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Good music and fine dining at Café Salsera

Feel at home at Café Salsera

North America is packed full of places where Latinos can feel at home and native people can learn more about a culture that is apparently distinct from theirs. One of these places is the wonderful Café Salsera, which has much to offer every one of its visitors.

We are talking about a spectacular place that has a very peculiar characteristic. It turns out that, at any time of the day, it serves as a restaurant and café, while at night it becomes a fabulous nightclub where you can enjoy the best hits of today. The menu is entirely based on Mexican food and the main objective of this place is to offer the best Latin flavor to all those who want to taste it.

While it is true that the menu is based on Mexican dishes, the ambiance of the restaurant has a Spanish colonial style which contrasts starkly with what is offered to diners. Among the main dishes to be served at Café Salsera, we can mention tacos, nachos, empanadas, pasties, chicharrones, street-style elotes, among many others. On top of this, there are also incredible cocktails, including the mangonadas, caipirinhas, margaritas, mojitos, and much more.

Recipes made by the kitchen staff are always varied and very original. The menu always surprises regular visitors no matter the amount of times they have attended the place.

Image of the facade of Café Salsera — Facade of Café Salsera

Fine dining and good music

When the night comes, you can enjoy an alfresco dining with live music, but this does not have to end this way. On Fridays, the place has the powerful presence of DJ Turo, who is in charge of livening up the atmosphere with the latest salsa, bachata, merengue and other rhythms. On Saturdays, attendees will be lucky enough to dance to the rhythm of Erick Jaimez, who will play the latest music and some not-so-recent hits for the nostalgic. On Tuesdays, salsa lessons are planned to be given by a group of instructors who are highly trained to reach this genre.

According to the opinions issued through social media, those who have had the opportunity to go to Café Salsera assure that it is a fantastic place to visit at all times, since it has the particularity of being a restaurant, cafe and nightclub on the same day. They also assure that the treatment by the staff is the best and warmest to make customers feel at home.

Considering open hours, on Mondays, they are open from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 5 pm to 2 a.m. Attendees can go for dinner, dancing or both without any problems.

Here you can see some tables at Café Salsera — Some tables at Café Salsera

There is also the possibility of renting one or more VIP rooms in which an approximate of 10 people can spend a good time in glad company and the best Latin music in the background. Of course, the cost will depend on whether visitors wish to dine or simply have a nice time between drinks.

If attendees want a table for only 4 or 5 people, they can book a VIP table, which will include a bottle for all members of the group. On Saturdays, the cost of booking a table will be $155. In case you want to book a VIP section for 10 people, you must cancel an amount of $ 285.

Without a doubt, a fabulous place to eat, drink, dance, and listen to good music after all these months of confinement due to the pandemic.

Ourdor tables at Café Salsera — Outdoor seating at Safé Salsera

Link to its official website: https://www.cafesalsera.com/

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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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Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

Celebrating 60 years as a Personal Manager – Booking Agent and Promoter

This agency has been organizing events throughout the United States, Europe, South, and Central America. It has been organizing events for more than 50 years in Japan.

For a period of 50 years, Richie Bonilla has been a force that has contributed to the continuous growth of the Latin music industry. He has been directly responsible for the success of many of our biggest names in the Latin business.

In 1962 Richie Bonilla signed an unknown artist named Pete Rodriguez. As a result of his effort and contant dedication, Pete Rodriguez became the hottest recording artist of that time and one of the all-time drawing artists. He was crowned “King of Boogaloo”

Celebrating 60 years as a Personal Manager - Booking Agent and Promoter — Richie Bonilla Management is a Latin Music booking and Managing Agency

During the same period, Richie Bonilla signed another unknown artist, a young boy, 17 years old who had only one LP to his credit. Once again because of his persistence this young artist named Willie Colon is now a living legend.

The stories of his accomplishments are endless. Other Boogaloo/Salsa artists which had success under Richie’s guidance and management were Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Ismael Rivera Mongito El Unico, Victor Aviles, Eddie Santiago, and Frankie Ruiz.

During the Boogaloo era in the early ’60s, Richie Bonilla management company was the main booking agency in New York City, He also managed the hottest artists of that period. They were Ralfi Pagan, Pete Rodriguez, Orq Flamboyant, TNT Boys, La Conspiracion, Orq Colon, Joey Pastrana, King Nando, Ralph Robles, Ray Jay, Lat-Teens, Willie Colon with Hector Lavoe, Johnny Zamot, Kako y Su Combo, Joe Acosta, The New Generation, Landy Nova, Sonora Borinquen, Latin Souls, including merengue bands like Primitivo Santos, Eddie Bastran, Dominica and Hugo Perez.

