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Tito Nieves’ concert “50 Años, La Historia” made it clear that ‘Salsa Lives

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Tito Nieves celebrated half a century of a successful musical career at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico (El Choliseo) with a massive concert titled “50 Años, La Historia,” part of his “Mi Último Tour” (My Last Tour) tour.

Tito Nieves smiles in front of a packed coliseum

Music started powerfully around 9:00 p.m. with “Señora Ley” (Lady Law), followed by “Mañana es Domingo” (Tomorrow is Sunday). This led into a medley of songs Tito popularized before going solo: “El Pregonero” (The Town Crier), “El Piragüero” (The Shaved Ice Vendor), and “Panadero” (Baker), all penned by Ramón Rodríguez. In this first segment, the honoree was joined by Rodríguez and Norberto Vélez, setting the theme for the show, where Nieves was accompanied by various guests.

Tito Nieves bid good evening shortly before asking the audience to record the concert, asserting it would be the first and last time he would perform solo at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico for a historic concert that the singer declared was “sold out.”

The soloist demonstrated the evolution of his career, moving to the next stage of his journey, which included the songs “Quiero Perderme Contigo” (I Want to Get Lost with You) and “El Amor Más Bonito” (The Most Beautiful Love). Before starting “Perdido en la Oscuridad” (Lost in the Darkness), Tito stated that during one of the most difficult stages of his life, he asked José José for permission to record it. “Un Tipo Común” (An Ordinary Guy) preceded Tito’s spoken interlude, during which he requested “a big round of applause for Ismael Miranda ‘the eternal handsome boy,’ who is with us tonight.”

For the next segment, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Gerardo Rivas joined Tito Nieves for the song “Soy” (I Am). Gilberto explained that he and Tito Nieves have been musical brothers for over forty years, shortly before saying, “Tito and I are family,” a phrase that led into the performance of “La Familia” (The Family).

The next stage featured a medley of hits including “Sueño” (Dream) and “Lo Que Son Las Cosas” (What Things Are Like). From this same solo period, “Manías” (Obsessions) and “No Me Queda Más” (I Have Nothing Left) stood out. Tito Nieves’ voice was recorded on several of the few salsa lyrics in English. For the concert, Tito brought to life “I’ll Always Love You,” “Celebration,” and “I Like It Like That,” with which he later bid farewell.

Tito paused during the concert to dedicate the song “Gracias Madrecita” (Thanks, Little Mother) to his late mother, Victoria Nieves.

The next guest, Rey Ruiz, “the salsa heartthrob,” performed “Almohada” (Pillow) with Tito, then sang “Mi Media Mitad” (My Other Half) to a bolero rhythm before transitioning to the same song in its usual salsa tempo, which is how it became popular. The turn of also invited Carlos García brought him to the stage to sing “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” (I Won’t Fall in Love Again) as a duet with Tito.

Shortly after, Tito Nieves continued singing his most notable hits, including “Déjame Vivir” (Let Me Live) and “Tuyo” (Yours). When it was José Alberto “El Canario”‘s turn, he sang “Le Gusta Que La Vean” (She Likes to Be Seen) with Tito Nieves and “Baila Que Baila” (Dance, Dance) solo. For this particular performance, dancers and choreographers Flavia Tamara Livolsi and Tito Ortos Gutiérrez were in charge of the dance that connected with the guest’s music, who also performed his characteristic “flute” solo, without a flute.

The super orchestra accompanying El Pavarotti de la Salsa

For the song “Fabricando Fantasías” (Manufacturing Fantasies), Tito Nieves took the stage accompanied by 9 child choristers; both the singer and the choristers were dressed in white. Tito sang alongside a hologram of his deceased son, whose passing preceded the song’s release; for the concert, this led into “Un Amor Así” (A Love Like That) and “Soy Cantante” (I Am a Singer).

