El Gran Combo at Radio City Music Hall

Party on, Puerto Rican style, as the El Gran Combo marches down Radio City Music Hall on Saturday, February 10th!

Based in San Juan, El Gran Combo has often been referred to as “the most popular salsa group that has ever existed.” Serving as the current honorary music director, Rafael Ithier first established the band by reorganizing Cortijo’s Combo after lead singer Ismael Rivera's departure. Both Cortijo and Rivera were instrumental in incorporating bomba sicá and plena rhythms into their signature salsa music.

El Gran Combo epitomizes the definitive Puerto Rican sound, characterized by a less pronounced clave and featuring an increased presence of bell tones, a richer percussion section, and a more prominent use of güiro.

Their debut album, titled Menéame los mangos (Shake My Mango), was released in 1963, while their third album, Acángana, secured the number-one spot in New York, Puerto Rico, and Panama, consequently catapulting the band to greater heights.

Over the years, numerous talented artists have been part of the band, earning it the moniker "La Universidad de la Salsa" (The Salsa University). This esteemed roster includes Andy Montañez, Ismael Rivera, Roberto Roena, and many others. Below is a list of current and official members, along with their designated roles within the world-class orchestra:

Rafael Ithier - Musical Director and Piano
Freddie Miranda - Saxophone
Moisés Nogueras - Trombone
Freddy Rivera - Bass
Charlie Aponte - Vocals
Jerry Rivas - Vocals
Mitchell Laboy - Bongo
Taty Maldonado - Trumpet
Eddie Perez - Alto Saxophone
Victor Rodriguez - Trombone

Adding to the rhythm of this upcoming salsa night are musicians Rey Ruiz and Wilfrido Vargas. Best known for the hit “Mi Media Mitad,” Rey is a Cuban actor and singer who earned the “New Tropical/Salsa Artist of the Year” award at the Lo Nuestro Awards. On the other hand, Vargas is a Dominican musician who pioneered the lively and polyrhythmic merengue style with songs like "El Baile Del Perrito," "El Jardinero," and "El Africano.”

Catch these sizzling artists at Radio City Music Hall - the ultimate events center in New York that annually holds historical events, award-winning musicals, and various live concerts. With a seating capacity of 5,960, there really is no reason to hold off your plans to visit the Showplace of the Nation next spring! Buy your tickets for El Gran Combo on February 10th!