El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is Puerto Rico’s most successful musical group, and “the most popular Salsa group that has ever existed.”
We saw them live at Club Vivo in Carolina, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Wow, we couldn’t stop dancing.
Ritz Theatre
Saturday, April 11, 2020 ~ El Gran Combo plays classic Puerto Rican salsa at the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth, New Jersey at 8pm. From $45
Bergen Performing Arts Center
October 2, 2020 ~ El Gran Combo plays the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey at 8pm.
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is the most popular Salsa band ever
The orchestra was founded in 1962 by Rafael Ithier. He is still around as honorary music director.
A lot of famous Salseros were part of the band over the years. Ismael Rivera, Roberto Roena, Andy Montañez, Charlie Aponte, Jerry Rivas, and many more. So many great artists have been part of the band that the Colombians call it “La Universidad de la Salsa” (The Salsa University).
El Gran Combo’s first album was Menéame los mangos (Shake My Mango 1963). Their third album Acángana (1964) opened doors for the band when it went No. 1 in New York, Puerto Rico, and Panama. The band got their own television show in Puerto Rico El Show de las 12.
The band opened for the FANIA All-Stars at the legendary 1973 concert at Yankee Stadium.
El Gran Combo is still going strong. For New York there is nothing like la Salsa de Puerto Rico.
Previous NYC Shows
Sony Hall
Sunday, March 8, 2020 ~ El Gran Combo plays classic Puerto Rican salsa at Sony Hall in the Times Square Theater District at 7pm. Tickets from $30
Radio City Music Hall
Saturday, February 15, 2020 ~ The band is joined by Jerry Rivera (Cara de Niño, 1993) and Tito Nieves (I Like it Like That, 1996) for a night of the best Puerto Rican salsa at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, NYC at 8pm. From $96
La Boom
Friday, July 19, 2019 ~ The band and Binomio de Oro (vallenato) celebrate Colombian Independence Day at La Boom nightclub in Woodside, Queens at 10pm. From $38.
La Boom is a small venue and Colombia is going to be celebrating big time. This should be a great show.
Radio City Music Hall
Saturday, February 16, 2019 ~ The band and La Sonora Ponceña play Puerto Rican salsa at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, Manhattan at 8pm. From $86
Closing B.B. King Blues Club
Thursday, April 26, 2018 ~ The band plays B.B. King Blues Club’s closing week with Eddie Palmieri in Midtown, Manhattan at 8 pm. $69 – $125
Ford Amphitheater
Sunday, September 3, 2017 ~ The band plays the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk at 7pm. $35 – $134
Madison Square Garden
Saturday, June 10, 2017 ~ The band plays Madison Square Garden in Chelsea, Manhattan on at 8pm.
