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Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery and its role towards salsa

Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery and Latin music

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery is one of those places where every salsa lover in New York should visit since there is plenty to see here. This museum has all kinds of items donated by many renowned artists or relatives of some who had passed away. This collection of valuable possessions has resulted in a set of priceless objects that will bow anyone visiting the facilities of such a special institution out of water. 

The Spanish Harlem Salsa Gallery, also known as Spaha Salsa Gallery, can be defined as an institution of a cultural nature whose main purpose is to serve as a reminder of how great our culture is, especially our music. Both residents and visitors of East Harlem, New York, can learn about the salsa genre and its roots as long as they desire. All thanks to a lot of tools, information and many initiatives with which those interested will know all kinds of interesting facts about salsa first hand. 

Another of the great objectives pursued by this place is the quest for knowledge about Latin music and the artists involved to offer it to anyone who decides to visit its facilities. That is why both its president Johnny Cruz and the team that helps him have been responsible for creating an inclusive and diverse gallery in which you can appreciate how far Hispanic talent has come by the hand of its top stars. 

Johnny Cruz with Viti Ruíz
Johnny Cruz while receiving Franklin Ruiz’s jacket from Viti Ruíz, his brother

Role of the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture 

The role played by the Spaha Salsa Gallery in the dissemination of Latin culture is very important, since these institutions are the ones that manage to arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Harlem and other nearby sectors towards one of the most representative musical genres of Latinity. This has made many other cultural institutions to use this gallery in order to awaken a higher interest in its own activities, which shows extensive cooperation between those who seek to promote anything Latin-related at all costs. 

Fortunately, our work is not that complicated to carry out because too many tourists visit New York every day and many of them know that this city was the birthplace of the biggest salsa movement in history, so they are always looking for cultural sports in which you can find information about this set of rhythms and how it emerges in the public arena.   

Instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña
Some instruments donated by La Sonora Ponceña

Who Johnny Cruz is 

Johnny Cruz is the founder of the Spaha Salsa Gallery, but there are many other facets by which this talented Puerto Rican is known in the entertainment industry. Cruz is a famous musician and record producer who has worked and make friends with a wide number of artists from all genres, by providing him with the platform to create a true sanctuary for Latin music lovers. 

One interesting fact about the museum is that it is located on the plot where a hardware business owned by Johnny’s father used to function, which was made into something completely different thanks to the genius of his son long after. Today, that place contains several of the most invaluable objects in the history of salsa and whose relationship with some of the greatest figures of the genre is legendary.   

Link to the official website of the Spaha Salsa gallery: spahasalsagallery.com

By: Johnny Cruz correspondent of International Salsa Magazine in New York City, New York

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Lore Pereira is one of the young interpreters with the greatest International projection

Lorena Pereira Méndez

In this delivery, graces our salsa column, one of the young interpreters of greater international projection and who currently places very high the name of Venezuela on the world stages and record level, we refer to Edgliz Lorena Pereira Mendez, known in the artistic environment as “Lore Pereira”, born in Barquisimeto, Lara state in 1985, daughter of outstanding musicians in the national territory, as they are: Édgar Pereira and Virginia Méndez, former members of the Sonero Clásico del Caribe and other recognized orchestras.

Lore, since she was a child, showed her musical abilities and began her studies at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory in 1998.

In this institution she was part of the Youth Choir of Children Singers of the Lara State Symphony Orchestra. In the following years he participated in several musical activities in the city, such as: Voz Javeriana (1999), Member of the Choir of the Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado where he served as head of contraltos string (2001).

In 2002 he was part of the Lara State Lyrical Singing Chair “Aquiles Machado” under the direction of the renowned singer Angelo D’addona, where he made great and significant presentations such as: cycles of Lyrical Galas with a repertoire of sacred music and great works of Latin American music for the prelude to the first season of opera in the San Miguel Chapel of the Museum of Barquisimeto, Magdalena Seijas Auditorium, Santa Rosa Chapel, Auditorium of the Italian-Venezuelan Club, among others.

