(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents El Gran Combo on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 8:00pm. Commonly known as El Gran Combo, they are the king of the classic Salsa rhythm and a source of pride for all Puerto Ricans. The Puerto Rican Salsa music orchestra has a reputation as a powerful live band with choreography that inspires people to dance.
El Gran Combo has been a giant of the salsa genre for more than 50 years, shaping the Puerto Rican sound and serving as an unmistakable reference point for all singers, musicians, dancers and lovers of Latin music. During that time it has helped popularize salsa across the globe, releasing more than 40 albums, landing numerous Latin Grammy awards and creating dozens of timeless classics that have become standard tunes for the genre.
Largely defiant in the face of musical fads that come and go, the band has stayed faithful to its Puerto Rican roots and a distinctive sound featuring loud and proud horns, lock-tight grooves and playful vocals with a delicious swing. The group is also known as the University of Salsa for its many ‘graduates’ who have gone on to become genre legends like their musical alma mater.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012, it is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and is considered "the most popular Salsa group that has ever existed." Led by pianist and musical director Rafael Ithier (born: Rafael Ithier Eddie Perez) the 13-piece salsa group continues to inspire dancers with its horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies, five decades after their inception.
bergenPAC is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, NJ.
