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From La Cuarta to the world, the National Afro-Caribbean Festival puts us in touch with our essence

Bella Martinez “La Escritora Irreverente de la Salsa” en Cuarta de Ponce from Puerto Rico the Island of Enchantment.

Ángel “Papote” Alvarado, who is also a composer, percussionist, vocal leader, and founder of Grupo Esencia, manages culture by fertilizing our Afro-Caribbean roots every year, making sure to bring the National Afro-Caribbean Festival to Ponce’s La Cuarta neighborhood, where he grew up. Usually, the event takes place in June of each year. However, this year -due to the global health emergency brought on by the pandemic that still threatens us- the iconic annual festival was held from November 19 to 21, 2021 at its usual venue.

On Friday the 19th November 2021 and coinciding with Puerto Rican Day, Angel “Papote” Alvarado kicked off the festivities to usher in the 22nd edition of the festival that each year makes the neighborhood the center of our Afro-descendant culture.

This year, the festival paid tribute to Willie Rosario, Ottoniel Vélez, Jesús Chu López and Héctor Pochy Gastón.

Bella Martínez — Ángel “Papote” Alvarado with Willie Rosario during the tribute to Míster Afinque

The musical offerings on Friday 19 included: Los Cimarrones, Robert Burgos and Descarga Zasón in addition to the stellar Míster Afinque. Willie Rosario’s orchestra has delighted with its unique compact format and has remained active for more than six decades under the direction of maestro Rosario himself, whom the salsa dancer keeps at the top of his preference within the environment that groups only connoisseurs.

The closing of the first night of the festival was preceded by the impeccable performance of the Willie Rosario Orchestra, a well-deserved tribute to the longest-serving bandleader in the salsa sound. Afterward, the author of the authorized biography of Mister Afinque -Robert Tellez- praised Maestro Rosario with some moving words.

It is worth mentioning that journalist Robert Tellez, who is also known as "the one who knows the most about salsa" traveled from Colombia to Barrio La Cuarta in Ponce to be part of the festival and specifically to accompany the artist who is the subject of his work "Willie Rosario, el Rey del Ritmo" during the tribute. — Willie Rosario with his biographer: Robert Téllez

Afterward, “Papote” Alvarado thanked Robert for his support to Afro-Caribbean cultural activities and presented him with a commemorative poster of the 22nd edition of the festival. The poster contains a photo by a photographer who stands out as one of the most committed cultural connoisseurs of the salsa scene: Conrado Pastrano.

It is worth mentioning that journalist Robert Tellez, who is also known as “the one who knows the most about salsa” traveled from Colombia to Ponce’s Barrio La Cuarta to be part of the festival and specifically to accompany the artist who is the subject of his work “Willie Rosario, el Rey del Ritmo” during the tribute. Maestro Rosario made us laugh when, in his usual serious and firm tone, he affirmed, microphone in hand, that he was grateful for the tribute, and at the same time said that he deserved it.

From La Cuarta to the world, the National Afro-Caribbean Festival puts us in touch with our essence

On Saturday 20, the following were presented: Boricua y de Mayagüez, Tribute to Héctor “Pochy” Gastón and Jesús López, Ángel “Papote” Alvarado and El Grupo Esencia, Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound with Carlos Santos and Tito Cruz singing. On Sunday 21, the stage was decorated with Ausuba, Bambalué, Homenaje a Ottoniel Vélez, Guayacanes de San Antón and Abran Paso, with Pichíe Pérez and Rafy Santana singing.

This 2021 would have been the 23rd edition of the festival. However, the 2020 edition was canceled. In a stoic manner, the team in support of the persistence of the president and founder of the Comité Pro Nuestra Cultura – “Papote”- who has the unconditional support of William Rodríguez Thillet did not give up so that this 2021 edition would be achieved. Following all the rules that the COVID-19 protocol demands, the public was able to enjoy a luxury show.

Security and parking added comfort and convenience to the event. The festival featured, as usual, a display of artisans and kiosks, with the best of Puerto Rican fritanga.

For more than two decades, which are easy to say but are twenty-two struggles for the benefit of culture and its permanence, Angel “Papote” Alvarado has kept our Afro-Latin culture afloat, beyond the border of the southern pearl. Congratulations!

