Bringing the Salsa Universe Together
On September 22 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, world-famous Latin music producer Sergio George assembled over a dozen of Latin music’s modern kings and queens for an explosive tribute to the salsa genre: the FESTIVAL DE LA SALSA ¡ATACA SERGIO! All Stars Concert.
Opening Moments
The concert opened with a story narrating the prolific producer’s 40 years in production, which resulted in over 20 Latin GRAMMY® wins thanks to his dedication to tropical music and his frequent collaborations with some of Latin music’s biggest icons. This appreciation, as DJ Alex Sensation, a fellow salsa enjoyer, would go on to narrate, is rooted in the genre’s deep, rich history.
First Numbers: Celebrating the Past and Future
The first number to hit the stage would be “Juliana,” performed by Huey Dunbar. Throughout the concert, songs would be brought to life by the talented Sergio George All Stars Band, which was directed by Maestro Bobby Allende. Dunbar would go on to perform “No Morirá” and “La Quiero a Morir,” then George and the band Bacilos, performing their throwback hit “Primer Millón,” would usher in some younger and more modern voices in the genre, including Lenny Tavárez, Rafa Pabón, and Justin Quiles. And speaking of young stars, another guest to make an appearance was Broadway and salsa icon Anthony Ramos, who performed his and George’s minimalist hit “I Was the One,” complete with dance choreography and a passionate audience sing-along.
Nods to the Greats
Luis Enrique and La India would go on to perform more of the genre’s greatest hits, taking on renditions of “Yo No Sé Mañana” and “Ese Hombre.” La India also took the time to craft a thoughtful and emotional tribute to the late singer Celia Cruz, undoubtably the historical face of salsa. Meanwhile, the group Corazón Serrano and musician Gian Marco, later performed the hit “Se Me Olvidó,” followed up by Fariana performing “Caballito” and a tribute to Maestro Cheo Feliciano with a rendition of “La Gata y el Ratón.” Long-time collaborators of George, Servando y Florentino, performed throwback hits that their greatest fans would recognize even from back in their era as Los Hermanos Primera, including “Alíviame,” “Una Canción que Me Enamoré,” “Estás Hecha para Mí,” and “Una Fan Enamorada.” Other artists that would appear during the packed show included Gente de Zona, Corazón Serrano, Annasofia, Anita Saldarriaga, and more.
A Closing Spectacle
The final “bring the house down” moment of the show was Carlos Vives’ appearance alongside George to give the first live performance of their version of Tito Nieves’ “Fabricando Fantasías,” just days after their cover dropped. The concert closed out with a salsa version of “La Tierra del Olvido,” before the premiere of the final number: a surprise never-before-heard salsa arrangement by George, which was met with a standing ovation.
About the Author
