R. Paniagua Inc. Launches The 2005 Tropical Music Festival.

El Dia de la Musica Latina at Orchard Beach features an array of Latino musical stars and groups that will make this day an exciting one for lovers of Latin music and dance. Latin music has crossed over into mainstream America and has become a craze for all New Yorkers to learn how to dance this sexy and invigorating music. Dance classes will also be offered.

Headlining the festival, Ray Castro and Conjunto Clásico is one of the most popular dance bands in New York Salsa scene since the 1980’s. Clásico has remained a fan favorite with their unique conjunto sound. With hits like El Piraguero, and Olga y Margara, just to mention two tunes, the band has captivated both dancers and Salsa aficionados for many years. With band members Richie Viruet (Trumpet), Héctor Pagán (Singer), José García (Tres), David Navedo (Singer), Víctor Cruz (Bongós), José Tabares (Bajo), Juicy (Conga), Nito Carrasquillo (Piano) and Ramón Castro (Band Leader), Clásico offers a true blend of the New York Salsa experience.

Following Clásico, The Soneros del Barrio, fronted by Salsa vocalist, Frankie Vázquez, continue the Salsa extravaganza. Another very important cog in the New York Salsa sound, Los Soneros del Barrio, have a distinctive sound that has made them a favorite of all dancers. Undoubtedly, Frankie Vázquez’ ability as a quality vocalist is recognized by all.

Then, to add a touch of Latin Jazz, world renowned flutist Dave Valentín joins the mix as a very special guest. Valentín has enjoyed a long career that has seen him star in both the Latin and Anglo musical spectrums, through his participation in the Salsa and Jazz experience. He has performed with Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie amongst others and will perform with both bands, adding his very special style to the sound of these very popular dance bands.

NOVA, will add the urban spice of Reggaeton into this great Latin Music Day. Reggaeton is the music craze of the moment, a favorite rhythm amongst Urban youth, without a question, NOVA will provide added excitement to this wonderful summerday of entertainment at Orchard Beach.

The 2005 Tropical Music Festival will offer 26 free concerts that will reach New Yorker’s from all boroughs and walks of life. With a tremendous variety of acts in the genres of Salsa, Jazz, Bachata, Merengue and Reggaeton, the 2005 Tropical Music Festival, part of RPI’s Summer Music Series, is surely covering all bases. For this years events we have the participation of Jimmy Bosch, Jimmy Sabater, Jose Alberto ” El Canario” Aquakate, Edgar Joel, Conjunto Imagen and Frankie Morales amongst a blend of artists that is sure to guarantee that the community is able to enjoy quality performances throughout the city boroughs.

This year, The 2005 Tropical Music Festival will provide a truly hot Latin Music celebration Thursdays, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer months of July and August. The festival combines outstanding performances by New York City’s hottest Salsa, Jazz, Reggaeton, Bachata and Merengue acts. It is a unique opportunity to bring the public a terrific musical performance, straight into their neighborhood, from Lower Manhattan to the Upper West Side and The Bronx. The events will be hosted Thursdays at East River Amphitheatre (6 events), Fridays at Bryant Park (6 events), Saturdays in the Upper Manhattan (4 events) and Sundays in Orchard Beach (10 events). The free concerts will provide a quality entertainment, performed by top notch artists to all New Yorkers during the whole summer.

Thursdays-The East River Amphitheatre is located in the FDR Drive and Cherry Street in Manhattan, just a few blocks from the Williamsburg Bridge, and a close distance from the Borough of Brooklyn. Without a doubt the Amphitheatre is a perfect location for a multiethnic event. Tropical music is offered for 6 event dates. This venue combines outstanding Latin music with the best of SALSA/MERENGUE bands in New York and are best captured in the lifestyle, architecture and warm romantic evenings of summer in the heart of Lower Manhattan. This series will present Latin artists performing with the best Latin bands each week. These shows will create a fun and entertaining environment in the heart of what is Latino in NYC.

Fridays-Bryant Park is located on 42nd street directly behind the New York City Public Library. Its large trees line up the entrance, opening up a fresh haven for all that try to stay away from the summer heat. Alternative music is offered for 6 event dates. This venue combines outstanding Latin music with the best of Latin Jazz bands in New York and are best captured in the lifestyle, architecture and warm romantic evenings of summer in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This series will present Latin jazz artists performing with the best Latin bands each week. These shows will create a fun and entertaining environment in the heart of what is Latino in NYC.

Saturdays-Anne Loftus Park All roads lead to Anne Loftus Park, located at the basin of the Cloisters in Uptown Manhattan. Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton music will be offered for all 4 dates.

Sundays-Orchard Beach located in The Bronx, has, for years, been a favorite place to house community activities. It serves as the host for the main events of 2005 Tropical Music Festival, including the El Dia de la Musica Latina, Sunday July 3rd. This venue presents the finest multi-cultural Caribbean music performers free for all New Yorkers at New York’s #1 Latino Beach, Orchard Beach. Visitors and beach goers will enjoy the live entertainment, children’s activities and on-site community services at the health education pavilions.

The 2005 Tropical Music Festival series is sponsored by Heineken, Verizon, NYP Hospital, American Airlines, Health Plus, Red Bull, Cibao Meats, Pepsi Cola, Arroz Rico, Hoy and 105.9 La Kalle FM.