Lots of good energy, health, and success to this musician and cultural manager who carries on his shoulders an invaluable legacy. As for the rest, we look forward to the next edition of this unmissable festival that takes place every year. In the meantime, let’s follow the transcendental feat of his Grupo Esencia.

By: Bella Martínez

Photos: Conrado Pastrano

Article of Interest: Raymundo “Ray” Barretto Pagan was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 29, 1929.

Ray Barretto, Giant Force

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala is a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

His beginnings in music date back to his fifteenth year, performing as a trumpet player and director of the student group “Combo Estudiantil”.

At the age of sixteen, he began as a professional trumpet player in the Orquesta Panamericana, Willie Rosario, and Willie Rodriguez.

In the early 70’s the bassist and first director Jesús “Chuy” Castro founded the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra. Chuy was studying medicine and decided to dissolve the orchestra.

Luis César Ayala, known as Luisito Ayala, is a native of Humacoa, Puerto Rico. — Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder!

In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights of the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

This new stage and for six consecutive years the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra accompanied all the Fania Records artists that visited the enchanted island of Puerto Rico, among these famous stars were: Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, Vitìn Avilés, Santitos Colon, Ismael Miranda, Héctor Lavoe, Paquito Guzmán and others.

By 1983 Luisito incorporated to his orchestra the quoted singer Tito Rojas “El Gallo salsero” as lead vocalist, from that moment the history changed. Puerto Rican Power became one of the most powerful orchestras in the salsa scene.

At the end of the 80’s, it became the stellar orchestra when it joined the cast of the record label Musical Productions (MP).

It was so successful that later the company decided to launch Tito Rojas as a soloist.

His time with Musical Productions and the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra spanned 9 years where he recorded great and important productions such as: Puerto Rican Power, Con más Poder, Con todo el Poder, El Da más Poder, and Poderoso pero Diferente.

Tracks such as “Noche de Bodas”, “Quiéreme tal como Soy”, “Juguete de Nadie”, “A Donde Irás”, “Emergencia de Amor”, and “Quiero Volver Contigo” have taken him around the world with his music.

The release of the album Con todo el Poder, in 1992, had a monumental impact on the public, the song “A dónde Iras?” led them to obtain local and international awards such as La Campana de Oro, El Combo de Oro, El Buho de Oro, Diplo’s, Paolis, Tu Música and nominated to the prestigious Billboard Awards.

In 1999 he became part of the record label J&N Records.

Luisito Ayala and his Puerto Rican Power ¡Somos el Poder! — In 1978 Luisito Ayala acquired the rights to the orchestra and became its new director and trumpet leader.

He continues with his overwhelming success with the productions: Men in Salsa, Wild Wild Salsa, Salsa Another Day and Éxitos Más, spreading with intensity the songs “Tu Cariñito”, “Me Tiene Loco”, “Doctor”, “Si Pero Na”, “Pena de Amor”, “Cuando me faltas Tú”, “Mi Mujer es un Policía” among others.

Another important production for the Puerto Rican Power Orchestra was “Salsa of the Caribbean”. a conglomerate of rhythm and flavor that got everyone dancing.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala takes another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…¡30 años de Power! A compilation of his most acclaimed live hits available in DVD and CD formats, this tour of famous songs includes 13 tracks including: “Quiéreme Tal Como Soy”, “Noche de Bodas”, “¿A dónde Iras?”, “Tu Cariñito” and Juguete de Nadie”.

In 2009, Luisito Ayala took another successful step in his musical career by presenting the recording "Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power...¡30 años de Power! — “Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power…30 years of Power!

His next musical work under the Latin Word Records label entitled A Otro Nivel! with the musical direction of maestro Julio “Gunda” Merced with his hit “Tengo Miedo” in the voice of the legendary Jose Feliciano.

The production shined with the participation of the outstanding voices of Fania’s Niño Bonito Ismael Miranda, Javi Marrero, Kittin Santiago, and Luisito Ayala Jr.

For 2014 and Luisito Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power returns with a masterpiece of modern Puerto Rican salsa entitled “Somos el Poder” is a mix of romantic and danceable material that sets a standard in the tropical genre.

That said the album highlights the common threads of salsa with a lot of swing and a Big Band sound, the first single titled “Dímelo Tu” in the youthful voice of Joshua Marcell, has become an anthem in Puerto Rico.

Marcell and the other singers Norberto “Gazu” Millón and Luisito Ayala Jr. come in with a new outfit and a new style for the group.

Another highlight of this album is the stellar posthumous tribute to Luisito’s son Braulio Ayala with Tony Vega, Tito Rojas, Ismael Miranda, Pedro Brull, Tito Nieves, and other salsa stars.

Once again Ayala presents us with a production of great variety and commercial appeal… ¡Somos el Poder!

For 2019 Ayala and the Puerto Rican Power bring us their most recent production titled 40 años de Poder.

Para el año 2019 Ayala y la Puerto Rican Power nos traen su producción titulada 40 años de Poder.

Contact:

Mambiche Records

Luisito Ayala Tel: 787-649-4440

Email: [email protected] / Wed: www.puertoricanpower.com

Article of Interest: Celso Clemente Torres is considered one of the best-sounding bongos in the world.

Salsa Escrita, the Salsa Column of Barquisimeto presents Cheo Valenzuela

Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

We are pleased to have as a special guest in our salsa column, one of the vocalists possessing a unique, admirable, and respected quality of interpretation, which has stood out in our country and abroad, bringing his flavor and swing with great professionalism and hierarchy. We are talking about Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”, born in Cantaura, Anzoátegui state, on January 24th.

At the age of 7, he moved with his family to the city of Caracas, settling in one of the most popular parishes: La Pastora. Welcome Cheo to Salsa Escrita, “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto” and International Salsa Magazine, www.SalsaGoogle.com.

Thank you, friend and professor, Carlos Colmenárez, for giving me the opportunity to be present in this tribune of our Afro-Caribbean music, which serves us to make known our talents and musical projects and thus be able to interact with its assiduous readers in Venezuela and around the world.

Salsa Escrita, la Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto presenta a Cheo Valenzuela — Cheo Valenzuela, “El Sonero de la Dulzura”

Cheo, to begin with, we would like you to tell us how were your beginnings in music? Carlos, at the age of 14 I began my career as a salsa performer and with time I was called to join quite renowned orchestras.

Such as Cheo? I belonged to the Latin Dimension, then Oscar D’León called me and I was at his side with his orchestra; later I joined “Nuestra Orquesta la Salsa Mayor”; later I was called by “La Sonora Antillana”; then I joined the groups: Rumbero Menor, Venezuelan Master Orchestra, Orquesta Los Latinos, among others. Nowadays I have my own salsa orchestra “Cheo Valenzuela y su Orquesta” and also my own bolero group, called “Cheo Valenzuela y su Ensamble”.

Excellent Cheo, we really admire your work, which has been persevering and over the years, continues to rise steadily, with national and international projection. Yes, Carlos, let me tell you, apart from thank you for inviting me to your salsa column, that I launched myself into the market as a soloist some time ago and I currently have two musical productions, the first one entitled “Cheo Valenzuela and his Orchestra is you”.

Cheo Valenzuela — At the age of 7, he moved with his family to the city of Caracas.

This CD is made up of traditional salsa, romantic salsa, bolero, son, and ballads. Dear salsa lovers and consistent readers, let me tell you that Cheo, every time he gets on stage, shows off all his musical talent with total stage control, since he is a sonero, backed by multiple experiences acquired in his presentations, both in Venezuela and in the different countries he has visited.

Cheo, what can you tell us about your current musical situation? Professor Carlos, at present I am presenting for the consideration of all music lovers the new promotional theme that is part of my second musical production, which is called “Salsa Buena”, a theme of my authorship, with musical arrangements by the Venezuelan pianist, trombonist and singer Mauricio Silva, which we hope will be to the complete satisfaction of all of you. Of course, it will be a success, my friend Cheo, because your productions always carry an indisputable quality seal. By the way, what are your digital platforms and contacts? You can get me as Cheo Valenzuela in all social networks, you can also do it by email: [email protected] and Valenzuela [email protected] and for bookings by phone +58 424 1044822 and +58 416 6388420.

At the end of the interview, let me say that it was an honor to have you in Salsa Escrita “La Columna Salsera de Barquisimeto” and wishing you continue to succeed inside and outside our country so that we all enjoy Cheo Valenzuela “El Sonero de la Dulzura”.

A thousand thanks, Professor Carlos Colmenárez, for your unconditional friendship and for giving me a space in your column through International Salsa Magazine, also predicting successes in bulk and that you continue to support us in order to make our productions and presentations known, very soon in the name of God. Bendiciones Carlos and counts with the friendship of Cheo Valenzuela “Con Dulzura” and a lot of salsa…!

Remember not to leave your house…! Until next time and let’s keep on saucing!

Article of Interest: Eliel Rivero, “The Shaman of the Trombone”

Noticias Con Sabor with Luis Medina

Noticias Con Sabor in the month of January

We leave this year with the loss of giants in the Latin Music who have joined the ancestors that include the recent loss of the legendary Mexican star Vicente Fernandez, Panamanian powerhouse sonero Meñique and Paquito Guzman who was known for both his boleros and Salsa tunes. This year we have also lost legends and great musicians such as Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena, Chick Corea, Larry Harlow, Adalberto Alvarez, Johnny Ventura, Ralph Irrizary, Tommy Villariny and at the end of 2020, Tito Rojas. We are lucky that these artists have left us with their legacies of music that will continue to entertain people for years to come. Rest in Power!

Spanish Harlem Orchestra conquered Monterey with two explosive sets at a special show this past Saturday, Dec. 11th at the Monterey Conference Center. SHO played a few new tunes from their upcoming 2022 release, their repertoire of hits and Christmas salsa music much to the crowd’s delight. I had the pleasure of emceeing the show as well as playing music as the event’s DJ. SHO who were on fire all night and the dance floor was packed all night long. The crowd roared their approval with a standing ovation at the end of the night. SHO responded with an infectious danceable Christmas song with a crowd sing-a-long which ended the festive evening. Thanks to producer Luis Mendoza and Montuno Productions for inviting me to be a part of this event. Thanks to the great crowd in Monterey who are salseros all the way!

Oscar Hernández playing the piano — Oscar Hernández from Spanish Harlem Orchestra performing at The Monterrey Conference Center

During the COVID19 pandemic, it seemed that all live music stopped being played in public. However, there were a few places, mostly outdoor cafes, farmer’s markets and restaurants with outdoor dining that offered live Latin Jazz during these dark times. One of the unsung heroes who continued to play when the pandemic was at its height is veteran pianist-bandleader Gary Flores who formed Salsa Caliente in SF in 1976. The group has had a lot of prominent musicians including vocalists Paquito Acosta and Angelo Pagan who continued to see their careers thrive in Puerto Rico and Los Angeles. He disbanded Salsa Caliente in the late 90’s to concentrate on a smaller Latin Jazz group. Flores along with ex Franco Brothers bassist/vocalist Carlitos Franco and a revolving lineup of all-star percussionists including Santana timbalero Karl Perazo and former Avance bongocero Oscar Soltero kept the live music going during the pandemic at different venues. Flores was able to continue to play Latin Jazz and Salsa in stripped down format as a trio due to rearranging Salsa tunes as all the members sang coros and vocalized horn lines behind Franco, Now that live music has made a comeback of sorts and some venues are now booking bigger bands, Flores is revitalizing a bigger version of Salsa Caliente featuring Franco and Perazo. Flores has been writing new music and plans to record new music with the group. His last recording “Descarga Caliente: A New Beginning” came out in 2005. Gary Flores is a veteran and a survivor of the San Francisco Salsa Scene who deserves a big shout out for keeping Latin music alive in the age of COVID! Pa’lante Gary!!

Reopening will be later

Some scenes are not reopening for 2022 until February or later. One of those venues affected is Space 550 at 550 Barneveld St. in San Francisco who will reopen in February due to concerns regarding the current surge in COVID cases and the situation with the new variant of the disease. I also spoke with Adrian Goddard of Jaffe Events who told me that he will continue to book events but later in the first quarter of 2022, For some event producers, January isn’t a good month to book Latin Music.

People at Space 550 — Some people dancing at Space 550

However that’s not stopping Grammy Award winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra who will play their annual January dates at Yoshi’s, Jack London Square on Friday, January 7 and Saturday, January 8th. Get ready to enjoy and dance to swinging Mambo, Salsa and Latin Jazz from this awesome all-star 20 piece band led by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn. This SF based band is scheduled to play at Europe’s prestigious Tempo Latino Festival in late July. Tickets are now available for these upcoming January dates at Yoshi’s. For more information, visit www.yoshis.com.

The Cigar Bar, 850 Montgomery St. in SF is starting 2022 with a calendar of great acts coming to this fine venue where you can dine, dance and smoke a fine cigar if you choose to do so. The schedule includes Orquesta La Original w/Alexis Jan 7, Josh Jones Latin Jazz Ensemble Jan 8, The Latin Rhythm Boys Jan 14, Edgardo y Candela Jan 15, N’Rumba Jan 21, La Clave Del Blanco Jan 22, Julio Bravo Y Salsabor Jan 28 and Manteca Jan 29

The Seahorse in Sausalito continues to feature explosive music from the following acts in January on Saturday and Sunday including La Clave Del Blanco Jan 2, Gary Flores and Salsa Caliente featuring Karl Perazo of Santana Jan 8, Edgardo Cambon y Candela Jan 9, Carlos Xavier Salsa Band Jan. 15, Louie Romero and Mazacote Jan 16, Braulio Barrera and Somos El Son, Jan 22, Orquesta Bembe featuring Christian Pepin on Jan. 23 and Rumbache on Jan. 29. DJ Jose Ruiz from KPOO/KPFA Radio will also be behind the decks for your dancing pleasure. Check out their fine Italian cuisine and selection of beer and wine.

Beautiful decoration of Seahorse at night

The Ramp, 855 Terry Francois in SF continues to offer Salsa under their all-weather tent during the month of January. Their line up includes N’Rumba Jan 8, Louie Romero & Mazacote Jan. 15, Manny Martinez y La Rebeldia, Jan 22 and Orquesta Borinquen on January 29th. DJ Mendy is providing the music in-between sets and from 9 to 11 pm. The music starts at 5 pm on Saturdays.

Cascal, 400 Castro in Mountain View will be featuring the explosive sounds of Edgardo Cambon and LaTiDo on Fridays, January 7th and 21st starting at 7:30 pm. There is no cover. Cascal continues to offer their tasty menu of Spanish cuisine, Tapas and fine drinks.

The following recordings kept me going during the second year of COVID19: Ruben Blades “Salswing”, El Gran Combo “En Cuarentena” and their Xmas cd “De Trulla Con El Combo”, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s all-star studded “Colegas”, Sonora Ponceña “Hegemonia Musical”, Mel Martinez “Asi Escribe Un Sonero”, Los Generales De La Salsa featuring Van Lester, a 1996 all-star session finally seeing the light of day, Tromboranga “Salsa Terapia”, Los Van Van “Mi Songo”, Various Artists “El Son De Caballero-Homenaje A Adalberto Alvarez and “Son Para Un Sonero”, Sounds Of Cuba “Los Titanes De La Timba”, Alexander Abreu/Havana d’Primera, Various Artists “En Barranquilla Me Quedo-Homenaje a Joe Arroyo, Dorance Lorza’s Sexteto Cafe “20 Aniversario”, Luis Perico Ortiz “Sigo Entre Amigos”, Charlie Donato’s Son Ideal “De Vuelta Al Barrio, Eduardo Zayas Y Su EZ La Banda “Huerto De Soneros” and his latest “Sabor Y Sandunga”, Alain Perez, Issac Delgado & Orquesta Aragon “Cha Cha Cha: Homenaje A Lo Tradicional” and Orquesta Failde “Joyas Ineditas”. There are a flood of singles that did the job as well from Julito Alvarado’s maxi single “Lo Que No Se Escucha (Descarga De Soneros), Don Pergiñon Y La Puertorriqueña, Marc Anthony, Wilito Otero, Josean Rivera, Monsi Y Su Salsa , Mariana Y Su Makynaria, Julito Albino y Secreto De Voces and VibraSON. These recordings are some of my picks for the Best of 2021.