Continuing with the idea of being accompanied by his guests, Tito Nieves welcomed Tony Vega to the stage to perform their duet and give voice to “Tú Por Aquí, Yo Por Allá” (You Here, Me There), shortly before Tony performed “Aparentemente” (Apparently). Once Tony’s participation concluded, Tito returned to the stage dressed in blue to perform “Te Amo” (I Love You) and “Más Que Tu Amigo” (More Than Your Friend).

Immediately after, Tito Nieves commented: “In salsa, we’ve had Celia, La Lupe, Graciela, India…”, as he welcomed one of the new salsa promises: Daniela Darcourt. With her, he sang “Si Tú Te Atreves” (If You Dare) shortly before suggesting his “musical daughter” perform the soloist’s new single, titled “La Sinvergüenza” (The Shameless Woman).

The concert’s peak was reached during the performance of “De Mí Enamórate” (Fall in Love with Me) and “Sonámbulo” (Sleepwalker), songs with which the artist demonstrated that the voice that earned him the title of “The Pavarotti of Salsa” remains intact.

Next, Tito and his wife—Janette Figueroa, the self-proclaimed “toxic one”—showcased their influencer skills, leading into a theatrical interlude of their interaction with the public during the COVID-19 lockdown: “Conversa con Tito” (Talk with Tito). For this, the couple was accompanied by the new talents Daniela Darcourt and Christian Alicea. Once the micro-theater segment concluded, the production celebrated the sold-out status by presenting a plaque indicating the exclusive status, after congratulatory greetings to Nieves from Víctor Manuelle, Rubén Blades, and Marco Antonio Solís were projected.

It was at this moment of various congratulations that it was demonstrated that ‘Salsa Lives’in the key of fierce salsa. For this, Christian Alicea joined Tito Nieves’ vocal and stage mastery, contributing with his voice and an energetic conga solo.

At 12:40 a.m. on May 18, the concert hosted by “The Pavarotti of Salsa,” accompanied by his super orchestra, concluded with the same power it began, though in English and to the beat of “I Like It Like That.” For the closing, the dance corps, made up of Tito Ortos, Tamara Livolsi, Christina Reyes, and Yadiel Carrasco, complemented the interpretive energy with which Humberto “Tito” Nieves once again demonstrated the connection he has maintained with the salsa audience, regardless of the language he sings in.

Photographs By: Francisco J. Rivera Rosado Photographs

Also Read: Oscar Rojas Oscar Rojas has 54 years of musical career full of passion, rhythm and flavor

Eddie Muñíz continues to head Swing Sabroso

From this space, every day we are much more aware of the unusual wealth of Latin talent that makes up the New York’s music scene, which continues to show many artists and orchestras that do not surrender to high competition and give their best to earn their place and stand out from the rest.

This is the case of Ray Rodríguez & Swing Sabroso, whose current leader, Eddie Muñiz, gives us a broader picture of the way any artist should go to keep his name alive in public taste and avoid getting lost in the large artistic catalog where there is a lot of content to choose from.

Swing Sabroso leader Eddie — This is current Swing Sabroso bandleader Eddie Muñiz

Talented musician Eddie Muñiz’s beginnings in the world of music

Eddie, who was born in Brooklyn, USA, but communicates in excellent Spanish, had his first approaches to music in elementary school at the age of 13, when he played in several classical music and jazz groups to keep improving in these arts and find his style until he had his big break.

This opportunity came when the young man turned 17 years old, at which point he had his professional career in music with a group of friends, with whom he stayed for two or three years. After that, his next group was called ”Herencia Latina” whose director was the talented Ray Rodriguez and would become the starting point of his current orchestra Swing Sabroso.

After leaving Herencia Latina, he joined Ismael’s conjunto for four years and subsequently played with Conjunto Clasico, Ray de La Paz, La Sonora Matancera, Tony Vega and many more.