Lorena Pereira Méndez In this issue, our salsa column is graced by one of the young performers with the greatest international projection.
Edgliz Lorena Pereira Méndez, conocida en el medio artístico como “Lore Pereira”

Subsequently, in 2003, she became part of the stable cast of the Compañía de Ópera de Occidente (Opera Company of the West), thanks to the chair of Lyric Singing and the Symphonic Choir of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Lara (Symphonic Orchestra of Lara).

This year, she is preparing for the staging of the trilogy “Love, Passion and Death” as part of the cast of singers for the acts of 3 plays “Rusticana, Madame Butterfly and La Boheme” and the play “Los Martirios de Colón” by Venezuelan composer Federico Ruiz, These works were presented in various stages of the city as the dance and ballet academy Taormina Guevara, Teatro Juares, Teatro Alirio Diaz de Carora, Auditorium of the Italo-Venezuelan Club and the Ateneo de Boconó.

At the end of this year, he lined up to pay homage to Maestro José Antonio Abreu in a concert with the Lara State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Tarsicio Barreto at the José Félix Ribas Hall of the Teresa Carreño Cultural Complex.

He participated in Santus Group concerts and in Boleros Nights and something else at the Sala Alternativa Juan Carmona of the newspaper El Impulso.

In this institution he was part of the Youth Choir of Children Singers of the Lara State Symphony Orchestra. In the following years he participated in several musical activities in the city, such as: Voz Javeriana (1999), Member of the Choir of the Universidad Centro Occidental Lisandro Alvarado where he served as head of contraltos string (2001).
Lore Pereira

In 2005 she worked hand in hand with music teacher Behomar Rojas, who played an important role in her training and incorporated her in various musical activities in her hometown and the Venezuelan national territory, such as festivals, concerts of sacred music and stylized Venezuelan music.

In the following years, he participates in record productions of Venezuelan folk and alternative music, as well as in regional and national festivals.

It is worth mentioning the most important one held in 2008, La Voz de Oro y de la Canción Inédita de Venezuela, where he had the opportunity to share workshops and rehearsals with great singers of the Venezuelan national territory.

In the same way, he is part of several popular Venezuelan groups as a vocalist and backing vocalist, as well as participating in productions with renowned artists at present.

In 2010 he joins his performance with Venezuelan singer-songwriter Ignacio Izcaray, making several recordings, live concerts in Venezuela, such as: May 2011 (Teatro Juares) Barquisimeto, Ateneo de Caracas and Sala Corpbanca), October 2011 (Ambrosio Oropeza auditorium of the Ucla), January 2013 (concert at the Country Club of Barquisimeto, Teatro Alirio Diaz de Carora), also participated in recordings of important recordings as vocal support of the singer-songwriter.

The recognition of her vocal and artistic talent has been overwhelming, both by her colleagues, spectators and institutions.

In 2015, Lore Pereira received the Mara de Oro de Venezuela award as “Best New Artist of the Year”.

She studied at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory in 1998. In this institution he was part of the Youth Choir of Children Singers of the Lara State Symphony Orchestra.
“Lore Pereira”, born in Barquisimeto, Lara State in 1985.

Then in 2016 she received the award as “Best Tropical Artist of the Year”, recognizing her extraordinary talent and acceptance by the media.

Lore, for Salsa Escrita, the Salsera Column of Barquisimeto, International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com we are proud to have you as a special guest and we would like you to tell us about your incursions into Latin music.

Well, Professor Carlos, I can tell you that I have lent my voice to important musical projects, being the only voice of the experimental group “Primigenio” and of several songs of “La Charangoza All Star”.

I am frequently called as a soloist of the Big Band “Raíces Orchestra”, led by the famous musician, saxophonist and arranger Pablo Gil.

And as for other musical genres, what can you tell us about them? As a vocalist, I have sung with important exponents of Venezuelan and Latin American music.

During these last years my voice has joined the show of great artists such as Marc Anthony, Natalia Jimenez, Marco Antonio Solis and Alejandro Fernandez on the stage of the Billboard Awards. Likewise, I repeated this experience in 2016 and 2017 with singers Luis Enrique, Farruco and Miguel Bosé, in Premios Tu Mundo.

