salsa head culture

The Heartbeat of Salsa Music and Culture

Welcome to SalsaHead Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything salsa! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just tapping your feet to the beat, this podcast brings you closer to the vibrant world of salsa music, its rich history, and the passionate community behind it.

Every Wednesday, we take you on a rhythmic journey through the roots of salsa—diving deep into the genre’s Afro-Cuban origins, its global spread, and the contemporary scene that continues to evolve today. You’ll hear stories about the pioneers of salsa, like Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, and Héctor Lavoe, as well as discover new, innovative voices in the salsa world.

What to Expect in Each Episode:

In-Depth Interviews: We talk to salsa musicians, dancers, and cultural icons, offering firsthand insights into their careers, influences, and what keeps them passionate about salsa. Expect lively conversations with salsa legends and emerging talents alike.
Salsa Music History: Each episode delves into the fascinating history of salsa, touching on how the genre evolved from the streets of New York City and Havana, to becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Learn about key movements like the rise of Fania Records in the 1960s and the revolutionary sounds of salsa dura.
Dance Styles and Culture: Salsa isn't just music—it's a way of life! We'll explore the different salsa dance styles like On1 (LA Style) and On2 (NY Style), breaking down what makes each style unique. Plus, we’ll chat with top instructors and dancers to give you a peek into the dance scene across cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

Why Salsa Matters Today

Salsa music has always been about more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of cultural fusion, the spirit of resistance, and a celebration of life. From its early days in Cuban social clubs to its explosion on the international stage, salsa has been a voice for the underrepresented and a means of expression for people across the globe.

Today, salsa continues to bring people together. Whether it’s at a block party in the Bronx, a packed salsa festival in Cali, or a club in Barcelona, the infectious energy of salsa transcends borders and generations.

Bands to Look Out For

New York City is a salsa lover's paradise, with legendary venues and live salsa bands keeping the music alive in 2024. Here's a roundup of some incredible bands performing across NYC today, and the venues where you can catch them:

Avenida B: Known for their classic salsa dura sound, this band is keeping the traditional salsa vibe alive. Catch them performing at iconic venues like Gonzalez y Gonzalez in Manhattan, where they light up the dance floor every week.
The Willie Rodriguez Latin Jazz Band: Fusing salsa with Latin jazz, Willie Rodriguez and his band frequently perform at Willie’s Steakhouse in the Bronx, a venue known for its great food and authentic Latin music experience.
Los Hermanos Colón: A long-time fixture in the New York salsa scene, Los Hermanos Colón brings energetic performances that blend classic salsa with contemporary twists. You can find them performing at various spots around the city, including SOB's.
Grupo Arcano: This band delivers an exciting fusion of modern and traditional salsa, and they’re often performing at venues like Taj on Mondays, where the salsa crowd meets for a night of rhythm and dance.
La Excelencia: Known as "The New Generation of Salsa Dura," La Excelencia’s sound is steeped in the gritty, street salsa of the 1970s. They perform at top salsa venues around NYC, including SOB's and The Copacabana.
Jimmy Delgado Orchestra: Jimmy Delgado, a legendary percussionist, leads one of NYC’s finest salsa orchestras. You can see them bring the house down at SOB's and Gonzalez y Gonzalez.
Omar La Voz: Omar and his band bring a fresh and modern twist to salsa, mixing in urban influences. They often perform at SOB's and Gonzalez y Gonzalez, drawing in crowds with their high-energy performances.
Fulanito: A Dominican-American group blending merengue with salsa, you can catch their electrifying sets at venues like Taj Lounge and La Boom in Queens.
Uptown Royalty: Representing the new wave of salsa bands in NYC, Uptown Royalty fuses urban sounds with salsa's traditional roots. Their performances at Gonzalez y Gonzalez and Taj Lounge have been drawing attention for their fresh energy and dynamic live shows, making them a must-watch in 2024.

These bands keep the NYC salsa scene alive and thriving, ensuring that the rhythm, culture, and passion of salsa continue to spread throughout the city. Whether you’re in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Queens, you’re bound to find a salsa band that resonates with your heart and gets your feet moving!

Join the SalsaHead Community

At SalsaHead Podcast, we believe that the love of salsa should be shared. That's why we're creating a vibrant community of salsa lovers. Tune in each week for new episodes, and don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest interviews, events, and features.

Call to Action: Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message! We love hearing from our listeners. Who knows? Your question might just be featured in our next episode!

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