About eight years later, the group did not go ahead and Ray moved to New Jersey, but as it happens, Eddie had to do the same for work reasons. Back then, Ray started a group he called Ray Rodriguez y Swing Sabroso, which invited Eddie to join the orchestra in 2000. 24 years later, it is he himself who moved such an ambitious project forward after Ray’s sad loss from the cancer on April 17, 2016.

Swing Sabroso

By the time Ray was in good health, the orchestra released two albums, one in 2005 and another in 2015. When the bandleader began to sicken, he knew he could not give the group the attention it required, so he asked Eddie to take the helm of the ship in his place as long as the group was only called Swing Sabroso, nothing else.

At that time, the group only had two trumpets and a trombone, but Eddie was gradually enlarging it and adding more instruments to make the sound fuller. Being in total control of the orchestra, the artist released the album ”Swing Sabroso, Mejor Que Nunca” in the year 2022, when they played everything that the three albums included.

Cover of the album ”Swing Sabroso, Mejor Que Nunca”

Currently, Eddie is the oldest of all the Swing Sabrso members, but not for that things are always done his way. In fact, the artist assures that the younger musicians are frequently those who teach him what to do in certain cases.

Far more than a salsa orchestra, Eddie considers that ”Swing Sabroso” is also a family of musicians in which they support each other, despite the regrettable absence of its main founder, the great Ray Rodriguez. Even so many years later, Rodriguez remains the biggest influence on everyone working with Swing Sabroso.

Renzo Padilla “El Borincaico”

Latin America / Peru / Lima

Renzo Padilla (Renzo Antonio Padilla Reyes) was born in Barrios Altos in Lima, Peru, on July 12, 1979. In search of a better future, in 1993 his parents decided to travel to the city of Buenos Aires.

Renzo Padilla. At the age of 15, Renzo began his career as a backing singer with the “New Band Salsa” Orchestra. His time with this group was brief, because later he would join the Orquesta La Original, made up of Peruvian musicians based in Buenos Aires.

In the year 2000 he moved to New York City, fulfilling a dream that he thought was impossible. That same year he signed a contract with the Grupo Fuerza Juvenil, he participated for two years in this group that was nominated for the Billboard awards in 2002.

He meets the timbalero Jimmy Delgado and he offered him a project to record, so Renzo resigns from Fuerza Juvenil and decides to record with Delgado, his first single titled Salsa con Dulzura. After this recording he was invited to accompany the most renowned artists in the world of salsa, such as: Frankie Hernández, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, Cano Estremera, Ismael Quintana, David Pabón, Roberto Roena, Marvin Santiago, Meñique, Ray Barreto. , Adalberto Santiago, Cuco Valoy, Junior González, Paquito Guzmán, Yolanda Rivera, Luigi Texidor, José Bello, Pedro Conga, Cheo Andujar, Anthony Cruz, Luisito Carrion, Maelo Ruiz, Tito Nieves.

Another of his dreams came true when he met the master Willie Colon, he was invited by him to perform a song by Hector Lavoe, in a New York nightclub. He was also invited by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico on several occasions.

In 2003, Ray Barreto and Adalberto Santiago met again, in which he participated as a chorister at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.

In 2006 with bassist Ray Martínez he recorded his second album Alto Nivel, and recorded two songs with the Narváez Orchestra. In 2008 he sang with Jimmy Delgado at the Leyendas de la Salsa Concert, along with a lineup of artists such as Luis Perico Ortiz, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Lalo Rodríguez and Adalberto Santiago.

Renzo also sang in the second part of the Legends of Salsa Concert in tribute to Ismael Quintana, where Tony Vega, Luis Perico Ortiz, Lalo Rodríguez, Héctor Tricoche performed, among others.

In 2009 he was a soloist with the Lavoe All Stars Orchestra, made up of musicians from Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe, such as Professor Joe Torre, José Mangual, Jimmy Delgado, Eddie Montalvo, Reynaldo Jorge, Milton Cardona.

In 2010 he was called by the New York group “Our Latin Thing”, to share the stage with Victor Manuel.

