Tropical Night @ NYC Southstreet Seaport.

The Tropical Night at the Southstreet Seaport, the musical event that officially launches the National Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, will celebrate its fourteenth anniversary with a tribute to Salsa.

It’s official! The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Weekend will kickoff with a FREE concert, the Tropical Night at the Seaport at Pier 17 on the South Street Seaport Stage on Thursday, June 7th from 5:00 pm to 9 pm.

This year’s event will feature a special tribute to The Legends of Fania, presenting Adalberto Santiago, Nicky Marrero, Dave Valetine, Yomo Toro and Gilberto ” El Pulpo” Colon with special appearance of the young stars of today, Michael Stuart, The Boyz del Barrio and Xiomara. The LIVE music will kickoff promptly at 5:30pm with the Orchestra La Excelencia a full 18 piece orchestra that will get the crowd in the mood for the star attractions.

The Latin Legends of Fania represents a number of the great names that recorded under the Fania label, a legendary record company headed by the late Jerry Masucci. Fania records was the Latino version of Motown in the 1970s where many of the great names of Salsa called home. The legend began with these great performers jamming together at New York clubs such as The Red Garter, The Cheetah, The Corso and Barney Googles and ultimately together packed the house at Yankee Stadium to set up the journey of Salsa around the world.
On June 7th, R. Paniagua, Inc will present the 14th annual Tropical Night at the Seaport which pays tribute to the Latin Legends of Fania and kicks off this years Puerto Rican Day Parade in the Big Apple featuring the great names of Salsa with Adalberto Santiago, Nicky Marrero, Dave Valentine, Yomo Toro under the musical direction of Gilberto ” El Pulpo” Colon . The names have been organized to keep the spirit and history of music alive and swinging for all Latin music lovers.

The South Street Seaport will jam this evening with some of the best names in Latin music with a musical ensemble composed of Nicky Marrero (timbales), Dave Valentine (flute), Yomo Toro (cuatro), Luisito Rosario (vocal), Emo Luciano (vocal), Louie Bauzo (bongo and bata drums), Eddie Montalvo (congas), Max Rodriguez (bass), Mac Gollehon (trumpet), Richie Viruet (trumpet), Joe Fielder (trombone), Lewis Khan (trombone), Vincent Velez (baritone sax) and Frank Fontaine (baritone sax). The quality of music is guaranteed to be the finest representation of Salsa music in the world.

And to give it the final touch The Tropical night will present the young stars of today with Michael Stuart, Boyz del Barrio and Xiomara who will continue the tradition for the young fans of salsa.

And with Orchestra La Excelencia opening up the show this event will undoubtedly be an unforgettable musical night at the South Street Seaport.

Nicky Marrero an accomplished percussionist will enlighten you with his rhythmic flair with his timbales. Dave Valentine a world reknown flautistperforms and demonstrates the intense rhythmic tunes with the flute. Yomo Toro is not only a great cuatro player; he is also beloved by all for his incredible personality and poise. His musicality adds a touch of happiness to the spicy tunes presented by the Legends. A legend, the Bronx resident, has been a music icon for more than three decades.

Eddie Montalvo is a blessed musician with a true notion for the Latin rhythms. For many years a member of the Fania group, Montalvo is well known and a professional who has played for more than two decades, one of the great sidemen, bar none.

Talking about soneros, Adalberto Santiago is one of the unique voices in the business. Adalberto has been one of the best singers in the business for over 40 years and his voice remains at his best. His style makes for a unique presentation.

The guest stars are led by Michael Stuart. A native of Arecibo, in Puerto Rico, Michael is a favorite of the salsa crowd and an accomplished sonero.

This year as in previous years the Private V.I.P. party will be at The Cabana Restaurant at the South Street Seaport for over 400 invited Dignitaries.