The legendary salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will perform a one-night-only show at Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College. Officially named “Ambassadors of Our Music” by the Puerto Rican Senate, the renowned salsa orchestra seeks to inspire audiences worldwide with their horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and vocal harmonies.
Since its inception in 1962 by bandleader Rafael Ithier, El Gran Combo have collaborated with several household names, such as singers Charlie Aponte, Johnny Ventura, Celia Cruz, and Jerry Rivas, and musicians Miguel Marrero, Milton Correa, Edwin Cortes, and Martin Quinones. So many renowned artists “graduated” from El Gran Combo that the band became affectionately known as the University of Salsa.
Over the course of their musical career, the group has been met with global acclaim and numerous accolades, including six Grammy nominations for Best Tropical Album and Best Latin Performance and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard in 2002.
This dynastic institution is considered the most successful salsa orchestra in Puerto Rico and throughout the world. Their staying power can be attributed to their willingness to evolve musically, the steady presence of their founding members, and the unwavering loyalty of their fans.
The band will perform on Friday, March 2 at 9 p.m. in Colden Auditorium, 153-49 Reeves Ave. in Flushing. Tickets are priced from $39 to $89. Students get a 10% discount with CUNY ID.
For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the Kupferberg Center for the Arts box office at 718-793-8080.
