Mambo In The City Salsa Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 🎶 Episode 70: Working with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Meeting Journey’s Steve Smith 🥁 + The New York Salsa All Stars Hit NYC 🔥 Episode 70 starts at Birdland Jazz Club, where Adrian Montañez had the opportunity to meet legendary Journey drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Smith. 🥁 From seeing him perform up close to sharing a memorable moment with one of rock’s most respected drummers, it was a night Adrian won’t forget. Then, just days later, the phone rang with an incr...

Send us Fan Mail Que Clase PIQUE! In this classic episode, The Late great Legendary, Bongo player, Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez, talks about his years as the Bongosero with Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, Machito, Ray Barretto, Fania All-Stars, Típica 73 and forming the Mambo Legends orchestra! Hear stories of growing up en El Barrio, joining Tito Puente in 1962, and the magic of Palladium Ballroom in New York City! Welcome to Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast! Hosted by Adrian M...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 69: Arturo Martínez — From the NYC Salsa Scene to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, Adrian Montañez sits down with Arturo Martínez for a journey through decades of Latin music, entertainment, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories. Arturo takes us back to his beginnings working alongside artists such as Miles Peña, Johnny Rivera, and Viti Ruiz, during an exciting era of the New York salsa scene. His career would late...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ EPISODE 68 | ERIC VÉLEZ Latin percussionist Eric Vélez joins host Adrian Montañez on Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast for a special conversation from Las Vegas during Marc Anthony’s “MY WAY” residency. Vélez takes us behind the scenes of rehearsals with Marc Anthony, shares personal memories of legendary late conguero Carlos “Patato” Valdés, and looks back on memorable travel stories from his time on the road with Willie Colón. Eric also reflects on being in Puerto Rico for...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mambo in the City, we sit down with undefeated rising boxer Alex “El Toro” Vargas—a WBA Champion and 2013 Golden Gloves Champion from Bellport, New York. With a perfect 15-0 record, Vargas has been quietly building momentum in the super lightweight division, and recently stepped onto one of boxing’s biggest stages—fighting on the undercard at Madison Square Garden, broadcast live on ESPN. We dive into his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional s...

Send us Fan Mail I was outside! 🔥 In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montanez breaks down three NYC Latin music events he attended: the Andy González tribute 🙏, Eddie Palmieri’s Unity Fest Tribute 🎹, and Conjunto Imagen at the Atrium at Linclon Center🎺. Adrian shares the moments that hit, the performances that stood out, and why nights like these keep the culture alive. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 🔥 NEW EPISODE RECAP — This one is pure salsa history and living legacy. In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Tito Rodriguez Jr, as we dive into his brand-new single “La Ley Del Guaguancó” featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa — and we celebrate Tito Jr’s 50 years en la música: the grind, the moments, and the legacy that continues to grow. We also take a meaningful trip down memory lane to honor the late Mario Grillo (Son of Machito) — sharing stories of the road, the brotherh...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montañez sits down with Luisito Rosario, a dynamic salsa singer with over two decades of experience and a commanding stage presence. Born and raised in New Jersey to Puerto Rican parents, Luisito shares how the sounds of New York’s salsa legends inspired him to pursue a life in music. He reflects on his journey from his early days singing with local groups to being handpicked by the legendary Larry Harl...

Send us Fan Mail 🎷 Episode 64: Mitch Frohman – Sax, Soul & Salsa Breakdown: Bronx native Mitch Frohman is one of the top saxophonists and flutists in the world, with a career spanning salsa, Latin-jazz, pop, and beyond. In this episode, host Adrian Montanez dives into Mitch’s incredible journey — from his early days in the Bronx, through decades on stage with legends like Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Machito, Eddie & Charlie Palmieri, and even crossing into pop with Pau...

Send us Fan Mail Mario Díaz — Born in NYC of Cuban descent, Mario launched his career at De Witt Clinton High School as a dancer, percussionist, singer, and emcee. Since then, he has become a multifaceted entertainer, choreographer, and host across salsa, boxing, and cultural stages worldwide. He has emceed major events including the Dominican Salsa Congress, SOB’s, Havana Club, the World Salsa Championships, and Salsa ATL. As a dancer, Mario has performed at iconic venues such as Madison Sq...

