artist spotlights | song of the week
State Theatre presents Salsa Concerts by Victor Manuelle and Grupo Niche
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The recently renovated State Theatre New Jersey presents two salsa concerts this November: Victor Manuelle on Friday, November 11 at 8:00pm and Colombian salsa kings Grupo Niche on Saturday, November 19 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $25-$155.
Known as El Sonero de la Juventud (“The Singer Of Youths”) by his fans, Victor Manuelle's musical specialty is salsa romántica or "salsa monga." During his career, Manuelle has released 19 albums, has received multiple Grammy® and Latin Grammy® nominations, and has had multiple #1 albums on the Billboard Latin Album chart.
Manuelle was born in New York City, but was raised in Isabela, Puerto Rico where his career began. At a high school graduation party, Manuelle was pulled on stage to sing by salsa performer, Gilberto Santa Rosa, who was truly impressed. Word spread and soon after, Puerto Rican bandleader Don Periñon invited the teenage Manuelle to join him as a backup singer.
Manuelle became a staple of mid-90's tropical and salsa music. His first two albums, Justo a Tiempo and Sólo Contigo, released in 1993 and 1994 respectively, spawned some of his most popular hits including “Estás Tocando Fuego” and “Apiádate de Mi.” His albums, Victor Manuelle (1996) and A Pesar de Todo (1997) each spawned multiple number one hits including “Volverás” and “Dile a Ella.” Both albums were also each RIAA Certified 2x Platinum, selling over 1,000,000 copies combined.
Colombian salsa kings Grupo Niche return to State Theatre New Jersey! Often called the “Salsa Experience,” the band performs an invigorating range of uptempo dance music as well as romantic numbers in their dazzling live shows.
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Founded in 1980 by Jairo Varela and Alexis Loano in Bogota, Colombia, salsa group Grupo Niche is one of Latin America's most popular acts. Grupo Niche’s first major success was the release of Querer es Poder and the single “Buenaventura y Caney.” In 1984, the band produced its signature song “Cali Pachanguero,” a hit tribute to the world salsa capital. Other hits include “Cali Ají,” “Sin Sentimientos,” “Una Aventura,” and “Gotas de Lluvia.”
For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469) or visit online at STNJ.org. State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.
After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey has reopened and celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater including newly renovated lobbies, all new restrooms, upgraded HVAC systems, a new elevator for access to all levels, and brand-new theater seats. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey” can be streamed online.
Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a non-profit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.
State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.
