Salsa is Synonymous with El Gran Combo

Review by Barbara Fernández

On Sunday, September 29, 2002, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico performed at the Broward Center of the Performing Arts. The famous orchestra executed their well-known Salsa arrangements with perfection.

Special wood flooring accommodated the filled to capacity crowd as they danced in the aisles. Lefty Pérez, (the guy really has an amazing voice!), opened the show with Tito Puente Junior's Band. Tito Jr., made a cameo appearance playing Timbales, looking guapo wearing a white suit and a tie echoing the Puerto Rican flag.

Frank Nieves, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Broward County, presented an award of special recognition to Rafael Ithier, piano, the leader of the band, for his outstanding contribution to Latin music. Under his leadership the band has been together for 40 years.

It was a night for dancers, starting with Salsa in the lobby before the show. As Lefty Pérez belted his melodious tunes, Salsa Heat Wave Dance Studios performed admirably, notably dance captain Carlos Tellez. The music of El Gran Combo completed the circle.

Hats off to the community for their support of this special event. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, ¿cuándo regresarán?

 

This page was last updated on 07-Mar-2005