As for recent productions, what do you have for us, Lore? I have been promoting my album “Inténtalo” where I share my talent alongside figures such as Luis Fernando Borjas, Irving Manuel, Marcial Istúriz, Chipi Chacón, Christian Delgado, Franco Lemus; all under the musical production of Jhosir Córdova.

Excellent Lore, recently the new version of the song “Callejón”, which was recorded some time ago by Arabella, was launched on the digital platforms, but we have been able to appreciate that your voice and that of Virginia Méndez, your mother, shows a lot of versatility with export quality.

Thank you Carlos for your appreciation, indeed this is a work that we are promoting, entitled “Callejón” with authorship of Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso, arrangements by Jhosir Córdova, chorus by Andrés Brito, Gerardo “Pachanga” Araujo and my father, Édgar Pereira, on piano Johánn Morales, bass Daniel Barón, trumpets Luis “Papo” Márquez, trombones Jhosir Córdova, timbales Juan Pablo Romero, tumbadoras, bongo and bell Yomar “Caballo” Méndez, mix Daniel Barón, master Maikol Lugo, musical production and videography Jhosir Córdova and I hope everyone likes it, being able to appreciate it in my social networks or on youtube.

Lore, what are those digital platforms? My social networks are: fans page:Lore Pereira Facebook: Lorena Pereira Méndez  ,; Instagram: @loresinger.

From our salsa column, we wish you continued success and continue to exalt the Barquisimetano talent and of course Venezuelan, worldwide.

Thank you Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for the support given to me and all the artists of my country, keep it up. Blessings.

Year 2021

Good morning dear ones!

I share with you the link to the premiere of my song “VUELVES” scheduled for 1pm Miami-Venezuela time.

take the opportunity and subscribe so you get the notification and you can see the video that is made with love.

Thanks.

Website de Interes: Alfredo Villamizar Alfredo Villamizar one of the most spectacular and sensational Venezuelan percussionists

Remember not to leave your house…! See you next time and let’s keep saucing!
By: Carlos Colmenárez Venezuela Correspondent

 

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Alicia Muñoz, composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Encanto

Greetings, consistent salsomanos and regular readers of International Salsa Magazine / www.salsagoogle.com, for us it is an honor to be with you again and on this occasion a pleasure to introduce you to an extraordinary composer and vocalist from the island of Borinquen, Alicia Muñoz.

Welcome, Alicia to International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, where we are constantly projecting and promoting the artists that stand out in our Latin music and we would like to share and learn more about your career and projects.

composer and vocalist extraordinaire from the island of Borinquén, Alicia Muñoz.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Thank you very much Carlos, for giving me this wonderful opportunity to be present in this media, where great exponents of salsa have interacted with special affection and shared their experiences.

Alicia, previously you told us that you were born in the town of San Sebastián de las Vegas del Pepino, in Puerto Rico, a region of great art on the island of enchantment?

Indeed, Prof. Carlos, I was born in that wonderful place, famous for its handicrafts, its Maguey hammocks and also recognized for being the birthplace of artists such as Sophy Hernandez, Alfonso Velez, Nito Mendez, as well as the composer Angel Mislan.

Amiga Alicia, we would like to know about your beginnings in music and when you started to develop your artistic career, and why your inclination for the musical genre of salsa?

In 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted my album "Sin dudas" at the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum in the event "Jugando con las estrellas", along with renowned artists, among them: Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad.
Alicia Muñoz Composer and vocalist from the Isle of Enchantment.

Wuaoo! of course, well professor, let me tell you that at the age of 4 years, my teacher, knowing the initial talent I had for singing, accompanied me and looked for places for me to sing, such as patron saint festivals, family events, and festivals, such as the now-defunct festival of San Sebastian, I had a great satisfaction thanks to God almighty, to win many awards for my voice, even as a little girl and I got to sing with the traditional group “Estampas Pepinianas”; but always salsa, as a good Puerto Rican I carry it in my veins.

