I just returned from my annual work / vacation aboard a cruise to the Bahamas with SalsaCruise.com. I am the spokesperson for this brand based in Brooklyn, New York for the last 8 years which includes work as the host / Master of Ceremonies / voice-over for all Radio, TV, web narrations. We have private concerts on-board and a beach party at whatever destination we sail to….ahhhhh the beach party….shades, swim trunks, spf 50 (the tan God’s were not good to me) a beer and a wireless microphone, man this is hard work!–but someone has to do it!

What a wonderful time! ..the most recognized Tropical band in the world, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, were the featured performers as well as another international superstar-Tony Vega….observing our group of 400+ passengers dance, stand mesmerized and sing along to all …and yes I mean all of El Gran Combos hits was inspiring, and mind you I have presented this famous orchestra at Madison Square Garden and countless other venues, and I am still in awe of the amazing talent that these veteran musicians bring to the stage and even deeper into the hearts of their devoted fans. The majority of the fan base of this celebrated Salsa orchestra seems to be immediately transported back to a time to their childhood in Puerto Rico.

Tony Vega got things started immediately with his most recognizable hits like “Aparentemente,” “Esa Mujer,” and “Ella Es” and had the audience eating out of his hand. The true beauty of this whole scenario is that most old school musicians from this genre of music never take their fans for granted and are very down to earth and humble about their success. This seems to hold true of most major Salsa singers that I have dealt with over the years hailing from home towns in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela and Dominican Republic. And I can’t forget to give props to some very talented NYC veteran dj’s holding it down by keeping the crowd dancing non-stop between sets and at the beach party–DJ’s Wreck and Rob Lo and DJ Pepa, even I got the itch and mixed and old school set.

Well next up is our weekend in the Catskills featuring Frankie Morales and the Mambo of the Times Orchestra, Frankie was the featured singer with the Tito Puente orchestra for numerous years…and the All-Star caliber of musicians known as Ocho y Mas will be performing as well. Hey, I hope to catch you there.