Send us Fan Mail In this unforgettable episode, host Adrian L. Montañez sits down with salsa legend Rey Sepúlveda, whose voice helped define an entire era of salsa romántica and salsa dura. ✨ Highlights from the Conversation: Rey reflects on his roots, growing up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he shared his formative years and friendship with the future salsa icon Frankie Ruiz.Memories of his early career and his time with Orquesta Sociedad 76The stories behind some of his most iconic hits,...

Send us Fan Mail In this unforgettable episode, host Adrian Montañez welcomes Antonio Hernández, the Puerto Rican sonero whose voice and journey have become part of salsa’s living history. Antonio reflects on his early years with Oro Negro and La Patrulla 15, before sharing the career-defining moment when he joined Tito Rojas y Su Orquesta in 1995. For more than 25 years, Antonio traveled the world alongside “El Gallo Salsero,” bringing Puerto Rican salsa to stages across Latin America, Spain...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montañez sits down with a true legend of Latin music: José Madera. With over 31 years performing with Tito Puente, José’s career spans decades of salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz history. 🌟 Highlights of the Episode: Machito Orchestra Days – José recalls his time playing in one of the most influential Afro-Cuban jazz ensembles that shaped New York’s Latin music scene.31 Years with El Rey (Tito Puente) – Stories from the ba...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description: In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montanez sits down with Hilton Bonilla — one of New York’s most respected salsa DJs and percussionists. Hilton opens up about: His years perfor ming with Tony Vega, La India, and Tito Rojas 🎶What it’s like to go from being a band percussionist to becoming a salsa DJWhy he launched his YouTube channel “Desde Mi Salita” and what fans can expectHis thoughts on the future of the salsa scene in N...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Los Cuentos de Oro: Legendary Conguero Sammy García with Special Guest Tito Nieves! Get ready for a golden session of salsa history! Sammy García—renowned conguero and musical director for Charlie Aponte—joins us live from Puerto Rico with surprise guest Tito Nieves! 🎶 They dive deep into: ✨ The legacy of El Conjunto Clásico 🏙️ Wild nights in NYC salsa clubs 🎵 The RMM era and iconic studio sessions 📖 Stories of Johnny Pacheco, Pete "Conde" Rodríguez, and the South...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙 Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast — Episode 59 Get ready for an action-packed episode! Host Adrian Montanez sits down for an exclusive interview with legendary actor Luis Guzmán to discuss his role in the highly anticipated Netflix thriller Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker. Also in this episode: ✨ A full review of Grupo Niche’s unforgettable night at Carnegie Hall ✨ Adrian’s behind-the-scenes experience on the Locked red carpet in NYC ✨ Highlights from t...

Send us Fan Mail Fania All-Star Eddie Montalvo invades Mambo in The City Salsa Podcast! From his latest album, "El Senor Tambo" to his earlier years as part of La Fania, Seis Del Solar (Rubén Blades y Son del Solar) countless recordings and travels w/ Hector Lavoe Eddie Montalvo is a living legend of Salsa music all over the world. Enjoy this very special edition of the Mambo in The City Salsa Podcast! Mambointhecity.com , Download via Apple Podcast and Spotify! Podcast Video-Youtube : Mamb...