On the other hand, Renzo began to develop his talent as a composer. One of his compositions Donde Esta Tu Amor was recorded by Puerto Rican singer Maelo Ruiz.

In 2014 he got together with Jacob Plasse to form the Melaza Group, in which all the songs are his. In that same year, he participated in the largest salsa group, the “Fania All Stars”, and also sang for the recording of the Narváez Orchestra’s album 65 Infantería.

In 2015 he participated as a backing vocalist and as a singer in the concerts of the piano emperor Eddie Palmieri.

In October 2016 he was part of the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra that traveled to Lima to perform a concert at the National Stadium. He has been a vocalist for Los Hermanos Lebrón.

In 2017 he had a successful tour of different cities in Japan. Currently he continues to sing in Lima and on tour around the world.

This talented Peruvian singer is considered one of the promises of salsa. He will continue in his rising career of success and international recognition.

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival

North America / USA

El “Día de San Juan” Salsa Festival Western Region Puerto Rican Council, Inc.

Concilio De Organizaciones Puertorriqueños Del OEste

Countdown to El “Día de San Juan” Festival 2018

40th Anniversary

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2018

Due to the ongoing effects of the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the WRPRC will be directing all proceeds of El Dia de San Juan Festival to aid in the educational programs of the youth of Puerto Rico. http://www.wrprc.org/

“Día De San Juan” Salsa Scholarship Festival Line Up

Charlie Aponte

Charlie Aponte, one of the most beloved and remembered voices by millions of Salseros worldwide, returns to the stage as a Soloist after 41 successful years with La Universidad de la Salsa…El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

With Charlie Aponte as their lead singer El Gran Combo recorded many hits Brujería; Amor Brutal; La Loma del Tamarindo; No hay Cama pa’ tanta Gente; Hojas Blancas; Arroz con Habichuelas; among many others.

Tony Vega

Internationally known salsa singer and band leader, Tony Vega, emerged from Puerto Rico in the 1980’s, He has worked with many of the greatest salsa stars from the beginnings of the genre, to the present.

Vega was exposed to music at a very early age; influenced by many adults in his family who were musicians. Even in those early days, it was clear to Vega that nothing could satisfy his musical preferences like the music of his native Puerto Rico.

He was greatly influenced then by Ismael “Maelo” Rivera and Cortijo y su Combo, Rafael Ithierand El Gran Combo. Vega signed with the then new RMM record label and released his solo debut with “Yo Me Quedo!” in 1988.

Vega’s riveting voice and his innate ability to perform contemporary salsa in the best tradition of the classic “soneros” has been honed and refined over 19 years as an artist, first as a percussionist and then as a singer. Thus far Vega has participated in the recording of 17 albums, including the last four on the RMM label with his own band.

Tony Vega has recorded Hablando del Amor, Greatest Hits, Aparentemente, Hoy Quiero Cantarte, the self-titled Tony Vega, and these have established Vega as a highly regarded salsa star.

Taino Orchestra

Taino Orchestra began as a project to deliver salsa and latin jazz in August of 2010. The concept is very simple, a nine piece band with the sound and elegant sophistication of a big orchestra.

Inspired by bands and individuals such as Ray Barretto, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Eddie Palmieri and many others, TAINO has developed into one of the most solid, hard-hitting salsa bands in the area.

The band is led by percussionist and lead vocalist, Aaron Routtenberg. Aaron has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in the salsa industry including Jerry Rivera, Tito Nieves, La India, Tito Rojas and many more.

The percussion section features Carlos Caro on congas and Papo Martinez on bongo. On bass, Taino is proud to have veteran bandleader and musician Gilbert Roman, while the extremely talented Erick Peralta occupies the piano chair.

The sizzling horn section is proud to have Mike Rinta and Charly Aguilar on trombones, while Carlos McCoy dazzles audiences on baritone sax and flute. With this strong vocal section, swinging rhythm section, and blazing horn section that will make you move, we invite you to experience a musical masterpiece that you won’t soon forget! Ya lo ves, que viene TAINO!

