signed on a napkin “without any formalities.” From this era, he highlighted staples such as “Yo me quedo,” “Tu prenda tendida,” “Lo mío es amor,” “Dile,” “Tengo curiosidad,” “Uno mismo,” and “Mi iglesia,” which he performed as a duet with the stellar guest Alex D’ Castro. He continued the marathon of hits with “¿Dónde estás?,” “Deja,” “Esposa,” “Si me miras a los ojos,” “Si yo vuelvo a encontrarla,” “Fui la carnada,” “Ella es,” “Olvídalo ya,” “Carita de sol,” “Haremos el amor,” “Esa mujer,” and “Aparentemente.”

Tony Vega, concierto CCMH Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega, concierto CCMH Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

The closing theme, “Déjame soñar,” stirred the singer’s patriotic pride and featured a powerful timbal solo by Edwin Clemente, followed by guest appearances from Gerardo Rivas and his son, Gerardo Gabriel Rivas.

Tony Vega, Trombonista César Ayala al fondo Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega, Trombonista César Ayala al fondo Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Throughout the evening, Tony Vega expressed his gratitude to those instrumental in his success. He showed profound respect for Humberto Ramírez, who is widely credited with laying the foundation for Tony Vega’s signature sound and establishing the musical concept for his orchestra at its inception. Another noteworthy moment occurred during an improvisation in “Déjame soñar,” where he affectionately declared José Alberto “El Canario” an honorary “Boricua.”

As he had anticipated, Tony Vega experienced the concert as a true celebration of all he has achieved in his 50-year career. He emphasized how much it meant to be surrounded by his people, “sharing music with those who have been with me from the start, right where it all began.”

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Photography: Jorge Más

Read Also: Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Let’s talk about Una noche en Old Town “en vivo,” while staying true to the musical journey of “El Calvito” Reyes

“Yes, Una noche en Old Town was an event held for about 100 people at a restaurant in the area known as Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida. Old Town is a park that feels like a year-round festival, 365 days a year,” the artist explains. This marks the third musical production from the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter known in the salsa world as “El Calvito,” one of the most fervent champions of the Salsa Nueva movement.

With this release, Edwin puts his salsa and his talent at the service of his followers. His repertoire spans classic salsa, romantic salsa, and what he calls “conscious salsa.”

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes acknowledges that while everything has already been invented, the key is to stay focused and execute the ideas swirling in his mind. The press release for the new live album, titled Una noche en Old Town, notes: “Remember in the ’90s when many artists (…) recorded live productions? That was a trend that (…) went down in salsa history.”

The Production

The final product is a “live” recording of his orchestra. The production turned what was originally planned as a birthday party at Old Town Park in Kissimmee into a full album. Sound engineer Joseph Díaz captured the session, which was later mixed and mastered by pianist and engineer Víctor Romero. The content was further polished at Harmony Recording Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The album features the collective performance of the musicians who have accompanied the singer for years, including their appearance at the 2025 Día Nacional de la Zalsa in Orlando. The lineup includes:

  • John López: Congas
  • Daniel Ortiz: Timbales
  • Manny Urbina: Bongo
  • Víctor Romero: Piano and Musical Direction
  • Yasmani Roque & Marcos Rivera: Trumpets
  • Bert Laboy: Trombone
  • José Castro Marchán: Baritone Sax

  • Una Noche en Old Town Edwin El Calvito Reyes
    Una Noche en Old Town Edwin El Calvito Reyes
  • The night at Old Town also featured guest appearances by heavyweights such as Kriptony Texeira, Harold Montañez, and José Novoa. Additionally, Richie Nieves, the well-known voice of KQ FM Radio in Orlando, handled the album’s intro.

The Origin

The stage was set specifically at El Cilantrillo restaurant within Old Town. The event celebrated the birthday of Javier Colón, owner of La Feria Salsera and Edwin’s partner for the veteran-focused dance events that Edwin has successfully led in recent years. Javier hired “El Calvito’s” orchestra, the performance was recorded, and from that session, this authentic album was born.

By chance, the date of the party coincided with one of the most important days on the Puerto Rican salsa calendar: the traditional Holy Saturday Dance (Sábado de Gloria). “Many Latinos don’t understand and ask, ‘Are you guys seriously holding a dance on Holy Saturday?’ So, unintentionally, we tapped into that tradition—and it is a tradition in every sense of the word. By trying to keep it alive, we (Puerto Ricans) have shared it with the rest of the Hispanic public.”

According to Edwin, the performance was originally recorded for promotional purposes. However, the artist felt it was such a great capture of the evening’s energy that he consulted his musical director, Víctor Romero, to see what he thought of the idea.