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Episode Summary: Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast“ A Journey with Edgar Joel In this salsa-packed episode of Mambo in the City Salsa, host Adrian Montanez sits down with the legendary Edgar Joel, one of the most recognizable figures in the golden era of salsa. Known for timeless hits like “Hasta el Sol de “and Hechizo de Luna, Edgar Joel takes us on an unforgettable journey through his storied career. From traveling the world alongside the iconic Johnny Pacheco to ...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for Episode 57 of the Mambo In the City Salsa Podcast with special guest Izzy Rodriguez! We’re talking: His years with the Eddie Torres Mambo King Dance Company Unforgettable Tito Puente memories The legendary Monday Night Salsa Party at El Flamingo night club The iconic Wild Palm Nightclub and hiring the Legend Cheo Feliciano Plus, the upcoming "Baile De Los Salseros" at Co-Op City Ballroom March 1st! Salsa lovers, you ...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 56: Luisito Ayala l In this captivating episode of Mambo in the City, host Adrian Montanez sits down with the legendary Luisito Ayala, the musical powerhouse behind The Puerto Rican Power. Established in the 1970s, this iconic orchestra has shaped the salsa landscape, especially under Ayala's direction as trumpeter and musical director. Join us as Luisito reflects on the band's rise to fame, from accompanying salsa giants like Héctor Lavoe and Cheo Feliciano to...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to get lost in the rhythm of Latin percussion? Legendary Latin percussionist Eric Velez steps into the spotlight in this Part 2 episode, taking us back in time to his early days with Marc Anthony's band, the thrill of performing at iconic clubs, and ultimately making the life-changing decision that would change his life musically forever. Listen in as Eric paints a vivid picture of a young musician exploring the world at just 18 years old. We continue our j...

Send us Fan Mail Eric Velez is one of the most respected Latino percussionists of his generation. He is of Puerto Rican descent, and was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Eric learned to play congas, bongos, and timbales at the young age of three with the assistance of his brother. His first musical performance was with Grupo Fascinacion at the age of fifteen. At the age of seventeen, Eric played with Eddie Palmieri and in 1993 made his first recording with Marc Anthony for the mo...

Send us Fan Mail It’s 6:30 p.m. on a beautiful Thursday evening in New York City, moments away from El Rumbero del Piano, Eddie Palmieri, taking the stage to perform at Bryant Park. I run into my friend, longtime promoter and music aficionado Manny Soba, and we chat about his years in the industry. Soon after, we are joined by fellow promoter Izzy Rodriguez, "Pequeño Johnny" Rivero, and pianist Marcus Persiani. We have a quick conversation just before Eddie Palmieri greets New York City live!...

Send us Fan Mail Purchase music heard on the Podcast: Giovanni Hidalgo: Tribute to the King: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tribute-to-the-king/1671041217 Tito Rodriguez JR "Ya Son 50" and more https://music.apple.com/us/album/ya-son-50-single/1766386596 Tito Rodriguez Jr: Eclipse Album Digital : https://music.apple.com/us/album/eclipse/1765563123 Tito Rodriguez Jr "Transición" https://music.apple.com/us/album/transici%C3%B3n/1325942508 The Big 3 Palladuim Orchestra "Live ...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to dive into the heart of Puerto Rico with me as I take you on a whirlwind journey back to la Isla de Encanto! 🌴 In this episode, we’re reliving one of the year’s hottest concert events: “Los 100 años de Willie Rosario” at the legendary Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. 🎶 Imagine this: April 27th, 2024 – the air is electric, and the excitement is palpable as the crowd gathers to celebrate the iconic Willie Rosario's century-long impact on the music scene. 🌟 ...

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Send us Fan Mail Jimmy Bosch is a world-class salsa and jazz artist Trombonist, Director, and Vocalist, Performing in over 100 countries, and has been revolutionary in the New York style Afro Caribbean music known as “Salsa Dura” or Hard Salsa. Salsa Masters is performed by Bosch and his incredible band, Adan Perez, with Piano, and Background Vocals. Alex Apolo Ayala, Bass. Brian Pozo, Bongos, Bells, Background Vocals. Ricky Rosa, Timbales,Background Vocals. Jesus Muñoz, Congas. D...

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Welcome to another exhilarating episode of the Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast! Get ready to journey back in time with me as we flip through the golden pages of the Copacabana and dive into the enchanting world of salsa. This time, our spotlight is on none other than the Fania Legend himself – Pete El Conde Rodriguez! 🕰️ Join me on a nostalgic ride as I recount the unforgettable moment of meeting Pete El Conde in the south Bronx back in 1995. Picture the energy, the rhythm...

Send us Fan Mail GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATED Percussionist Wilson “Chembo” Corniel was born in Manhattan on November 22, 1953 of proud Puerto Rican parents; Chembo was raised in the humble streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn. It was during these years, as a quick-witted youngster, that he had the privilege and honor to study with such percussion luminaries as, Tommy Lopez Sr., “Little Ray” Romero, Louie Bauzo, and Cachete Maldonado.Chembo honed his skills at The Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Ar...