Isidro Infante is one of the most successful producers and arrangers in the history of Salsa

Born August 12, 1952, San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a professional pianist, arranger, composer and music producer, working in genres such as Classical Music, Rock, Pop Rock, Latin Ballad, Rock in Spanish, Salsa, Latin Jazz etc.

In addition, he has 5 awards and 47 Grammy nominations and several Billboard projects, Lo Nuestro Awards and Ace & Paoli Awards.

His parents were Dr. Isidoro Infante and Carmen Santiago.

From a young age Isidro was influenced by listening to his father play the violin, getting involved with music at age 14 when he participated in a band that played songs by Santana and Chicago.

At the age of 15 he formed his band “Carpe Diem” (Live Life), a Rock/Salsa group that played Rock’n’Roll, Pop, Salsa and included Tommy Villarini on trumpet, Cuto Soto on trombone and guitarist Manolo Sastre.

With this band Isidro wrote his first arrangement “Tiempo De Ti”.

Two years later, Infante was in charge of the background music for Myrta Silva’s television show.

After taking private piano lessons with the famous pianist Carmen Socorro Duclerc, he studied at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and at the University of Puerto Rico, obtaining bachelor’s degrees in music and chemistry.

Although he was inclined towards medicine because it was his father’s profession, he decided to delve into music and graduated in composition and arrangements at Temple University in Philadelphia in the late 1970s.

In 1995, Isidro Infante and ‘La Élite’ signed a contract with RMM Records as an exclusive artist. Isidro also signed as A&R director for RMM records.

With him he gained experience, quality and evident success in his productions for the label. His work with La India earned him double platinum sales and a Grammy nomination for their album “Sobre El Fuego.”

Within just four years of its founding, La Élite became a dominant force in the Salsa music industry. The band’s first release earned a gold record as well as awards from AS, Paoli and Diplo.

Isidro Infante He also has 5 Grammy awards and 47 nominations and several Billboard projects, Lo Nuestro Awards and Ace & Paoli Awards.

The hit songs “Que Tengo de Ti,” “Nave de Papel,” “Ganas” and “Has Quedado Retratada” all topped the Tropical Salsa charts.

On Isidro Infante y La Élite II, the group’s second production, Isidro added vocalist Maggie Ramos. This helped him create an album with an exceptional variety of music.

Songs like “Quítame ese Hombre” and “Santo Militar y Montuno” made Isidro Infante a favorite of many.

Along with Louie Ramírez, Infante was credited as one of the creators and pioneers in the Salsa movement. Romantic Salsa.

In 1998, his production “Licencia Para Engañar” was released, which was the result of his creativity and flexibility as a musician. In his orchestra, Isidro Infante y La Élite, Jennifer Jiménez and Guillermo Duval participate as vocalists.

In his first album “Secretos”, Kevin Ceballo made his debut as a soloist in “Licencia Para Engañar”, produced by Isidro Infante.

His work as a producer earned his album “India’s Sola” a Grammy nomination. Venezuelan Oscar D’León also received a nomination for “La Fórmula Original” which Isidro also produced.

Isidro’s commitment to everything related to the Latin community prompted him to produce the event “Canto Para La Guaira”.

The concert was held with the purpose of raising funds for the victims of the disaster that affected thousands in Venezuela and thus “Poliedro de Caracas” has been filled to full capacity.

Among the RMM artists who performed were Kevin Ceballo, Ray Sepúlveda, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Roberto Avellanet, Michael Stuart and Tony Vega.

In 1981, Ramírez and Infante were approached with the idea of producing an album of famous ballads with Salsa arrangements.

Both found the project interesting and ambitious, so they accepted the challenge. Isidro added his experience in the field of ballads, acquired through his work with José Luis Rodríguez, Camilo Sesto and Yolandita Monge, to Ramírez’s knowledge of Latin jazz.

The result was “Noche Caliente”, the first album in the genre to sell over a million copies.