Interesting start, and could you tell us when you begin to venture into the professional field and especially your first recordings?

Well, in 2013, specifically on April 8, I debuted with my album “Sin Dudas” in the coliseum Luis Aymat Cardona in the event “Jugando con las Estrellas”, along with renowned artists, including Michael Stuart, Abraham Velasquez, Bangi (Grupo Mania) and Boxing champion Tito Trinidad; there in that show I was cheered by the sovereign and with good praise for my musical work, let me tell you Carlos that my first musical production entitled “Alicia 2004”, had a very good acceptance Connecticut and then in Springfield Massachusetts. Later in 2009, I recorded my second production, which for personal reasons I did not release, but it sounded and sounds in radio stations and dance clubs; and among these songs are: “Que lloren” by Yvy Queen, “Bandido” by Ana Barbara, “Todos me Miran” by Gloria Trevi, “Báilalo, Báilalo” of my authorship, “Condenada a Tu Amor”, “Perdida a tu Amor” and “Cuéntale”. All of them were played on radio stations in Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Ah! Friend Carlos, let me tell you that on February 14, 2015, a compilation of my previous musical productions was released, entitled “Que me pasa”.

Excellent Alicia, And as for these last 5 years, you have made recordings for the salsa and dancing public?

in 2018, I presented the singles: "Fácil" and "Pido Señor"; in 2019 "Cruzando Fronteras" and in 2020, "Salsa para el Cielo".
Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz

Indeed, in 2017, I released my single “Te Pido Señor”, which quickly climbed to the top of the Hit Parade of Latin music, then in 2018, I presented the singles: “Fácil” and te “Pido Señor”; in 2019 “Cruzando Fronteras” and in 2020, “Salsa para el Cielo”.

We understand Alicia, that a few days ago, you released your first single “Mi Lugar”, where you manage to mix the freshness of your angelic voice with the swing and flavor of good salsa for music lovers and dancers, tell us about it:

Very well, friends International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, and thanks to you, professor Carlos Colmenárez, I want to present you, my new song “Mi Lugar”, which is a composition by Jorge del Valle, arrangements and musical direction by Víctor Gámez, mixed and mastered under the hands of Jose Guerrero from Josmastering Studios Venezuela and with the masterful instrumentation of different musicians such as Luis Ruiz on trumpets, Johan Escalante on trombones, Euro Zambrano on percussion, Victor Gamez on piano, Chelo Bolivar on bass and Venezuelan Marcial Isturiz, on backing vocals; by the way, this work was recorded at A & R Recording Studio, M.A; so I hope it is to your liking and you can enjoy it on digital platforms.

And finally, friend Alicia, we want to wish you the best of success in your excellent and ascending artistic career and to our readers, we recommend you to follow your songs, which are full of message and Latin flavor. From Venezuela and all over the world we send you our sincere congratulations for your perseverance, professionalism, and interpretative quality; you are a pride of Puerto Rico…

Very grateful for those words, Carlos, and a big kiss to all those readers International Salsa Magazine / www.SalsaGoogle.com, which, I will carry in my heart through my melodies that with much affection I bring to enhance our Latin music; for bookings and contact you can do it through my representative Alicia Muñoz from New York City, at + 1 (203) 632-7427.

Blessings to all, I love you all very much, your friend, Alicia Muñoz.

Article of Interest: Gerson Aranda “La Tabla de Caracas”

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

International Salsa Magazine

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Great conversación with conductor and timbalero Sammy Deleon

How Sammy Deleon’s career began to flourish

There have been uncountable artists who have lifted Latin music around the world, and one of them has been conductor Sammy Deleon. This American of Puerto Rican parents was born in Lorain, Ohio, on August 18, 1961, and grew up in the same county with his 14 brothers. He started his professional career with the Trio Puerto Rico when he was just 13 years old, after which he was already beginning to demonstrate his incredible musical skills. 

While it is true that neither of his parents were musicians, Sammy recalls with affection his mother while she used to sing at home and his father used to play the Puerto Rican cuatro during the Christmas season to celebrate the occasion to the sound of parrandas typical of the Island of Enchantment that were created for the occasion.   

