Mambo In The City Salsa Podcast

🎙️ Episode 65: El Salsero Luisito Rosario

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1254104/open_sms] 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. Support the show [https://cash.app/$AdrianLMontanez]

🎷 Ep. 64: Mitch Frohman shares memories of traveling the world and performing with "La Reina de Cuba" Celia Cruz, Mongo Santamaría, Joe Cuba, and the King, Tito Puente — from Jazz to Salsa ICONS 🎶🔥

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1254104/open_sms] 🎷 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. Support the show [https://cash.app/$AdrianLMontanez]

🎙️ Episode 63: Legendary Salsa Dancer and Choreographer “Mambo” Mario Díaz 💃🥁🌎 Remembers the RMM Era, and his years touring with Ralph Mercado's La Perfecta Combination!

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1254104/open_sms] 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. Support the show [https://cash.app/$AdrianLMontanez]

🌟Salsa Legend Rey Sepúlveda – We talk Salsa Romántica , RMM Era , Sergio George and the salsa classic "No Vale La Pena Enamorarse"!

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1254104/open_sms] 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. Support the show [https://cash.app/$AdrianLMontanez]

🎙️ Episode 62: El Cantante Antonio Hernández – 25+ Years with “El Gallo” Tito Rojas y Su Orquesta 🐓🎶🌎

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1254104/open_sms] 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. Support the show [https://cash.app/$AdrianLMontanez]