Memories at El Corso Night Club in New York City with my friend and mentor, Master Louie Ramirez, producer, arranger, vibraphonist, timpanist, marimba player

Isidro Infante is one of the most sought-after arrangers in Salsa.

Venturing into a genre other than salsa, he also participated in Willennium, Will Smith’s most recent recording where Isidro played piano and keyboards.

Isidro Infante was working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herb Alpert, Gloria Estefan, Dizzy Gillespie, Dionne Warwick, Patty La Belle, Will Smith, Wyclef Jean, Clark Terry, Jon Anderson & Yes, Vangellis, Sheila E., Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Machito, Marc Anthony, La India, Fania All-Stars, Oscar D’Leon, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Larry Harlow, Roberto Roena, Johnny Pacheco, Pete El Conde Rodriguez, Louie Ramirez, Ray De La Paz, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Adalberto Santiago, Eddie Santiago, Lalo Rodriguez, Paquito Guzman, Marvin Santiago, Domingo Quinones, Camilo Azuquita, Kako, Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Rivera, Manny Manuel, Raul Marrero, Vitin Aviles, Papaito, Tony Vega, Puerto Rico All Stars, Ralphy Leavitt & La Selecta, The Latin Corporation, Jose Mangual Jr,Jr. Gonzalez, Ramon Rodriguez,Orquesta La Terrifica, German Olivera, Wichy Camacho, Johnny Ventura, Sergio Vargas, Cuco Valoy, Ramon Orlando, Los Hermanos Rosario, Los Niches, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Little Louie Vega, Robert Avellanet, Michael Stuart, Yanko, Kevin Ceballo Danny Rivera, Sophy, Mirta Silva, Ivy Queen, Tego Calderon, Mickey Perfecto, TNT and many more.

Among his compositions are “Viejo Pachanguero”, “Vicio de Quererte”, “Esa Niña” etc.

With more than 2,500 arrangements in his resume, Isidro is one of the most successful producers and arrangers in the history of Salsa.

Isidro Infante has been working for major record labels such as Sony BMG (Epic, Sony Discos, Sony International, etc.), Universal EMI Capitol TH Records Salsa International Velvet (Venezuela), Co Discos (Colombia), J&N Records, Univision Poligram, Luna Records Fonovisa, Sono Tone, Caiman Records, Faisán Records, GB Records, Ibero- Records, Salsoul Records and many more.

Isidro Infante produced the Special for Banco Popular 2010: Truibuto Al Gran Combo on CD & DVD which achieved platinum sales.

The project included the participation of El Gran Combo, Ismael Miranda, La India, José Alberto, Isaac Delgado, Michael Stuart, Domingo Quiñones, NG2, Luisito Carrión, Sammy García and El Sabor de Puerto Rico.

He was sharing the Fania All-Stars as musical director with maestro Johnny Pacheco in several concerts throughout Latin America and was involved in musical projects with the Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel.

In 2010, Isidro Infante and Iván Joy established the new company Artist System Inc. which is in collaboration with Diamond Music and has gained important positions in the market of digital production and promotion and also has a lot of experience in the creation and management of digital content.

Con India y La Cantante cubana, Laritza Bacallao

The company is working with such artists as Isidro Infante, Lucecita Benítez “La Voz Nacional De Puerto Rico”, Lunna, Lourdes Robles, Conjunto Canayón, Сorporación Latina, Manolo Lezcano, Lou Briel, Jowell & Randy, Arcángel, Tego Calderón, Jadiel, Endo, Guelo Star, Kastrofobia, Los Metalicoz and many more.

Awards

5-time Grammy winner

47 Grammy nominations and several Billboard projects

Premios Lo Nuestro and Ace & Paoli Awards.

Also Read: Ezequiel Lino Frías Gómez was an excellent musician, pianist, arranger and composer.

Source and Collaboration: Marino de Jesus (1588) from Salsa History of the Dominican Republic