This musician greatly enjoyed the work of Tito Puente, with whom he later developed a great friendship and an excellent working relationship. That happened on one night when the King of Timbales was playing a concert in Lakeview Beach. Deleon made his way to the stage, greeted the timbalero, wanted to talk to him and asked to play with him. After doing some soundtracks and a unique display of talent, Puente accepted to let him play and together they shone on stage by making one of the biggest dreams of Sammy a reality. 

After that, he ended up playing with Puente in his hometown, Orlando, New York and Puerto Rico. After many years, the same would happen with Tito Puente Jr. who would also take into account this musician’s talent for his shows. 

Sammy Deleon with his timbales
Sammy Deleon playing the timbales in one of his concerts

Deleon has shown diverse musical abilities throughout his career, but without a doubt, he has been successful in percussion, more than in any other. Likewise, he has dedicated much of his time and effort to exploring Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms, resulting in a style that is unlike many other artists of his kind. 

For the last 10 years, he has managed to conduct his own group Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta, with which he has had many of his successes in his career so far, one of them the respect and admiration of a vast multicultural audience that is always seeking innovation in the music which they hear. 

During these years, he has managed to capture the attention of many DJs, dancers, and Latin music lovers thanks to his hard work and the enormous energy invested in each of his musical productions. Contigo Y Sin Ti and Baila Que Baila have been a gift to the ear on dance floors crowded with people of all musical tastes and different levels of skills in relation to dance and choreography. 

Everything he learned during his career has also been benefitial to other musicians, as Sammy uses his knowledge to mentor would-be percussionists who want to follow in his footsteps and those of the most acclaimed musicians in history. Unquestionably, a noble task for those who, at a certain point, had the same dreams.   

Sammy Deleon and his people
Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta

Interesting and emotional conversation with Sammy Deleon 

A very good morning to all of you. This is Karina Garcia, North American director for International Salsa Magazine. I am very happy today because we have a very special guest. This is none other than Sammy Deleon who is a composer, timbalero, and musician with a long-standing career. How are you, Sammy? How are you feeling today? 

I’m very well, thank you. I’m very well, thank goodness. From here in Cleveland, Ohio.  

All right, Sammy, could you tell me what pushed you to go into music? What inspired you? What did you decide to take this path and why did you chose percussion? 

Well, the one who put the music on was my father. Gumersindo Deleon was the one who started all this. I say he was a frustrated musician because his time was not very good, but slowly, he taught me and my two brothers Puerto Rican jibaro music when I was a little boy. Two years went by and one of my brothers was 15 years old, the other one was 14 and I was 13 when my brother taught us salsa when it was a boom in New York. That is how we started playing percussion on our own, since no one taught us.  

We listened to music every day and from there started singing in church choirs with trios, ensembles, jibaro music and, little by little, we kept going up, up, up. That is when my older brother Roberto, who was a timbalero before I do, saw that I were interested in the timpani than him while he was dedicated to the conga and my other brother Micky was dedicated to the bongo. Then the three of us were rehearsing almost every day and my dad said that we were too loud when playing percussion. Years passed and my brother Roberto moved to Florida, my brother Micky moved to Kansas City and I were alone here.  

I have been playing since I was 13, starting with the Trio Puerto Rico and, later, I started playing with a group called Conjunto Nabori with music by Cheo Feliciano and we were doing it with vibraphones, congas, timbales and so on. From there, we joined an orchestra called Charambo (meaning charanga and mambo) where I stayed for 10 years. Next thing after that, the orchestra was going to break up, another merengue group called Orquesta Marquis was being created when merengue was in full swing in the 90s. After being part of that orchestra for five years, we had a problem with the director, so we fired him and changed the name to Orquesta Impacto Nuevo where I stayed for 10 years. After burning the CD, we went to Florida to promote it and, after that, a few things did happen and I decided to go back to Ohio.  

