International Salsa Magazine

Events

Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez

North America / USA / New York
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez

Located in New York (USA) Gonzalez y Gonzalez is an excellent option to escape of the routine of each day. With exquisite dishes and delicious drinks, this restaurant offers you the most health fun with Live Music every day.

Open:

  • Mondays: 16:00-01:00
  • Tuesday-Wednesday: 12:00-01:00
  • Thursday: 12:00-2:00
  • Friday-Saturday: 12:00-04:00
  • Sunday: 14:00-01:00
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez - Photo
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez – Photo

With a Variety of Mexican and Caribbean dishes in Gonzalez y Gonzalez you can delight with a Gonzalez Classic Nachos (add chicken, steak or shrimp) with Pinto beans, three-cheese blend, topped with fresh jalapeños, served with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo; or a Full House Salad with Iceberg lettuce, Mescaline, Romaine Hearts, tomatoes, red onions, red bell peppers, radish, queso fresco, avocado slices, and sweet corn cut off the cob, tossed in a toasted cumin dressing; or Chicken, this dish is DELICIOUS, consisting of yellow squash, zucchini, white onions, mushrooms in AMAZING basil cream sauce over corn and rice; or a Mexican Seafood Paella with Jumbo shrimp, calamari, and scallops sautéed with bell peppers, onions, cooked with green rice, garnished with roasted red bell pepper, and Cotijoa cheese, sure you will enjoy that!

This Restaurant offers also exquisite and traditional Desserts. You can eat: Chocolate Cake, Flan, Churros and New York City Cheesecake.

The most varied and exotic drinks you must degust in this place!

Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez - saloon
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez – saloon

For the Salsa lovers, Gonzalez y Gonzalez brings you Live Music each day with invited artist to you can dance with your couple or friends all night.

Address: 192 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Website: www.gygnyc.com

 

Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez - message
Mexican Restaurant & Live Salsa Saloon Gonzalez y Gonzalez – message

 

 

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
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
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
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.
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!

 

Jerry Rivas y Papo Rosario
Jerry Rivas y Papo Rosario

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

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”
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.
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.

Phil Robinson
Phil Robinson

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
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
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


Rumbon de Caracas


Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas


“El Rumbon de Caracas” is a party that brings together a variety of genres to kick off the holiday season, starting November 12th at the Ciudad Tamanaco Shopping Center (CCCT) in Caracas, Venezuela. The lineup includes Salserin, Francisco Pacheco y su Pueblo, Jonathan Moly, Guaco, and special guest El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The event begins at 4:00 pm (16:00). Tickets are available through TicketMundo, with prices ranging from 15,000.01 Bs to 45,000 Bs.


El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is a Puerto Rican salsa band that is as successful in its home country as it is one of the most well-known throughout Latin America. Unlike other salsa orchestras, particularly those that emerged in New York from the 1960s onward, this group, known as “Mulatos del Sabor,” has always protected its musical timbre from complex innovations and experiments, safeguarding the unique, simple, and rhythmic sound that has characterized it since its founding on May 26, 1962.


Rumbon de Caracas
Rumbon de Caracas


We also have “Guaco,” the Venezuelan orchestra born in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela, which evolved to become recognized as a Super Band of Venezuela. Influenced by rhythms such as salsa, pop, funk, jazz, and gaita zuliana, its rhythm remains unique and constitutes a style in itself.


Similarly, we have “Salserin,” known as the children’s and youth salsa orchestra formed in Venezuela in 1993, where the musical genres are pop, ballad, Latin, and primarily salsa. This orchestra boasts over 7 million copies of its albums sold worldwide, as well as 11 productions, 6 novels, 1 feature film, 1 radio drama, and more than 50 gold and platinum records.


For more information about tickets, please contact:



 


World Bachata Festival 2016


Europe / Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur


World Bachata Festival 2016


18th – 20th November Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Press Release: Liitha Krishnan


World Bachata Festival 2016
World Bachata Festival 2016


There will be Bachata dance enthusiasts from all over the world to experience fun in Asia! 


The ever popular and enchanting Latin dance congregation is about to happen again in Malaysia. The 4th World Bachata Festival (WBF) is scheduled for November 2016 and will feature a true celebration of Bachata and other Latin dances, in line with similar events in other major cities in USA, Australia, Spain, Philippines, Japan, India, Singapore, Germany, etc. The WBF has been held since 2010 with each year’s event growing in participation and performances.


Liitha Krishnan, the organizer of WBF is confident this year’s turnout is going to be a raving event for all to enjoy.


Liitha only started learning salsa when she was about 32, which was also after the birth of her three children. A little later, she came across Bachata by chance and realizing it was easier and more sensual than salsa, switched her focus and passion to this new hobby that eventually became a vocation through her founding of her dance school, Shamballa Tribeni Dance in Klang.


Her passion for dance was also taken up seriously by her daughter Kalnish Schubert who, having completed a year’s course at Shiamak Davar’s Dance Academy in Mumbai, is currently pursuing her diploma in dance in Australia. She would be performing and conducting a Bollywood workshop at the WBF since its popularity especially with the foreign participants.


World Bachata Festival 2016 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Photo 1
World Bachata Festival 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Photo 1


The WBF was initially organized to provide local enthusiast access to accomplished dancers from other countries and an avenue to improve local talent and performances. After 3 successful festivals, the event has surpassed its objectives and gained much popularity and enthusiasm both locally and internationally thus creating and enlarging the fraternity of Latin dancers as well as creating public awareness and appreciation. While the contributions of accomplished dancers from Spain, Brazil, Cuba and such countries that are home to Latin dances have enchanted all the past festivals, the performances by dancers from Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, etc have also made their presence felt in past years.


