Search Results for: Salsa Orchestra

Salsa at its best, led by the leader of La Puertorriqueña: Don Perignon

The most recent production of the Bailable Víspera de Reyes, which was instituted in 1987 by the timbalero and band leader known in the salsa scene as Don Perignon, was quite an event. Thirty-eight years ago, ‘La Puertorriqueña’ was still known as ‘Compañeros y amigos’.

El líder de La Puertorriqueña, Don Perignon

However, the dance that fulfills a promise made by Perignon to kings has continued to be celebrated beyond the names with which Perignon has identified his band over time.

Each year, the show brings with it a box of surprises. In addition to what is promised during the promotion, the salsa public that comes to the traditional gala knows that anything can happen there. This year, the stage showcased great artists in addition to the luxurious closing that gave us the night by way of El Caballero de la Salsa, Gilberto Santa Rosa performing the emblematic song by Johnny Ortiz, ‘Tu música popular’.

Ángel Martínez, Efraín Hernández, Don Perignon y Miguel Aponte

In this edition, held on January 5, 2025, the concert was started by the successor of the Perignon dynasty, also a percussionist, Pete Perignon; flanked by vocalists Ricardo Rodríguez in the more melodic songs and Julio López in the heavier numbers. López got the first turn at the microphone with ‘Azúcar pa’ un amarga’o’, followed by Rodríguez in the key of ‘Cuéntame tu historia’.

According to Pete himself, he invited Jorge Yadiel Santos to silence rumors regarding the singer’s departure from his orchestra. With the vocal power that characterizes him, the now soloist closed the presentation of the first orchestra of the night; performing ‘Baila’ and ‘Gotita caído en clave’.

Cuto Soto, Gamalier González, Rafy Torres, Pedro Marcano, Carlos __Coamito__ Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra y Humberto Ramírez

The group led by Pete Perignon and his timbal offered a great performance with master musicians of the present generation. These were: Jean Carlos Camuñas on the tumbadoras, Carlos Pagán on the bongó, Reynaldo Burgos on the piano, Jorge Rivera on the bass; Víctor Ambert and Jahaziel García on the trumpets; Darnell Febres and César Javier Ayala on the trombones, and Víctor “Yuca” Maldonado on the baritone saxophone.

La Mulenze kept the crowd on the dance floor, with the first song of their repertoire being ‘La sala pa’l baile’, performed by Rafy Andino. The vocal front was completed by Rafy Cruz and Alex Ojeda. The bassist, director of the orchestra of eternal youth, Edwin Morales led his boys, as he affectionately refers to his musicians; Among them were Emanuel Navarro on the tumbadoras, Robert Watts on the timbal, Alberto Muriel on the bongo, Manolo Navarro on the piano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr. and Abdel Rivera on the trumpets; in addition to Willie Torres Ortiz and Heity Morales Nogueras on the trombones. The golden touch was offered to those present during the interpretation of the song “Mala paga”, written by our Moncho Rivera, when the Venezuelan master musician and sonero Marcial Istúriz took on the task of accompanying Rafy Andino on the soneos, shortly after Rafy confessed to being a great admirer of one of the greatest exponents of the salsa sound in Venezuela.

Henry Santiago, Joe González, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera, Jerry Rivas, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado y Pedro Brull

Before starting his presentation, the star of the annual gala, Don Perignon marked and conducted the orchestra to play ‘Happy Birthday’ in honor of the evening’s host, also Z-93 announcer: Néstor Galán, “El Búho”. The timbalero conducted the orchestra, which was reinforced for the evening with guest musicians. The group in its Bailable Víspera de Reyes 2025 version was composed of: Charlie Padilla on the tumbadoras, Miguel Aponte on the bongó, Ángel Martínez on percussion (güiro), Luis Marín on the piano, Efraín Hernández on the bass; Cuto Soto, Gamalier González and Rafy Torres on the trombones; in addition to Pedro Marcano, Carlos “Coamito” Martínez, Jr., Ángel Segarra and Humberto Ramírez on the trumpets. For the vocal front, Perignon called on: Henry Santiago, Pedro Brull, Joe González, Pichie Pérez, Josué Rosado, Jerry Rivas, Rico Walker, Marcial Istúriz, Hermán Olivera and Gilberto Santa Rosa.

The repertoire took the followers of La Puertorriqueña on a historic tour that demonstrated the variety of songs and voices that come together in a salsa key with the cadence and flavor that Perignon manages to give to each project he leads. Joe González performed ‘Ciudad, ciudad’, Pedro Brull excelled singing ‘Represento’, Pichie Pérez was in charge of vocalizing ‘Como mangó’, Josué Rosado visited to sing ‘Cantándole al amor’, Jerry Rivas was in charge of ‘El pin pin’, Rico Walker shined with ‘Que vengan rumberos’, followed by Marcial Istúriz and a masterful interpretation of ‘La familia’ and Hermán Olivera with his spectacular ‘Ritmo Bembé’.

Marcial Istúriz comparte micrófono con Hermán Olivera

La Puertorriqueña was born in 1988 near the promise of Kings, which happens every January 5. The dance of January 5, 2025, which was held at the Sheraton in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was dedicated to trombonist Toñito Vázquez (RIP) showed that the promise of Reyes by Don Perignon -who is the leader of a generation of musicians- established more than three decades ago, remains valid. The participation of El Caballero de la Salsa recreated the beginning of his career, together with his first musical director: Don Perignon. That brotherhood between Gilberto and Perín, like the promise of Reyes, also remains valid. For our part, we will continue in salsa thanks to the call of the leader of La Puertorriqueña.

Also Read: Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña are prides of Puerto Rico

Federico Betancourt “Pioneer of Salsa in Venezuela”

Latin America / Venezuela / Carabobo

Jesús Federico Betancourt was born in the city of Valencia, Carabobo state, on March 22, 1940. He was always attracted to music from a very young age.

In his adolescence, he liked Cuban rhythms, being influenced by Sonora Matancera, Mon Rivera, Eddie Palmieri and Joe Cotto. Before entering the entertainment world, he works at the Bank of Venezuela.

He affirms that he has not carried out formal studies at the musical level, learning the necessary theory to be able to perform as an orchestra conductor, but without interest in interpreting any instrument, but with a well-tuned ear, which has allowed him to remain in the music business for decades. , in fact on certain occasions he is named as the King of the Güiro.

His career began when he entered the Los Selectos Orchestra, where they played songs by the Billos Caracas Boy’s and the Los Melodicos Orchestra, which were at their peak in the 1960s, all this in a particular way, said Orchestra did not go beyond that.

In 1965, Federico Betancourt decides to satisfy his artistic restlessness and founds a band called Federico y su Combo Latino. The members that made up this band were chosen from among the founder and together with Roberto Monserrat.

But it was not until the middle of 1966, when the twenty-six (26) year old undertook the recording of the LP that would make him famous forever. This record production entitled LLEGO LA SALSA, would mark an important stage in Venezuelan Salsa, because it was the first LP that made use of the word SALSA in the country.

Federico Betancourt himself recounts that the Venezuelan announcer Phidias Danilo Escalona had a Radio Program called LA HORA DE LA SALSA, EL SABOR Y EL BEMBÉ, where all the Cuban and Puerto Rican Caribbean rhythms that were fashionable at the time were placed, among those who highlighted La Sonora Matancera with Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Tito Rodríguez among others, and who was the one who supported them the most in terms of recording the album.

The production was recorded under the Palacio label, and the LP was titled LLEGÓ LA SALSA, he affirms that the title was chosen without taking into account the importance that it would revert in the future, he also affirms that it was not the name that gave him success , the album was a “bump” in sales, since all the songs were the most requested at the time, using his words: “The album sold like hot cakes”.

The music lovers of the time requested it on specialized sites such as the LA SALSA album. Federico says: “The father of the word SALSA was Phidias Danilo Escalona, he used it for the first time in his radio program, and I, humbly, with the success of my LP, gave him the push for its mass use.”

Federico Betancourt - Photo — Federico Betancourt – Photo

In Venezuela, the word SALSA was welcomed by the public willingly, since it suggested a mixture of flavors, which was exactly what happened in the Phidias program, but at the level of rhythms. After the appearance of Federico’s album, all the shows that were performed at the level of Caribbean and Cuban rhythms, carried the name of SALSA.

It is important to name the musicians who took part in this historic production: The musicians are: Ali Rojas Bongo and Cencerro, Roberto Monserrat Music Director and Timbal, Pedro Medina Congas, Alfredo Arcas Trombone, César Pinto Trumpet, Enrique Iriarte Piano, Rafael Prado Bass, Carlín Rodríguez Singer and maracas, Dimas Pedroza Singer, Federico Betancourt Güiro and Director of the Orchestra. The musical arrangements were by the famous trumpeter Eduvigis Carrillo (RIP). Production themes:

Llego la Salsa CD - Federico su Combo Latino — Llego la Salsa CD – Federico su Combo Latino

1.- Cocolía

2.- Conmigo
3.- El Pachanguero

4.- Sancocho Caliente
5.- Guaguancó Manía

6.- Celosa

7.- Despierta Rumbero

8.- No Critiquen
9.- Saoco

10.- Baila Yemaya
11.- Café Y Pan

12.- Que Me Querías

After the success obtained with the record work, the time came for the first international outing, which was to Colombia, in 1969. It happened because the singer of Los Melodicos, Víctor Piñero, informed Betancourt that he was stuck in Cartagena and Barranquilla with the themes El Cobrador and Federico Boogaloo. After the information, the young musician went to the neighboring country and got a contract for the famous Reina del Mar parties, in Cartagena, on November 11, 1969.

The experience of the band was so good, that in 1970 they returned to visit the country. From then until our days Federico y su Combo continues to be an emblematic and legendary band in Venezuela, for this reason the WEB of the classy salsero SALSA BRAVA, offers its respects to such an important salsa figure.

Discography
1966	Llegó La Salsa	Palacio (LPS-6171)
1966	Salsa y Sabor	Palacio (LPS-6185)
1967	Más Salsa	Palacio (LPS-6205)
1967	Durísimo – Vol. 4	Palacio (LPS-6216)
1968	Federico Boogaloo	Palacio (LPS-6228)
1968	Psicodélico Con Salsa	Gilmar (LPG-110)
1969	Mejor Que Nunca	Gilmar (LPG-111)
1969	Vibración y Ritmo	Sonus (102-17080)
1970	Dos Sets	Velvet (LPV-1539)
1970	La Machaca	Velvet (LPV-1539)
1973	Federico Si Te Pone A Bailar	Palacio (LPS-6332)
1975	Derrape De Salsa	BASF (10.068)
1976	Siguelo Ahí…. a Lo Cortico	BASF (10.070)
1977	Ayer y Hoy	BASF (10.076)
1977	Esto Es Lo Mejor	Palacio (LPS-6372)
1978	Mis Exitos y Más	BASF (10.079)
1978	Sabor	Foca (LPF-10.037)
1979	Federico y Su Combo	Foca (LPF-10.120)
1979	Federico y Su Orq. – El Maestro	Discomoda (DCM-1128)
1980	Federico y Su Orq. con Memo Morales	Discomoda (DCM-1148)
1982	No Le Digan	Integra (PF-14.075)
1983	Nuevamente	Palacio (LPS-66.541)
1984	SaaaBroooSo!	Palacio (LPS-66.552)

Compilation
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.1	Sonograma
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.2	Sonograma
1996	Mis Exitos y Más…Vol.3	Sonograma
2005	El Pionero De La Salsa	Palacio
2008	Salsa De Oro	Gilmar

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: beginning of the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” in honor of the music of Arsenio Rodriguez, the creator of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguanco”

Extracted from the book called: “El origen y la creación de la Salsa”; creator: Mon Rivera, promoter: Al Santiago.

For sale on Amazon kdp, by clicking on the following link:

With which is attached a complete summary of the musical work of Larry Harlow with Ismael Miranda from its creation in 1966 to 71.

At the end is the original song of Arsenio: “Oiga mi Guaguanco”, with the fabulous musical arrangement of Harlow himself in “Salsa Clasica”, with the exquisite singing of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico” Ismael Miranda.

Larry Harlow and Ismael Miranda: 1966 – 1971 with trombones.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón Diplomático de Peru Ministro (R), Historiador Musical. Autor de Libro sobre Creacion de la Salsa

Lawrence Ira Khan, better known in the music scene as Larry Harlow, affectionately known as “The Wonderful Jew”, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 20, 1939 and died in New York on August 20, 2021, American musician, orchestra conductor, pianist, composer, musical arranger, producer, creator of the so-called “Latin Opera”, in 73 he was one of the most important disseminators of Afro-Cuban Jazz, “Arseniana” Salsa and Classical Salsa, confirming at the highest level the use of the trombone and the USA instrumental technique, corroborated as the two most important characteristics that identify the new American Musical Movement.

The beginning of Larry’s musical work must be analyzed from his return from Cuba in 1959, after having traveled to the island in the mid 50’s, to know and study Cuban music in its different rhythms, but because of the Revolution he had to return to New York; finding the boom and enthusiasm produced by the Pachanga spread by Charlie Palmieri, Pacheco, Quijano, Orlando Marin, Mon, Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Richie, among others.

At the end of 65 he forms his orchestra with trombones and application of the instrumental technique of Jazz; he signs a contract with the “Fania” label and plans to record his first album.

In 1966 he recorded his first album called “Heavy Smokin” with Felo Brito’s vocals; L.P. little known, in which stand out: “Tu Tu Ratan”, “Maria la O”, “Rica Combinación”, “Mi Guaguancó”, “Orchestra Harlow” and “Adios Mamá”.

In the same year he recorded his second album called “Gettin’ Off” or “Bajándote”, sung by Ramón Quian: “Monguito” el Unico, an excellent full-length album that was a great success.

Some of the highlights are “Bajandote”, “Guarachita”, sung by Vickie; “Tu no lo creas”, “Meta y Guaguancó”, “Coco May May” and “Cienfuegos”.

In ’66, a young teenager appears singing in Andy Harlow y su Sexteto’s group.

Andy gave him to his friend Joey Pastrana at the beginning of 67 to record the album “Let’s Ball”, in which the young singer Ismael Miranda had his first hit with the song “Rumbón Melón”.

Larry Harlow who lacked a good singer, offered the job to Ismael, who without hesitation accepted it immediately; and debuted with Larry on his third album in 67 called “El Exigente” and thus began the WONDERFUL DUPLE OF LARRY HARLOW AND ISMAEL MIRANDA, who together formed a sensational duet, amazing and impressive, in the History of Classical Salsa.

In “El Exigente” with the debut of the “Niño Bonito de Puerto Rico”, the songs “El Exigente”, “Las luces”, “Rumba me llaman” and “El Mejor” stand out. The following year, in 1968, he recorded the album, “Orchestra Harlow presenta a Ismael Miranda”. With this unsurpassable combination, the Classic, Brava and Hard Niuyorquina Salsa begins in the unique style of the “Judío Maravilloso” with the singing of the fabulous Ismael Miranda, one of the most attractive, fine and sharp voices in the history of Salsa, in which stand out the songs: “La Contra- ria”, “Jaguey”, “Yo me voy”, “Lamento Cubano”, “Bobby’s Boo-galoo, ‘Rumba a la vida’ and ‘Mi Guajira si’.

In 1969 he recorded his fifth album and third with Ismael Miranda, called “Mi Mono y Yo”, in which he continues the teaching of Classical Salsa with Afro-Cuban Jazz fusion, in which almost all the songs stand out: “El Malecón”, “Voy para la luna”, “Amorcito Ven”, “Jovenes del Muelle”, “Ven Rumbero Ven”, “Para donde tu vas”, “Mi Madre” and “Traigo Guajira”. With these last two albums, Larry with Ismael had achieved the expected success; and they had become the favorite orchestra in all the Salsa Concerts that had already become customary in the weekends of the Big Apple. In ’69, the author witnessed for a month these Salsa Dance Concerts that were usually given in the halls of the Hotels of the New York districts.

DIPLOMATICO DE PERU, MINISTRO (R); HISTORIADOR MUSICAL; AUTOR DE LIBRO SOBRE CREACION DE LA SALSA.

In 1970, Larry introduces the electric piano in his orchestral format; this motivates him to title his album of the same year: “Electric Harlow”. With the recording of this album really begins the so-called “Salsa Arseniana” of Larry, coinciding with the last year of life of the great Cuban musician Arsenio Rodriguez, the father of Son Montuno and “King of Guaguancó”, Legend and undisputed genius of the development of Cuban music; but, however, having been the most important Cuban musician of the twentieth century, for his contribution of having created the Son Montuno and the modernization of Guaguancó, has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CREATION OF SALSA: BUT YES; FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MOVEMENT CREATED BY MON.

In “Electric Harlow” stand out: “La Revolution”, the wonderful Salsa arrangement of “Oiga mi Guaguancó”, by Arsenio Rodríguez, “Guasasa”, “Con Dulzura”, “Donde va Chichi” and “Tu Cosita Mami”. In 71 he recorded his album “Abran Paso”, and here we have to refer to Ismael Miranda as a singer-songwriter; because if from his first album recorded with Larry: “El Exigente”; he had already shown his composer’s fiber, having composed some songs together with Harlow; in this 71 album: “Abran Paso”, he confirms and ratifies his conditions as a singer-songwriter, composing five themes of his authorship, successfully distinguishing the theme of the same name of the album: ‘Abran Paso’, ‘Donde lle- vas el Son’, ‘Abandonada fue’, ‘Oigan bien mi Guaguancó’ and ‘Dolor y Amor’. Other highlights include: “Se casa la Rumba” and ‘Vengo Virao’, by Tite Curet Alonso.

Orchestra Harlow Vocal Ismael Miranda – Electric Harlow

Having died the penultimate day of 70 Arsenio Rodriguez, Larry Harlow, a few months later had the idea of offering him a posthumous tribute, which materialized with the recording in 71 of an album “Homenaje Póstumo”, which was called “Tribute to Arsenio Rodriguez”, including four hit songs by Arsenio: “Tumba y Bongo”, ‘No me llores’, ‘Sueltala’ and ‘El Terror’; ‘Arsenio’, Harlow’s theme with Ismael Miranda and ‘Saludos a todos los Barrios’, by Lázaro Prieto. The Harlow Orchestra in the last two albums was integrated with: Conductor and piano: Larry Harlow; Singer: Ismael Miranda; Trumpets: Larry Spencer and Ralph Castrello; Trombones: Lewis Khan, Leopoldo Pineda and Sam Burtis; Bass: Lydio Fuentes; Congas: Frankie Rodríguez; Bongó: Manny Oquendo; Timbal: Phil Newsum; and Tres y Cuatro: Yomo Toro, in “Abran Paso”.

Finally, Larry Harlow participated as pianist in “Red Garter”; and also as pianist and producer in “Chee-tah”. Ismael Miranda did it as a singer in the two concerts of the “Fania All Stars” in ’68 and ’71.

Julio Cesar Galindo Alarcón

Diplomat of Peru Minister (R), Musical Historian. Author of a book on the Creation of Salsa.

Also Read: Larry Harlow ”El Judío de la Salsa”: innovative and irreverent

Fundación Cultural Madera 15 where Brotherhood, Sports, Dance and Salsa go Hand in Hand

By the end of the 70’s and beginning of the 80’s a group of young people from different parts of the country gathered by chance in the same sector 4 de las Mercedes in La Victoria, Aragua State, began to listen to the new genre of the time, the popular “Salsa”.

Fundación Cultural Madera 15 donde la Hermandad, el Deporte, la Danza y la Salsa van de la Mano

Each one with different tastes but without leaving the genre, they felt the desire to imitate the Venezuelan and international bands they knew through the Lps, so every weekend they organized themselves to play their instruments with musicians already studied and the guataqueros in an empirical way.

These meetings became more and more frequent and due to the need of an acquaintance of the zone to have a salsa group they decided to form the first salsa group of the sector called “El Quinto Sonero”, then years later with many of the members of the previous group they formed the group “Juancito y su Son” and years later the “Conjunto Sabor”.

It is worth mentioning that the rehearsals of the different groups took place in the homes of some of the members, playing songs by Ray Barreto; Eddie Palmieri; Dimensión Latina; Grupo Mango; Trabuco Venezolano Grupo Libre and of course Grupo Madera, among others.

By the end of the 80’s this same group of young people always supported by their families decided to formalize all the events that took place during the year, thus creating the “Madera 15 Foundation” unifying culture, sports, art and dance all in what was once a “Little Square” and over the years became a court, which would become its main location.

Its name is due to the admiration that everyone felt for Grupo Madera and product of its unexpected accident in which most of its members lost their lives on August 15, 1980.

For this reason the affection and the interpretation of many of their songs and the attendance to their concerts. Once the tragedy occurred, the passion for the Caracas group grew, specifically in the Marín neighborhood of San Agustín del Sur, which was invited to the inauguration of the Cancha in 1989, an invitation that was accepted and it was possible to enjoy three days of Afro-Caribbean songs and dances among neighbors and people close to the area.

From then on, cultural, recreational and sporting activities are carried out and one of the most important meetings is organized every year on December 31st, where the Guataca de Fin de Año is held, which began as an informal meeting of these young people every year-end, specifically on the 31st of the year, and continued with a soup on January 1st, welcoming the new year.

Currently by decree of the Mayor of the Municipality of Ribas in La Victoria Aragua State, specifically by Mayor Juan Carlos “Jaimito” Sanchez in his 1st term in 2012, the Municipal Day of Salsa is celebrated, and are invited to cultors and musicians from different parts of the country to participate in this special date with all attendees, which enjoy a unique day full of much feeling.

For years, all kinds of musicians, orchestras, groups and salsa characters that have exalted the salsa culture, as well as characters of the gaita and folklore, have passed through the festival.

Today, the tradition of the Guataca is still maintained, paying tribute to the life of its famous characters and remembering those who left for another plane and those who unfortunately emigrated.

Hand in hand with the music was also formed the dance group of the area called in its beginnings “Los Gurrugurru” which performed nationalist dances and sang aguinaldos and parranda every Christmas. Today there is still a dance group called “Danzas Tricolor” also dancing all the national folkloric dances.

Through both groups passed the great majority of the young people of the sector and after generations their children and now grandchildren, all under the direction of Griseida and Mileyda Batidas.

It is important to highlight some emblematic names of the foundation among them stand out:

Benilde (RIP), Mercedes (RIP), Ligia (RIP), Aminta (RIP), Alicia (RIP), Carmen (RIP), , Williams (RIP), Santana (RIP), Agustín (RIP), Neptali (RIP), Mileyda (RIP), Ángel Miguel (RIP), Amalia, Dinora, Raquel, Adela, Eugenia, Ángel, Jaime, Nelly, Entre otros.

Participating Families:

Los Bauter, Los Yanes, Los Ascanio, Los Bastidas Salazar, Los Momplasiert, Los Power, Los Anzolar, Los Escalona, Los Guevara and many more.

Memorable sites

La Placita, La Cancha, La Matica de Amalia, La Esquina de los Bauter, and El Terreno.

There the traces of all those who in their time gave their hearts for the good of the most rumbustious sector of La Victoria were captured.

This message goes to them:

MADERA 15 we are all and even those who left.

Collaboration and Main Source:

Lcda. Shinaury Rojas / Publicist for Salsa Escrita

Photographer Nelson Bauter

Actividad con el Septeto Caribe y Nelson Bauter en La Fundación Cultural Madera 15

Also Read: Djane. Shina Rojas una Pasión Convertida en Realidad

Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

In Venezuela, Caracas, the neighborhood is a way of life with its own identity. The neighborhoods of the entire National Territory, its inhabitants, become outstanding characters. Such is the case of Betty Zapata who was born in the emblematic La Pastora Parish located in the Capital (Caracas). There he spends his childhood in a neighborhood of colonial and historical houses of Venezuela.

There are many memories of that legendary Zone, they are inevitably built by those associated with survival, preparation, development, work, love, struggle and family formation, its magic and what marked it for life… . “Music”.

My connection with music is due in part to the fact that I live in a popular area where the music that was heard was Afro-Caribbean (mostly Salsa), the parties or meetings in my house and the neighborhood were always enlivened by that type of music, the most rooted and sticky collectively, originating the most varied dancers.

In the Carnestolendas festivities, improvised platforms (Templetes) were installed to stage the most varied costume and dance contests. Leaving my childhood and beginning my adolescent stage, I participated in dance competitions, obtaining recognition and prizes that were awarded to the young people of my generation.

I attended festive celebrations (dance meetings) with my older sisters at the age of 12, not because I was a dancer, but to not leave me alone, since I was the youngest of 3 sisters, this allowed me to share with people older than me and which I was learning the different dance styles “remembering with great affection the Cayender family, made up of excellent dancers” they are part of my school and love for dance. My cadence, flavor and body movement also allowed me to learn until I had my own dance style.

The music of the moment was the Danzones, Billo’s, Melodicos and in my house my sisters listened in the 70’s to Joe Cuba, Ricardo Rey and Bobby Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, the Latin Dimension prevails, Grupo Mango, Salsa Mayor, La Banda and his Young Sauce. That stuck with me forever and I felt drawn to Salsa.

That gave me the basis to fully incorporate myself into the exciting world of music. In the Barrio salsa is something essential, if you don’t dance it, enjoy it, feel it, you’re nothing.

Attending a meeting, an event, a concert, a presentation, a party or a meeting and there is no salsa, you feel an emptiness since with it we enjoy, we share, we dance and it definitely puts us to enjoy.

Photo - Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨ — Photo – Betty Zapata ¨The Lady of Salsa¨

In the course of my 6 decades of existence, I have not ceased to be linked to it in different facets: as an audience, spectator, guest, contestant, jury, organizer, producer and director of events.

Each of these participations has allowed me to stand out, stand out and be a well-known, popular and loved person, a reference in the organization of a good party, night events, presentations of representative groups of the world of Salsa such as:

Ray de La Paz, Herman Olivera, Frankie Vásquez, Bobbie Valentin, Willie Rosario, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Sonora Ponceña, La Selecta, Mulenze, Carlos Cano Estremera, Julio López, Yolandita Rivera, Mambo Legends among others, and for those from the Patio: Bailatino, Rumberos del Callejón , Ensamble La Calle, Albondiga y su Pandilla, Repicao, Tributo, On Fire, La áquina de la Salsa, La Negramenta, Gerardo Rosales, Javier Plaza’s Son Risa Orchestra among others.

This has allowed me to be an obligatory reference when it comes to producing and making an event of great importance and musical quality where the Dancing Public is respected and appreciated, providing them with the comforts to enjoy an excellent show and Latin music is seen as an element of identity that belongs to all of us to live it and feel it.

I am (Betty Zapata) currently planning and developing projects in the short, medium and long term and to give you a heads-up I am giving you the scoop: I am here with my radio program to promote, support, disseminate and promote our exciting and magical world of Caribbean music.