We created a group under my own name, so it was called Sammy Deleon Y Su Orquesta with which we have worked for almost 25 years now. We have joined many different singers. When we were in the Charambo Orchestra, we performed with Tito Puente, Adalberto Santiago, Chivirico Dávila, Vitín Aviléz, Conde Rodríguez, Luisito Carrión, Tito Rojas, Tony Vegas and many more. We played with Ismael Mirando for over a year and I won several awards in the city as Legend of the year and it was a big thing. I use an orchestra composed of 18 musicians and played mambo created by Tito Puente and Los Mambo Kings.  

Remember that I come from a big family in which we were 14 siblings, 8 sisters and 5 brothers. The oldest was a DJ for many years and the one who brought salsa here in the 70s and 80s. I also had the joy of playing with the Gran Combo de Puerto Rico two years ago because their timbalero got sick, which is why I had the opportunity to play with them a couple of times while he was getting better. We have played in Buffalo, Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles and many other places. 

Sammy Deleon at the Jazz Fest Cleveland
Sammy Deleon performing at the Jazz Fest Cleveland

All right, Sammy. Everybody knows very well your admiration for Tito Puente before you even became a famous musician. In fact, I remember seeing an interview with you in which you recount an anecdote of how you met and played with him. 

Thank you. You brought up a very cool issue. One time, Tito Puente came here to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1979. There was a big concert in Lorain, where I was born and raised. He played during the day, and at night, we went to watch him at a well-known jazz club. There, a friend of mine offered to give me 20 pesos if I was going to play with him, to which I replied yes. So I went to the stage, made a hand gesture, said give me a break and I do not think he heard me. However, he looked at me and told me to get close to him. When I was up on the stage, he said look at me, listen and don’t touch anything yet. That is when he did something, I did the same and we are continuing to do so. That was the last song on his set. He took me into his dressing room, asked me where I was from. I told him I was from Loraine, Ohio.  

He asked me who taught me to play and I told him I was just self-taught. He said no way!, and can you read music?, to which I answered no, but that I was learning to do it. Then, he told me that I had a great future in front of me and to keep playing the timbales because that is an instrument that requires a lot of strength to be played because it is not like a 4-drum battery. So basically, he told me to move on because I was going to have a good future in front of me. He died several years later, but I played with him a couple of times here in Cleveland, New York, Orlando, and Detroit, Michigan.  

After his death, I met his son, Tito Puente Jr. who came to Cleveland. I conducted an orchestra composed by 17 musicians, he played all of his father’s songs and we had a good time. When he comes in October, I have to provide him with the group again. Playing with Tito Puente was one of the best moments I have ever had. 

You commented in that interview and now that it was memorable for you to play with Tito Puente. Apart from that, what other memorable experience could you mention? 

There is an experience I had in 2016 when I won the jazz salsa and legend award. I was labeled a legend – imagine that, me a legend! Since when am I a legend? That took me by surprise when I got the prize. I am still shocked (crying). I didn’t expect that award because other musicians have had more years of trajectory than me.  

When the lady called me and said me what’s going on, I asked her if she was sure of what she was saying and she answered yes. After hanging up the phone, I sat down and cried because I did not expect this. I had to call my family and explain to them what was going on. The day I got the prize, my whole family was there with me. To this date, it still shocks me because it was a very special day for me. I pray to Him not to cry again because these things enter my heart.   

How does it feel to be on a par with your idols? How does it feel to play with them and to see the road you have taken? 

It has been amazing to accompany artists such as Tito Puente or Tony Vega, who are on another level and I am trying to get there. I’m already old man and coming up on 60 years old, but I still have a way to go and try to pull ahead step by step. I’m going to make it, but it was an honor to play with all those legends. We have opened up for many groups such as La Sonora Ponceña, La Mulencia, Luis Henrique and so on. I will never forget those days and times.   

Sammy Deleon and Bobby Valentin
Sammy Deleon next to Bobby Valentin

I understand that you have been responsible for training young people who wish to become percussionists, is that right? 

Yes, we are working with guys from Ohio to teach them about salsa, percussion, instruments and many other things. There are many who leave, but there are always two or three who stay on. Right now, we’re teaching kids all about salsa, which I love to do because I will not last long around here. 