This year’s event in its 4th successful year will consists of 3 days and 2 nights of performances, workshops and dance parties providing an avenue to enjoy, learn, practice and socialize within the Latin dance fraternity. The festival has attracted Latin dancers from Australia, Philippines, India, Romania, Cuba, Columbia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Kenya, Vietnam and more while performances and workshop are presented by accomplished dancers from these countries as well. Everyone will also be feasted with the best of Latin music by the finest Malaysian and international Latin DJs at the state-of-the- art Bentley Music Auditorium at Wisma Bentley, Petaling Jaya.


The festival that celebrates Bachata, a sensual partner dance from the Dominican Republic, will also include other popular Latin dance forms like Salsa, Merengue, Zouk and Kizomba. More than 30 workshops have been lined up for anyone and everyone interested in trying a hand, or rather a foot, in Kizomba, Salsa, Bollywood, Son Cubana, Pachanga, Afro Cuban and Zumba. A few boot camps have also been slotted in for those with basic dancing skills to learn and have a chance to perform on one of the nights. The workshops and boot camp will be conducted by renowned international dancers.


World Bachata Festival 2016 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Photo 2
World Bachata Festival 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Photo 2


This year’s lineup includes Nestor Manuelian, a strong supporter of the WBF and 3 times World Salsa Champion, partnering with an equally accomplished Rebecca Vallejo and featuring for the first time, Coco and Vyara, 10 time National Champions of NZ with over 40 years dancing experience. Some of the other prominent dancers who will be there to spice up the event are Ana Palma & Basil Nadela from Philippines, Ryu from Japan, Dorin & Niko from Romania, Lam & Kas from Australia and Kalnish Schubert, Amar Singh, KL Son Project, Sam Sopiee from Malaysia.


To add a little fire to all the dance, music will be spinned by an array of Deejays comprising DJ Selva, DJ Dorin, DJ Ryu, DJ Sofrito and DJ Gupson who will also be an MC for the WBF. Gupson Pierre who hails from Montreal, Canada will be also conducting a workshop.


Appreciation goes out to Bentley Music Auditorium for their 2nd year support and sponsorship of the venue, Qliq Damansara for sponsorship and special rates for accommodations and many other companies and individuals who have been continuously contributing in ways totally unexpected.


About Nestor Manuelian & Kalnish Schubert 


Spice up the event, World Bachata Festival is having the privilege and participation of Nestor Manuelian from Australia, and collaboration with local Bollywood artist, Kalnish Kashna Schubert, in the Latin dance scene. Both of them will be performing Salsa together on the stage of World Bachata Festival.


Nestor Manuelian is the Director of Latin Dance Australia (LDA) and Modus Vivendi Dance Productions, two of the biggest names in the Australian Latin dance industry. He is also a professional dance instructor, choreographer, mentor, event organizer and master of ceremonies.


Nestor Manuelian
Nestor Manuelian


Nestor is renowned for his world-class teaching methods, choreographies and team performances. He is recognized for his ability to coach, mentor and encourage dancers to excel technically and also have a great time doing so! His amazing teaching style has earned him the honor of teaching at the biggest Salsa and Bachata congresses around the world travelling to Asia, the United States and all over Australia and New Zealand.


Nestor made his performance debut in November 2003 and since then he has gone on to win multiple Salsa and Bachata National and International Titles, including 4 World Titles as coach and dancer. He has been stepping up the world ranking with multiple awards, such as:


    

  • 2x World Bachata Champion (2012 – Hong Kong, 2013 – Miami)
    • 

  • 3 Times World Salsa Championships Finalist (2005- 4th, 2006 – 10th, 2007 – 6th)
    • 

  • Asian Salsa Open Champion (2007)
    • 

  • Australian Bachata Teams Champion (2009)
    • 



Kalnish Schubert has been dancing since the tender age of 8. She has been actively dancing Salsa, Bollywood and Bhangra since young. She teaches Kids & Adult Bollywood and Kids Salsa at Shamballa Tribeni Dance and Music School in Klang. Kalnish graduated from Shiamak Davar’s Dance Academy in Mumbai, India in 2014. While in India she was actively involved in shows in India such as Star Parivaar Awards 2013 and Toni and Guy show 2013.


Kalnish Schubert
Kalnish Schubert


She is currently pursuing her Certificate IV in dance at the Dance Factory in Melbourne Australia. Kalnish has also been featured in the Malaysian Government Education Portal for the involvement in dance. She has also performed in various shows, public & corporate events such as:


    

  • The Malaysian Vesaki festival 2009/2010/2011 The World Bachata Festival, Kuala Lumpur 2010/2012/2015 • The International Indian Food Festival in China 2011 Corporate shows in Bangkok, Thailand in 2011 World Star Road to Hollywood in 2012
    • 

  • India International Dance Congress 2014 in Bangalore
    • 

  • Osaka Latin Dance Festival 2014 • Sydney Bachata Festival 2015
    • 



The 4th WBF is scheduled as follows: 


    

  • Dates: 18th-20th November 2016
    • 

  • Venue: Bentley Music Auditorium, Wisma Bentley 3, Jalan PJU 7/2, Petaling Jaya,47810 Mutiara Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
    • 

  • Programs: 3 days 2 nights of Latin Dance Workshops, World-Class Performances and Prestigious Parties. Each night has a special theme with day 1 being “Dressy Casual”, day 2 is “Black & Red” and the final day is “Mexicana”.
    • 



World Bachata Festival 2016 Flyers
World Bachata Festival 2016 Flyers


Get more updates on the Facebook event: