North America

A Star-Studded Lineup in Mayagüez to Celebrate Frankie Ruiz

The eighth edition of the Frankie Ruiz Festival welcomed die-hard salseros to the “Sultana of the Caribbean,” nonplussed by the rainfall. Held at the Frankie Ruiz Shell Ampitheater, the festival paid tribute to Roberto “Bola” Rivera the bassist, bandleader, and creator of La Solución. The musical showcase kept salsa fans captivated all weekend long, defying the bad weather that tried to dampen attendance.

On Friday, July 28, the opening night kicked off with Los Guardiola, led by Josh, with Willy on vocals delivering tracks like “Ruleta,” “Cuadro roto,” “Es tiempo,” and “Al son que me tocan bailo.” The brothers’ energy set the stage ablaze for the rest of the weekend. Up next was “El Mulato Rumbero,” Michael Stuart, who brought maximum energy as he performed the biggest hits from his fruitful career. The crowd danced and sang at the top of their lungs to “Amor a primera vista,” “Sueño,” “Imaginando tu amor,” “Te amo,” “Me enamoré,” “Niña bella,” “Me siento vivo,” “Gitana,” and “Será que no me amas.” Attendees also got to enjoy the live premiere of his new single, “Ya lo sé.”

Closing out the night to great acclaim was the “orchestra of eternal youth,” Mulenze, led by bassist and director Edwin Morales, playing the fan-favorite tracks salseros have made timeless. They served up “A mí me huele,” “Te amo en silencio,” “Mi negrita,” “Toco madera,” “Yo prometo,” “Por él,” “Me dejaste en pausa,” and “Anoche aprendí.”

Saturday’s lineup on July 29 kicked off with Roberto Rivera’s Orquesta La Solución. The second act brought solo artist Willie González to the stage, who delivered emotional performances of “Seda,” “En la intimidad,” “Pequeñas cosas,” “No podrás escapar de mí,” “Quiero morir en tu piel,” “Doble vida,” “Paso la vida pensando,” “Hazme olvidarla,” “Amor pirata,” and “No es casualidad.” Closing out the second day was Sonora Ponceña. “The Giants of the South” brought their signature high voltage to tracks such as “Bombacarambomba,” “Sola vaya,” “Juana Bayona,” “Date cuenta,” “Canto al amor,” and “Rumba en el patio,” among others.

The crowd drew delegations from Colombia, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador, alongside local Puerto Ricans from across the island and members of the diaspora returning home to celebrate their Puerto Rican pride.

The third and final day of the 2026 edition of this salsa event organized alongside Judith Ruiz, widow of “El Tártaro de la Salsa” was presented in partnership with Mayagüez Mayor Jorge Luis Ramos Ruiz, the Salsoul team programmed by Ricardo Padilla-Núñez, and produced by Madera Events. The team elevated Puerto Rico’s salsa scene and its artists while delivering a lineup that’s hard to beat. Meanwhile, salsa continues to evolve, and the Mayagüez festival paved the way for new talent, signaling a bright future for the musical movement in which Puerto Rico has always led the charge.

Sunday opened with rising singer Wendy Luna. The second set belonged to Giro, who, after singing “El pasajero,” “Mi forma de sentir,” “El centro de mi corazón,” “Me enamoré,” “Ave María,” and “Si tú supieras,” shared the stage with an up-and-coming talent to watch. Young singer Keydriel Tirado commanded the stage during “Amor lunático”—a moment that surely took Giro back to his own beginnings with the youth group Los Chicos.

The third set showcased the enduring legacy of the late Tommy Olivencia, performed by the orchestra of timbalero and director Tommy Olivencia Jr., featuring Viti Ruiz as a special guest. The repertoire by “La Escuelita”—so nicknamed for serving as a training ground for several of our greatest soneros included “Luna lunera,” “Lo dudo,” “Pan Cuco,” “Vuelve Pan Cuco,” “Te ví,” “Aléjate de mí,” “Amargos recuerdos,” “Cómo lo hacen,” “Que se mueran de envidia,” “Primero fui yo,” and “La suplicante.”

The fourth slot welcomed Maelo Ruiz, who kept kids involved in the show by featuring Samuel André Ramírez Camuñas as presenter and 10-year-old up-and-coming timbalero Matías Adriel Ramírez Camuñas, who proved he is poised to be part of the next generation of salsa. The orchestra continues under the musical direction of conguero Jean Carlos Camuñas, joined by Juan Picorelli on timbales, Carmelo Álvarez on bongo, Jorge Rivera on bass, Reynaldo Burgos on piano, Víctor Ambert and Rolando Alejandro on trumpets, Lester Pérez, César Javier Ayala, and Julio Dipiní on trombones, alongside backing vocalists Jorge Yadiel, David Carrero, and Urayoán Lizardi. Maelo Ruiz kept fans singing along passionately to medleys of hits like “Ladrona de amor,” “Atrévete,” “Me niegas tanto amor,” and “Te quiero amor”; followed by “Yo soy el malo,” “A mí no me da igual,” a medley of hits made famous by Frankie Ruiz, and another medley featuring “Sé que no soy un santo,” “Por favor señora,” “La propuesta,” “Vicio,” “No te quites la ropa,” and “Si supieras.” His set wrapped with “Solo tú,” “Regálame una noche,” “Quien te enamoró,” “Llegó el amor,” and “Te va a doler,” which Maelo performed as a duet with 12-year-old Cabo Rojo native Keydriel Tirado, who proved he possesses the talent, discipline, and charisma required to build a promising career.

The municipal government of Mayagüez formally recognized the musical legacy of Roberto “Bola” Rivera, crediting him with giving Frankie Ruiz his very first professional break.

The performance by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico featured all-time hits from “The University of Salsa,” including “Pico, pico,” “El swing,” “Aniversario,” “Las hojas blancas,” “Que me lo den en vida,” “El caballo pelotero,” “Amor brutal,” “Adela,” and “El carbonerito”—which included a special performance by Aniel Rosario honoring his late father, Papo Rosario—as well as “El matrimonio” and “Ponme el alcolado Juana.”

The festival’s grand finale was helmed by “El Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa, and his orchestra. The setlist featured classics spanning the legendary career of one of salsa’s most prominent solo artists: “Consciencia,” “Montón de estrellas,” “Cartas sobre la mesa,” “Sin un amor,” “Lluvia” (from his era with the Willie Rosario Orchestra), “Tú,” “El camionero” (a tribute to Frankie Ruiz), “Impaciencia” (featuring a conga showcase alongside Gerardo Rivas, Gilbertito himself, and Pete Perignon), “La agarro bajando,” “Conteo regresivo,” “Amor mío no te vayas,” “Vivir sin ella,” “No quiero na’ regala’o,” and “Perdóname,” among others.

Carmencita DJ, the official Salsoul DJ, kept the music spinning in theme with the event, keeping Frankie Ruiz’s music playing all weekend long.

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