And…if that wasn’t enough, my program Con Sabor, Saturday nights 9 to 11 PM PST on KPFA 94.1 FM will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary year on January 1, 2022! Time flies when you’re having fun!! I’m also on “Sabiduria Con Tumbao” every Wednesday night 5 to 7 PM PST on WorldSalsaRadio.com.

That’s it for this time. Ciao 4 now!!

The tent at The Ramp! — Inside the tent at The Ramp

This is the report last month: Noticias con Sabor by Luis Medina

BY LUIS MEDINA, PRODUCER AND HOST OF CON SABOR ON KPFA 94.1 FM AND SABIDURIA CON TUMBAO ON WORLD SALSA RADIO.COM

How Birdland began operating and its role in Latin music

What is Birdland?

Birdland has been the place in which many of the most important New York’s stars of the show were born and has represented the beginning of many artistic careers that have achieved worldwide fame, so this spectacular venue deserves all the recognition and fame that it has accumulated over the years.

This is a jazz club that began operations in December 1949 in Manhattan and was closed for a few years until its reopening in 1986. What happened was that a second location of the same name was opened in Manhattan and was not too far from the land on which the original club operated. Today, Birdland operates at the same facility as the headquarters of the famous local newspaper The New York Observer in the past.

Stage at Birdland — Stage of the jazz club Birdland

Story about how the idea to create Birdland was born

During the 1920s, there were a lot of musicians who had to move to New York City because it was there that the biggest jazz movement of the moment was being produced. It could be said that the birthplace of the most famous jazz styles of the last decades was the Big Apple and its surroundings.

It was there where and when the musical career of Charlie Parker, affectionately known as Bird by most of his fans, emerged. Some time later, it would be this brilliant artist and talented saxophonist who would get one of the most popular jazz clubs in the city and the country in general named after him. This would be one of the many tributes received by Parker before and after his death in 1955.

Once Birdland was opened in the late 1940s, the saxophonist began performing there on a regular basis along with many other music legends of the moment such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Lennie Tristano, Maxie Kaminsky and many more. Although Birdland was named to honour Charlie, that did not keep the artist from having some friction with Oscar Goodstein, one of the founders of the venue, who said that Parker was constantly asking for too much money. As the story goes, this was the reason why the musician did not perform as many times as expected.

On the facade of the club, a neon sign could read Birdland, Jazz Corner of the World, making it clear what its customers would find once they entered the facility. Once inside, there was space for approximately 500 visitors and a full orchestra to lighten the mood that night. Birdland included a very long bar, spacious tables, stands with a wide variety of products, folding chairs, among other things. At that time, customers only had to pay a $1.50 fee to enjoy everything that the nightclub had to offer.

It went on to have so much prestige that it had among its visitors Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, among other personalities from the entertainment world. It has taken so much popularity in those years that composer George Shearing dedicated one of his greatest creations entitled Lullaby of Birdland to it, which was also inspired by Charlie Parker as well as the name of the place.

Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane at Birdland — Tommy Potter, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane performing at Birdland in 1951

The role of Birdland in Latin music

Just as Birdland contributed to the emergence of important careers in the jazz music scene, it also did the same with a good number of Latin music singers who saw this corner of New York as an opportunity to make their art known to other audiences. One of them was world-famous bandleader, composer and musician Tito Puente, who performed at the venue on several occasions and improvised many sets with Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton.

There is also the case of Tito Rodríguez, who made use of his great talent to record a spectacular live album entirely dedicated to Birdland and whose name was Live at Birdland. In addition, he featured incredible collaborations with great musicians such as Clark Terry, Al Conh, Zoot Sims, among others.

Another of the great Latin music artists who came to perform at this venue was Cuban bandleader, arranger and trumpet player Chico O’Farrill. The artist played and recorded at the club on a wekly basis about the time he already had his own orchestra called Afrocuban Jazz Orchestra. Arturo O’Farrill, worthy son of his father, also performs regularly at Birdland with his orchestra The Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble.

Announcement about Tito Puente's concert — Announcement of Tito Puente’s show at Birdland in 1999