The Release

Coincidence dictated that the album be published and available on digital platforms exactly one year after the recording. The producer admits it was a high-risk project because it was recorded live during an organic event outside of a controlled studio environment. The classic covers Edwin included as tributes to “those who have passed” (arranged as medleys) were his biggest concern, yet they ultimately earned widespread approval.

“El Calvito” Reyes says he doesn’t fear the critics. Driven by passion, he decided to release this 10-track production—eight of which he wrote himself, plus two salsa hit medleys—aiming to win over dancers, listeners, and collectors alike.

Tracklist:

  1. ‘Medley salsa nueva’
  2. ‘Así llamaban al Conde’
  3. ‘Homenaje a los que se nos fueron I y II’
  4. ‘Dime mi Buen Señor’
  5. ‘Tú del sur, yo del norte’
  6. ‘El karma’
  7. ‘Tócame la moña’
  8. ‘Baila cha cha chá’
  9. ‘Solo tiempo pa’ rumba’
  10. ‘Orgulloso de ser latino’

Stream & Connect: The album is available digitally on YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. Each track has a corresponding video at: https://www.youtube.com/@ElCalvitoReyesOficial/. The orchestra is available for bookings. You can reach the office via phone or WhatsApp at +1-912-980-8476 or by email at [email protected].

For more on the music of Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, visit: https://solo.to/elcalvitoreyes

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Read Also: Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes el Sonero de la Sangre Nueva “Amor de Actualidad”

The Jeque and his Band present: “Ultimatum”, a musical gem with Hermán Olivera

A masterful fusion that redefines Guaguancó and Cha-Cha, celebrating the group’s tenth anniversary.

El Jeque y su Banda is a salsa ensemble based in Venezuela.

Under the direction of its founder and general manager, Lic. Ángel Martínez “El Jeque,” and with the impeccable musical direction, arrangements, and piano work of the renowned William “Willie” Melo, the band has established itself as a benchmark in the genre.

El Jeque y su Banda presenta “Ultimátum”, una joya musical junto a Hermán Olivera
El Jeque y su Banda presenta “Ultimátum”, una joya musical junto a Hermán Olivera

Approaching ten years of professional trajectory, maintaining their momentum through persistence, passion, and dedication to their craft, the group celebrates this anniversary with the release of their fourth studio production: Evolución…El Jeque y sus Estrellas.

The Launch: “Ultimátum”

The purpose of this release is to announce the launch of their second promotional single, a piece crafted for the true music connoisseur: “Ultimátum.”

This musical gem features a collaboration with a legend of the genre, a world-renowned sonero and vocalist: Hermenegildo Olivera Suárez, globally known as “Hermán Olivera, El Sonero del Siglo XXI.”

Herman Olivera El Sonero del Siglo XII y Dj. Augusto Felibert
Herman Olivera El Sonero del Siglo XII y Dj. Augusto Felibert

History and Evolution

This romantic-style track was originally recorded in 1981 by the great Puerto Rican interpreter Felipe “La Voz” Rodríguez.

The song was written by the legendary Puerto Rican composer Luz Celenia Tirado, who was the first woman recognized in the island’s challenging guild of troubadours and also performed on that original production.

On this occasion, El Jeque y su Banda takes the work in a new direction, transforming it into an aggressive Guaguancó fused with an elegant Cha-Cha.

The concept for this version was a creative endeavor led by Hermán Olivera, who defined the essence and intent of the track.

Ángel Martínez “El Jeque” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt
Ángel Martínez “El Jeque” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Subsequently, Luis Alberto and Willie Melo shaped the project, solidifying the final musical structure under the pen and direction of William “Willie” Melo, with the co-production of Luis Alberto “Redlouis” (Manager, Producer & Booking for Hermán Olivera).

Musical Virtuosity

It is remarkable how these music aficionados manage to mesh Guaguancó and Cha-Cha originally fused with a bolero with a versatility that preserves the essence, cadence, and appeal of the piece.

Herman Olivera Soneando Luis Rojas y Augusto Felibertt prueba de Sonido en el marco del evento Salsa Bajo la Cúpula Poliedro de Caracas.
Herman Olivera Soneando Luis Rojas y Augusto Felibertt prueba de Sonido en el marco del evento Salsa Bajo la Cúpula Poliedro de Caracas.

Willie Melo masterfully integrates Hermán Olivera’s characteristic sound, marked by the influences of Manny Oquendo’s Conjunto Libre and the maestro Eddie Palmieri.

The arrangement, loaded with dissonant notes and power, softens its impact with the magic of the Cha-Cha, allowing Hermán to display his artistry in the soneo.

This interplay between the irreverent, the melodic, and the elegant makes “Ultimátum” a mandatory addition to any quality music lover’s playlist.

Production Credits

The excellence of this single is made possible by the participation of these great Venezuelan musicians:

  • Musicians: Yomar “Caballo” Méndez, Julito Antillano, Luis Ruíz, Joel “Pajarraco” Rivas, Frank Haslam, and Willie Melo.

  • Backing Vocals (Cha-Cha): Maestro Nino Segarra, accompanied by Rodrigo Mendoza and Wilmer Lozano.

  • Recording (Lead and Backing Vocals): Nino Segarra Studios (Puerto Rico).

  • Musical Recording, Mixing, and Mastering: Dale Cerebro Estudio, led by engineer Emmanuel “Cerebro” Romero.

Everything stated above summarizes a work with all the necessary elements to become a radio hit and, above all, an essential piece in your music library.

El Jeque y su Banda
El Jeque y su Banda

Sincerely,

Lic. Ángel Martínez “El Jeque”

Collaborations:

Luis Alberto “Redlouis” (Manager, Producer & Booking for Hermán Olivera)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Hermán Olivera “El Sonero del Siglo XXI”

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress

Latin America / Argentina / Buenos Aires
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress

December 9, 10, and 11, 2016 – San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Kicking off this December, we present the 3rd International Congress of Salsa, Bachata, and Caribbean Rhythms. Widely recognized as the most important congress on Argentina’s Atlantic Coast, the event will take place on December 9th, 10th, and 11th in the town of San Clemente del Tuyú, located 185 miles (300 km) from the capital, Buenos Aires. The official sponsor is Center Pizza, with additional support from Tandori Indumentaria SYS.

This international congress will bring together dancers, instructors, and aficionados from across Argentina and South America. The event features world-class workshops (professional training) and countless showcases by headlining artists and dance companies from Argentina and neighboring countries. Attendees can also look forward to sets by top-tier DJs and plenty of social dancing.

Dancers - San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016
Dancers – San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016

“The following main artists will be performing:”

Stephanie Lucero: Hailing from Buenos Aires, Stephanie is making her first-ever appearance at this Congress. She is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious instructors in the scene, standing out for her ability to dance both lead and follow roles with expertise. Stephanie has refined her skills under world-renowned masters such as Gaston Vidarte, Troy & Jorget, Korke & Judith, Daniel & Desiree, and Ataca & La Alemana. She has also shared the stage with international artists like Daniel Santacruz and Domenic Marte.

Currently, she leads her own all-female choreography group, “Luceros de Fuego.” For this major event, she will be leading two world-class workshops: Partner Bachata and Bachata Ladies’ Styling.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers

La Compañía Calambre: Also making their debut at the congress and in the city, Calambre is Argentina’s premier dance company. Widely recognized as 2013 World Champions, they will be hosting three world-class workshops for this massive event. In addition to their incredible showcase, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy their performances, dance with them, and interact with the team throughout all three days of the congress.

Leandro Erni & Mariela Rondon: Traveling from the city of Mar del Plata, this duo is the reigning Bachata Championship winners. They serve as directors of the Conjunto Clave Academy and are widely recognized as a world-class couple with an extensive international career. Notably, they secured 5th place at the 2015 World Latin Dance Cup in Miami. During the event, they will be hosting two workshops and performing two showcases. You’ll also have the chance to meet them and share the dance floor with them throughout all three days of the congress.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers 2
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 Flyers 2
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Details
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Details

Gustavo Pinat: Originally from Rosario, in the Santa Fe Province, Gustavo has over 19 years of experience in the salsa world. He has trained extensively across Europe and the Americas, including Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Greece, the U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela. A seasoned professional, he has taught workshops at numerous national and international congresses.

Gustavo is also the organizer of the VIVE CUBA Afro-Caribbean Rhythm Festival held in Rosario. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Bamboleo Salsa Studio in Rosario and leads “RAÍCES,” Argentina’s premier comprehensive training program for Afro-Cuban dance.

Leonel Silva: Hailing from Montevideo, Uruguay, Leonel is ranked among the top seven salsa soloists in the world and is a celebrated figure in his home country. Following his incredible performance at the last event, he returns to the 3rd San Clemente Salsa Congress.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Schedule
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Schedule

Carlos Aragon del Carpio: One of South America’s leading figures in the scene, Carlos is a regular at the region’s most prestigious congresses. He is the director of the first South American Mambo “On 2” school in Argentina and has refined his expertise through extensive training in Cuba and the United States.

Our event host will be Silvio González, the director of the Argentina and Puerto Rico Salsa Open. A teacher and dancer with an extensive professional career, he is one of the most prominent figures in our country’s dance scene.

We are also proud to feature our Official DJ: GASTON “TIBURON” TABORDA, a nationally and internationally renowned DJ who headlines the most important congresses and competitions throughout Argentina and South America.

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Prices
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Prices

You can visit our official website and follow us on social media:

San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 - Social Media
San Clemente 3rd Salsa Congress 2016 – Social Media

www.sanclementesalsacongress.com

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