In the late ’60s and early ’70s, Bonilla Management controlled 90% of the music going to Panama for the carnivals and other national holidays. Other countries in which he was successful in developing prior to the Fania Era were Venezuela, Curacao, Aruba, Martinique, Guadalupe, St.Thomas, and St. Cruz.

When Richie Bonilla opened his booking agency in 1962, during that time very few orchestras were traveling out of the United States. He was one of the first promoters to bring salsa music to places such as Chicago, Ohio, Boston, Washington, Philly, Connecticut, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Larry Harlow "El Judio Maravilloso" y Richie Bonilla — Larry Harlow “El Judio Maravilloso” y Richie Bonilla

Richie Bonilla has always been available to anyone who needed help, advice, or encouragement. Vitin Aviles has always thanked him for giving him the confidence needed to go out as a soloist. Orchestra Broadway’s first trip to Venezuela was booked by Richie. Ralph Mercado’s first trip out of the country, to Curacao as an agent for Eddie Palmieri, was also booked by him.

Jelly Bean Benitez’s first DJ booking at a club was also done by Richie Bonilla. When Pete Rios, the original founder of Latin New York Magazine, only had visions of such a magazine, Richie Bonilla took him by the hand and introduced him to everyone in the industry, including Izzy Sanabria.

After the first Latin awards night was discontinued, Richie Bonilla sponsored a Latin awards night at the Cheetah Club in 1972 at his own expense, because he felt it was important to recognize our Latin artists and give them credit for their accomplishments.

Willie Sotelo, Richie Bonilla y Rafael Ithier

During the early and late 50’s the Bronx was the birthplace of the Salsa(Mambo). Most of the best musicians and future name artists resided in the Bronx and so did Richie Bonilla. He started promoting salsa dance parties in the apartments and finished basements. Then he graduated to ballroom dances such as Hunts Point Palace, Club Cubano Inter-Americano, Tropicana, Calgate Gardens, New Terrance Gardens, and Bronx Casino.

During the ’60s there were very few bands residing in Puerto Rico. Richie was the connection for the New York bands to travel to Puerto Rico. They would perform for all of the graduation dances, Fiestas Patronales, Secretary Day, and club dates all over the island. He was one of the first persons to promote Salsa music in Puerto Rico with two associates, Alby Diaz and Fernando Lopez.

During the exotic period of salsa music, He signed another unknown artist named Eddie Santiago and promoted him to stardom, managing his career for 3 years. During the same period, he also managed and booked Frankie Ruiz and Lalo Rodriguez.

Then in 1989 history was made again, Richie discovered Orquesta De La Luz, an all-Japanese Salsa orchestra residing in Toyko, Japan.

ORQUESTA DE LA LUZ -¡Salsaludos De La Luz! — In 1989, history was made again, Richie discovered the Orquesta De La Luz.

Some of his friends in the salsa industry had told him that he was wasting his time with this attraction and once again because of his dedication to commitment and devotion to Latin music, Orquesta De La Luz‘s success all over the world is well documented.

Because of Orquesta de La Luz popularity and his influence in creating a Japan Salsa Festival.

Japan has been a great market for our artists and record sales. Richie was directly responsible for the following artists performing in Japan: Marc Anthony, Tito Nieves, Jose Alberto, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Los Hermanos Moreno, Milly Jocelyn y Los Vecinos, The New York Band, Ernie Agosto y La Conspiracion, David Cedeno, Elemento 10, Joe Cuba, Carmen Jimenez, Stacey Lopez Dancers, Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band, Crissy I-cee, Alexa, and DLG.

In recent years Richie has been promoting legendary artists and orchestras such as Israel “Cachao” Lopez, The Machito Orq, and Cubarama Afro-Cuban Jazz Band (formally the Mario Bauzer Orq). His dedication of keeping the Old Big Band School alive is because having knowledge of strong musical roots will always maintain the growth of our Latin music.

To name some of the many awards that Richie has received for his love, dedication, and contribution to the Salsa Latin music industry are:” THE UNITED NATION PEACE MEDAL” for promoting Orquesta de La Luz , who drew all different kinds of nationalities under the same roof in concert halls all over the world. Also, Mayor Dinkins Proclamation contributed to improving Latin relationships in NEW YORK CITY.