Send us Fan Mail 🎉🥊🌟 Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating rhythm of the ring and the vibrant beats of the city streets! 🎶 On the next episode of "Mambo In the City Salsa Podcast," prepare for a salsa story unlike any other! Join us as we welcome a remarkable guest, none other than the esteemed Boxing Referee Ricky Gonzalez! 🌟 Together, we'll plunge into the thrilling world of boxing, exploring Ricky's incredible journey within the ring and the championship Fights he has been apart...

Send us Fan Mail Ray Viera was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. During his childhood he grew up listening to the recordings of the great "Soneros", such as Hector Lavoe, Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Chamaco Ramirez and Marvin Santiago. Collectively, these artists inspired Ray to pursue his goals, combining their musical influences into his own vocal style and sensibility. At the age of 11, Ray was sent to live with his father in the "Barrio" of Philadelphia. Where he was exposed to m...

Send us Fan Mail 🎶 Podcast Episode Alert: "Víctor Manuelle's Unforgettable 30 Anniversary concert desde el Choliseo " 🎵 Join me as we relive an unforgettable moment: the monumental concert held on June 6th, 2023, desde el Choliseo en Puerto Rico—a concert that compelled me to embark on a trip to "La Isla Del Encanto." This episode is not just about a concert; it's a celebration of Víctor Manuelle's musical legacy and the emotions his music evokes. Experience the Nostalgia: F...

Send us Fan Mail ¡Únete esta noche a nosotros en una entrevista muy especial con "El Sonero de Pesos Completos" y escucha los recuerdos SALSEROS del hombre que los vivió! Hablaremos de los Maestros Puertorriqueños, viajar y actuar junto a íconos de la Salsa, el Día Nacional de la Salsa, sus años en la Orquesta Mulenze, innumerables grabaciones ¡y mucho más! Presentado por Adrián Montañez y DJ Broadway, esta será una experiencia única para sumergirte en la historia y el legado de Pedro Omar Br...

Send us Fan Mail A native of Arecibo in Puerto Rico, Luisito Carrión has been singing since age 13. He began his career as a salsa artist with Orquesta Kafe, Orquesta La Nativa and Grupo Concepto Latino. In his early performances he sung along withCelia Cruz, Adalberto Santiago and Santitos Colon. Later he played in Salsa Fever together with Julio Gunda Mercéd where he had various hits like “Renta de Amor” y “Señores ahí va Julián”. He later joined the Bobby Valentín Orchestra where he sung t...

Send us Fan Mail He is the son of one of the most powerful forces in Latin music the late great Machito aka Frank Grillo! For over 40 years Mario Grillo has been musical director and leads the Machito Orchestra in honor of his Father! In this very Special interview Mario Grillo talks about Charlie Palmieri, his Uncle Mario Bauza, Gracila, Dizzy Gillespie and of course the Godfather of Mambo Machito! That and so Much more plus Audio clips from the 36th New York Salsa Festival from the Barclays...

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Send us Fan Mail The stories of Salsa Continue.. In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast: El Cantante Frankie Morales stops bye to shares stories of Joe Bataan, growing up around Ismael Miranda, Pete El Conde Rodriguez and the Club Corso, where he began singing coro for "El Cantante de Los Cantantes" Hector Lavoe! Frankie talks about growing up in El Barrio in New York City, working w/ Conjunto Clássico, travels with Ismael Rivera and Eddie Montalvo, Recording with Jimmy Sab...

Send us Fan Mail ¡Bienvenidos! En este episodio el legendario timbalero David Rosado Cuba nos habla de sus 50 años en la música además de historias de viajes como parte de la primera orquesta de Gilberto Santa Rosa por más de 10 años! ¡David habla sobre conocer los años de Tito Puente con Tommy Olivencia y crecer con el ícono de percusión Giovanni Hidalgo! ¡Bienvenidos al Podcast de Salsa de Mambo en la Ciudad@! Welcome! In this episode the legendary timbalero David Rosado Cuba talks t...