In what way has teaching contributed to your career? What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your students? 

I learn that you have to be humble in life. When those boys go home and tell their parents that I’m teaching them, many of the family members want to come see what their kids are doing here. So I am working hard to see that they are learning only positive things and using their time well. What if they will be able to make good money and even become professionals about this in the future?

How do you think these young people perceive your music? 

Many young people opt for Reggaeton, which is what is fashionable, but I give thanks that I have achieved that two or three young people stay with me to learn. They want to learn to play the bongo, the conga, the timbales, and other things. I always look for more of them to get them interested in salsa. 

Sammy Deleon playing the timbales and posing before the camera
Sammy Deleon posing before the Camera while playing the timbales

What do you do outside the recording studios and off the stage? 

I love sports. When there is a basketball or football game (my favorite) that I want to see, there is no one to stop me from watching it.   

Do you practice any of them? 

Basketball, but I am too old for that. I used to play a lot, but I don’t do it anymore.   

What advice do you have for young people who want to devote themselves to music in the context of this pandemic? 

The only advice that I can give to someone who wants to learn to play music is to study, learn to read music, and choose an instrument before learning to play others. Many young people want to play many instruments at the same time, but they don’t master one. You have to master an instrument before trying to learn to play others.   

  

Email: [email protected]  

  

Facebook: Sammy Deleon 

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The best jazz and cuts of meat at Willie’s Steak House

What is Willie’s Steak House

Willie’s Steak House is one of those places where The Bronx visitors have to go, whether tourists or local residents. This spectacular restaurant with live music has absolutely everything anyone may need to have a nice and lovely time in the company of friends and relatives. The best of cuts of steak mixed with live jazz result in a heady combination that is hard to ignore.

This restaurant specializing in meat offers an impressive menu to be enjoyed by all those who visit at its facility to take their minds off of the routine and the health situation in the world during the last year and a half. In its wide catalogue of options, we can find pork leg, crispy chicken, flame-broiled, pork chop, among many other dishes. As for the side dishes, there are also various options that can be included such as rice with pigeon peas, fried yucca, hash browns, potato chips and much more.

Although the food is wonderful and one of the biggest attractions of the place, we cannot ignore the fact that this space also includes the best jazz that can be found across the Bronx and its surroundings. In addition, it is also very common to invite groups from Puerto Rico to play the guitar, mostly on Saturday. However, the place is not only limited to these musical styles to harmonize the environment for diners, but further has been responsible for bringing artists linked to all kinds of genres and instruments that can make an evening a great opportunity to enjoy the best Latin music.

Image of the ar and the tables at Willie's Steak House
Bar and tables at Willie’s Steak House

The best music and food in the same place

The owners and those responsible for handling the advertising side are always announcing new events and shows suitable for the whole family, primarily related to music. In fact, last month the return of Live Salsa Wednesdays was announced with a different live singer or orchestra each week. This had been suspended indefinitely after the pandemic broke out in New York and other American cities. This was big news for regular customers of the restaurant, who cannot wait to see a live show again after all this time.

Against that background, it is safe to assume that the place provides facilities for private parties, banquets and all kinds of meetings and social events just by contacting the staff of the restaurant to make the necessary reservations. If that is the case, all one has to go into the web portal www.williessteakhousebronx.com, go to the Contact section, leave a comment with the required information or call (718) 822-9697.

As far as open hours are concerned, the place runs on Mondays between 4 p.m. and 12 midnight, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 2 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 noon to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

So any of our readers who want to enjoy an exquisite cut of meat with the side dishes from the Island of Enchantment and listen to the best Latin music bands and orchestras, they only have go to Willie’s Steak House to spend a time they will never forget.

Imagen of some tables at Willie's Steak House
Some tables at Willie’s Steak House

Website: www.williessteakhousebronx.com

 

Phone: (718) 822-9697

 

Opening hours:

Monday and Tuesday: from 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Wednesday and Thursday: from 12:00 noon to 2:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday: from 12 noon to 3:00 a.m.

Sunday: from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight

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