BANDS & MUSICIANS

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• MERCER COUNTY CONCERT SERIES, AUGUST 2023

Carlitos Padron, is an experienced percussionist from Venezuela residing in New York City for the past 20 years. This “caraqueño” (native from Caracas), showed his skills with percussion instruments at a very young age. Inspired by two family members who were well known in the Venezuelan music industry. 

During 2007 – 2008, Carlitos Padron became a part of the music staff in the Off – Broadway show “Celia Cruz – The Musical”, and 2016 had the opportunity to participate on the Broadway show “On Your Feet” as a main percussion substitute 

At the end of 2008, Carlitos starts conquering the musical production world with the release of his own album “Los Rumberos del Callejon”, a group that incorporates some of the greatest musicians from around the world. This ensemble has already produced and recorded 3 albums “De la Nada”, “Construyendo” and, their most recent, “10mo Aniversario" celebrating their 10th Anniversary, Albums which received excellent commentaries and reviews from the public and the Latin Music related media. 

The list of artists that Carlitos has had the opportunity of sharing the stage with is extremely diverse, including great personas in the music world from all over Latin America and the Caribbean such as: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Jerry Rivera, Tito Rojas, La India, Ruben Blades, Tito Nieves, Maelo Ruiz. 

Since 2011, Carlitos became the musical director of Maelo Ruiz’s band in the U.S.

He has participated in several recording sessions with important artists and producers such as: Steven Van Zandt, Isidro Infante, Banco Popular De Puerto Rico(2010 Latin Grammy Nominated), Orquesta Akokan(2018 Grammy Nominated) Vicentico from Los Fabulosos Cadilacs, Lin Manuel Miranda “Almost like Praying” along with Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Juan Luis Guerra, Sergio George and many more...

Introducing Pedro “Pocholo” Segundo and his Boricua Legends. As his band name suggests you will not want to miss this high energy legendary band of all times. The band plays an assortment of hard Salsa, Bomba, Cha Cha Cha and will keep you dancing throughout the night. Pocholo is the Legendary Bongo player for well-known Legendary Orchestras Don Perignon y La Puertorriqueña, Celia Cruz, Jose Alberto “El Canario” and Andy Montañez, with whom he served as his musical Director. This entertaining group is awesome, and its musicians will have your guests dancing and swinging as soon as the play their first note.  

Pedro “Pocholo” Segundo and his BoricuaLegends have been the recipients of several musical awards through their twelve years together for their music and have had several top ten hits as well. Some of these hits include the tunes Sexy Lady and Paracatín Ban Ban with the great Jose Alberto “El Canario”, singing lead. You will not be disappointed when you book this band and excellent sound of Latin Rhythms. Boricua Legends has a large fan base as well.

Tabares began playing professionally at a very early age and has been on the Salsa scene for over 40 years. He is looked at, as one of the most exciting bass players to play with by his peers. Trumpet Master Manuel “Maneco” Ruíz, says “Jose Tabares is one of the greatest bass players I have been on the stage with, he just finds a way to make everyone on the band better He is a true professional”.

José has played with some of the great Salsa musicians in the world, including Tito Nieves, with whom he has played for 25 years and continues to play with to this date. During his distinguished career he has played and recorded with Colombian big name bands Grupo Niche, Fruko y sus Tesos from Colombia, Celia Cruz, Chaney, Ruben Blades, Ray Barreto, Junior Gonzalez, and Ocho y Más. This last band most recently sold out the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, NY, the Keseya Center in Miami and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, together with guest Singers and El Gran Combo from Puerto Rico. Tabares is now launching his band, The José Tabares All Star Band. A high energy awesome compilation of Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated/winner Master Musicians. This band and its high energy music will make you wanna dance from the second they play their first note or, enjoy the Latin rhythms of Salsa Dura from your seat.

Luis Gomez (Luisito) is a Dominican-American musician, arranger, récord producer and bandleader. In 2015, he received a Latin Grammy award for his work on the album, Tributo a Los Compadres: No Quiero Llanto" by artist Jose Alberto El Canario. Luisito also received a 2016 Grammy nomination for his work on this album which was nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album. In addition to his production work for Jose Alberto El Canario, he has also produced and arranged for Tito Nieves, Raulin Rosendo, The New York Band, Rey Reyes, Henry Garcia and several independent artists.

Luisito began his training as a pianist at age five and grew up in Manhattan, New York on 107 Street, hence the "Calle 107" in the band name. He is a graduate of the celebrated LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, made famous by the 1980 hit movie FAME, and Berklee College of Music. In 2003, he was the first recipient of the Celia Cruz Foundation Scholarship. 

Magdeline Benítez is a talented singer-songwriter, with a unique blend of salsa, romantic ballads, and urban beats. Magdeline is on the road to make a lasting impact on the Latin music scene with a passion that resonates with her listeners and is reflected through her music. 

Magdeline’s professional career began as the lead singer of the band Momento in Hartford, Connecticut. She later joined MJ Hearts before venturing out as a solo artist under the artistic name, Mystie. Her early recordings, including "Have I Lost You" and "On the Radio," gained recognition across the United States and remain highly valued collector’s items today.

Her passion for music, particularly salsa, was further fueled by her encounter with Julio Castro of La Orquesta La Masacre in Puerto Rico. He invited her to sing backup for his orchestra during a rehearsal, an experience that solidified her love for tropical rhythms and confirmed her desire to pursue salsa as her primary genre.