Salsa sounds fuse South Bronx’s past and present
The sound of salsa echoed through St. Mary’s Park, while hundreds awaited the arrival of star Dominican vocalist José Alberto, also known as “El Canario.”
In collaboration with the city’s SummerStage series, the legendary Fania record label has arranged a series of live concerts, DJ events, theatrical works and film screenings across the city through August 23 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its creation.
Fania, which recorded salsa stars like Willie Colon, Celia Cruz and Héctor Lavoe recorded, was launched in 1964 by Dominican composer and bandleader Johnny Pacheco and Italian-American lawyer Jerry Masucci.
While some who were at the concert knew about planned celebrations at St. Mary’s Park this summer, others found the show accidentally and stayed. For Carmen Gonzalez, it was coincidence that brought her to the show. A frequent visitor to the park, she and her young son heard the faint beats of salsa in the distance and followed the sounds. She soon returned to the park with friends, her mother and a few chairs.
“Who doesn’t love a free show?” said Gonzalez. “We need more concerts like these here in the Bronx.” News of the salsa concerts also brought New Yorkers from other boroughs.
Diane Martinez came from Manhattan after hearing reviews from her friends about previous concert performances at St. Mary’s. “It’s a great atmosphere,” said Martinez.“I’m coming back tomorrow to see the rest of the shows.”
Performances have included salsa singers like Tony Vega and Domingo Quinones as well as the Ballet Hispanico’s second company, BHdos. But many who came to see “El Canario” were excited just for a chance just to see José Alberto perform.
“I’m a huge fan of El Canario,” said Iris Moran, a yearly visitor to the concert shows. “I lived around here all my life, I was raised in salsa.”
“He has high energy, a great performer,” said Richard Elliot, father of SummerStage director Erika Elliot. “He always plays great shows.”
Crowds of young and old danced and sang to old salsa standards they remembered hearing back in the day. When José Alberto arrived, cheers erupted from all corners of the park and many crushed together near the stage for a chance to get a photo of their favorite crooner. Others brought their families and barbecued dinner in more relaxed fashion as the music played.
“This neighborhood deserves events like these,” said Elliot. “Free music in the park, what more do we need?”
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