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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.

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🔥 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 brotherhood, and what it meant to move through the world connected to salsa’s greatest foundations.

From there, Tito Jr opens up about the travel years with the “Big 3” Palladium Orchestra energy, the stories behind The Eclipse Album, and the everlasting impact of his late father — Palladium icon Tito Rodríguez — whose voice and elegance helped shape the sound of an era.

🎶 If you love classic salsa, Palladium history, and real behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.

✅ Watch / Listen / Subscribe for more interviews, salsa culture, and NYC/Puerto Rico stories.

#Salsa #TitoRodriguezJr #GilbertoSantaRosa #Guaguanco #Palladium #Machito #MarioGrillo #LatinJazz #Mambo #SalsaDura

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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 Harlow of the Fania All-Stars in 1996. Luisito recalls recording “Tumba y Bongo” for Harlow’s 35th anniversary album, touring the world, and learning from salsa icons like Néstor Sánchez.

Together, Adrian and Luisito dive into the evolution of salsa, the balance between tradition and modern styles, and what the future looks like for the next generation of performers. Along the way, Luisito opens up about favorite memories, career highlights, and the cultural pride that fuels his passion for salsa.

This conversation, guided by Adrian Montañez, blends storytelling, history, and inspiration—making it a must-listen for salsa lovers and new listeners alike.

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🎷 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 Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Talking Heads and more.

For 25 years, Mitch held down the sax/flute chair with the Tito Puente Orchestra and Latin-Jazz Ensemble, and today he continues to tour the world with the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra and lead his own acclaimed groups like The Bronx Horns and his Latin-Jazz Quartet.

We talk about:

• 🏙️ Growing up in the Bronx and the sounds that shaped him
• 🎶 Playing with salsa and jazz royalty
• 🌎 Touring the world and carrying the tradition forward

If you love salsa, Latin jazz, or NYC music history, Mitch’s stories are pure gold. This episode is equal parts history lesson, masterclass, and inspiration for musicians and music lovers alike.

Host:
🎙️ Adrian Montanez — concert photographer turned podcaster, bringing behind-the-lens curiosity and passion for music to every conversation.

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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 Square Garden, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Disney World, the Los Angeles Coliseum, and toured internationally in Colombia, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Italy, and Switzerland.

Mario has shared the stage with legends like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Willie Rosario, Marc Anthony, Oscar D’León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ray Sepúlveda, La India, and The Stylistics. He has choreographed for Tito Puente, Víctor Manuelle, José Alberto “El Canario,” and La Combinación Perfecta tour, among others.

His television and film credits include performances on Good Day NY, Telemundo, CBS, ABC, and the movie Center Stage. Today, Mario continues to inspire as a dance instructor, choreographer, personal coach, percussionist, singer, and emcee, believing that through music and dance, one can express freedom and joy.

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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 76
• The stories behind some of his most iconic hits, including “No Vale la Pena Enamorarse”, and his collaborations with Johnny Ray (Salsa Con Clase) and RMM ERA.
• Insights into being part of Ralph Mercado’s legendary roster and “La Perfecta Combinación”, which marked salsa’s golden years.
• His reflections on the legacy of salsa and how the genre continues to inspire across generations.

🌎 From Brooklyn to stages across the globe, Rey’s journey — shaped by friendship, music, and perseverance — reminds us why salsa is truly timeless.

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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, Israel, Africa, and the United States.

The conversation highlights:
✨ Memories from life on tour with Tito Rojas
✨ What it meant to represent Puerto Rican salsa on the world stage
✨ Collaborations with Willie Rosario, Andy Montañez, Edwin Clemente, and El Barretto Show
✨ How Antonio continues to perform and keep salsa alive today

This episode is more than a look back—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the music, the brotherhood, and the legacy of a career that continues to inspire salsa lovers worldwide.

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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 bandstand, tours across the world, and the energy of working alongside the King of Latin Music.
• Memories of John "Dandy" Rodríguez – Personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes moments with one of the great bongoceros of our time.
• Travel Stories with Tito Puente – The magic, the chaos, and the unforgettable experiences of touring with "EL Rey Del Timbal.
• The Mambo Legends Orchestra – How José and fellow musicians continue to keep the music alive, honoring the traditions of Tito Puente, Machito, and Tito Rodríguez while pushing the sound into the future.

🎶 Why You Can’t Miss This:

This episode is a treasure chest of salsa history, told directly by someone who lived it. From Palladium-era mambo roots to the grand stages of international tours, José Madera’s stories connect the past, present, and future of Latin music.

🔗 Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📸 Don’t forget to check out exclusive photos and behind-the-scenes content at MamboInTheCity.com and on Instagram @MamboInTheCityPodcast.

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