President Clinton’s Commendations letter, keys to the City of Cartagena, and recipient of the “SALSAWEB’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” at their Second International Convention. Also “DR. SALVADOR F. SOLA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” in 2000, ALBERT TORRES WEST COAST CONGRESO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD in 200I and in 2002 he was also inducted into THE INTERNATION LATIN HALL OF FAME “SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD”

2006 New York Salsa Congress

Life Time Achievement Award

Received at the New York Hilton Hotel

2007 Received the Honor to be inducted as

One of the Musketeers in the French organization

“Compagnie Des Mousquetaires D’ Armanc”

during the “Temp Latino Festival” in

Vic Felesac, France

Richie Bonilla has always conducted himself with honor and integrity and has brought style and grace to our industry. He is quick to flash a warm smile and a strong handshake to his friends, associates, and clients.

Richie feels that no matter the problem Latins must hold their heads up high in order to see the right direction to pursue.

Contact: 917-699-4641

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Hector “Bomberito” Zarzuela Quality and Tuning in the Fania All-Star Machinery

International Salsa Magazine

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Productions and El Gran Bamboo Restaurant & Bar present “Rumba Salsera for the Exigente Dancer”

For the first time in the city of Miami, a new Salsa Dura movement for the demanding dancer is emerging.

International Salsa Magazine and/or www.SalsaGoogle.com recommend and invite you to enjoy a night of Salsa with the best sound of the city of Miami.

For the first time in the city of Miami, a new Salsa Dura movement for the demanding dancer is taking shape. — Salsaoco Productions and Gran Bamboo Restaurant & Bar present “Rumba Salsera for the Demanding Dancer”

Carla Duque daughter of the renowned Betty Salsa Rumba pioneer of the clubs in Caracas, Luis Gudiño “El popular Hueso del 23” and one of the pioneers of Salsa activities in Caracas Dr. Ernesto Mendoza, are the drivers of this movement.

These three Venezuelan Rumberos Salsomanos decided to join forces to provide the South Florida salsero with musical events, dances, Salon Parties and in the not too distant future presentations of singers and orchestras of the salsa scene.

The Hosts have extensive and impeccable experience in organizing events, concerts, and parties in the city of Caracas -Venezuela, among these activities we can highlight presentations such as Bobby Valentin, Willie Rosario, Ray de la Paz, Mulenze, Pedro Brull, Bailatino, Frankie Vasquez, Herman Olivera among many others and as good RUMBEROS were assistants of emblematic salsa places such as Tio Pepe, O’ Gran Sol, Casa Latina, City Day, Status’ , El Sarao, El Sarao, El Maní es Así, Hipocampo, Hawai Kai, La Pachanga, Rincón Caribeño, La Asunción to mention the most attended.

The music will be provided by the famous Dj Jean Castillo, who has a good musical repertoire that we are sure will make the audience dance to this great Rumba.

Dj. Jean Castillo is characterized for making the salsa dancers dance until they get tired, he has dreamed in different locations in the city of Miami managing to captivate the Rumberos with the best of the best of Salsa and his extraordinary and excellent performance as far as musicalization is concerned.

El Gran Bamboo Restaurant, Specialists in extraordinary y Colombian cuisine.

Bamboo Restaurant, the best Colombian food in South Florida! — Bamboo Restaurant, the best Colombian food in South Florida

The chosen venue will be at BAMBOO RESTAURANT & BAR which is located in Hammocks Kendall Miami Florida.

This place is a family site and has a spectacular sound, large stage, giant screen, air conditioning, and an extremely spacious and safe park, has a variety of typical Colombian dishes and very affordable prices, drinks and cocktails are handled at very competitive prices and within reach of the pocket of its attendees, all under the supervision of their own owners.

The sum of all these local ingredients, sound, DJ, food, drinks, and the excellent attention of Carla, Luis Gudiño “El popular Hueso del 23” and Ernesto will guarantee you a first-class evening since the mission of your hosts is to provide a show difficult to forget where the joy, elegance and the SABROSITY OF THE SALSERO DANCER will prevail.

We are waiting for you and that’s why we invite you to come and guarachar next Friday, August 13th from 9:00 at night until dawn in the best Salsero style! And what else is left for us to toast with you for this event and those to come in the future.