Larry Harlow’s La Raza Latina, A Salsa Suite (New York Premiere)

Saturday, August 14, 2010 7:30 PM

Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Damrosch Park Bandshell
New York, NY

Conducted by Larry Harlow, starring Rubén Blades,
with guest vocalist Adonis Puentes
Bobby Sanabria Big Band

Composed to convey the history of Latin music in song, La Raza Latina remains a testament to keyboard genius Larry Harlow’s commitment to salsa as well as his creative vision. In the long-awaited New York premiere of this landmark 1977 suite, the legendary Jewish salsero pilots a sprawling 40-piece orchestra and chorus playing music by Harlow, Johnny Ortiz, Rudy Calzado, and Tito Puente. Panamanian superstar Rubén Blades, a veteran of the original Fania recording, recreates his role as lead vocalist, joined by Cuban singer Adonis Puentes and The Masacote Dance Company.

Multi-Grammy-nominated virtuoso drummer Bobby Sanabria’s fierce Big Band serves as the orchestra’s nerve center, as well as opening the night with a hard-swinging set of Afro-Cuban jazz that marries sophisticated harmonies with explosive rhythms.

La Raza Latina presented with support from Fania Records.

FREE