El "Día de San Juan" Salsa Festival 2024 Lineup
Rico Walker - Headliner
With a musical career spanning almost four decades, singer-songwriter Ricardo “Rico” Walker has delighted numerous audiences around the world. His talent has been recognized in prestigious top-level orchestras, and his collaboration with renowned salseros is the most faithful testimony of his artistic skill.
In his early days, Walker stood out as a singer with the Orlando Orchestra Pabellón, where he stayed for five years and recorded two albums: “En la bonita” (1987) and “Una aventura más” (1991).
Starting in 1993, he made his way as a vocalist in the iconic Willie Rosario Orchestra leaving an indelible mark on three record productions, reaping unforgettable successes such as: "Esa muñeca", "La novia", "La bomba", "Un tipo como yo", and "¿Quién rayos me mandaría?", among others.
After eight years with Mister Afinque, in 2003, “Rico” Walker joined La Puertorriqueña by Don Perignon, where he participated in six albums, intervening with his exceptional voice and particular style, in more than twenty captivating songs, including two of his own authorship. Of those 17 years of continuous work with La Puertorriqueña, the public became well aware of the interpretation of “Rico” in: "Para mi Gente", "Cáscara con afinque", "Baila", "Afinque total", "Ahí Na’ma", "Cultura y sabor", among many other successes.
While he delighted the public as the singer of La Puertorriqueña, with his vast experience, “Rico” Walker expanded his horizons through other musical collaborations. Thus, special projects flourished in which he shared his talent in productions by prominent artists such as: Eddie Montalvo, “Desde Nueva York a Puerto Rico” (2012); Puerto Rico All Stars, “Echando Candela” (2013); Javier Fernández Big Band, “The Eternal Classic” (2014); Carmencita DJ and his Salsamanía, “Mi pasión” (2016); Pedro Bermúdez, “Arrasando” (2018); Eduardo Zayas and his EZ La Banda, “Nacido entre titanes” (2019); Ángel Meléndez, “Gia Fu Presents Ángel Meléndez X Big Band Máquina” (2021), to name a few.
In 2022, the so-called “Salsa Patriot”, as “Rico” Walker is recognized, presented to the public his first record production as a soloist "Con sabor y cadencia" produced by Steve Guasch (Salsaneo Records). Topics like "Vengo con to'" and "El tumbao de la timba", have made this album acclaimed by his followers and consolidated Walker in his position within the Salsa industry. Currently, “Rico” is at an unparalleled professional stage due to his numerous years of dedication as a salsa exponent and the valuable accumulated experience with outstanding musicians. With an innate talent that transcends borders, “Rico” Walker has known how to conquer the recognition and admiration of his most prominent colleagues for his commitment and delivery on stage. Without a doubt, we are in the presence of one of the most sublime soneros that Salsa has had the privilege of hosting. Rico Walker's recent participation in Día Nacional de la Zalsa 2022 by Z-93; in the “Tribute to the King” in Concert with Giovanni Hidalgo, Fania Explosión at the Miramar Convention Center, and the Traditional Festivities of the Cruz, in Puerta de Tierra, confirm that he is one of the most sought-after talents in the world at the moment.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the charisma and artistic energy of "Rico" Walker. His vocal and interpretive ability, accompanied by a high-quality repertoire, transports the audience to a universe full of rhythm and joy. Get ready to live a unique experience and let the music of "Rico" Walker and his orchestra make you dance like never before.
You can listen to some of "Rico" Walker's successes here:
"Un tipo como yo"
"La Bomba"
Social Media
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify
In his early days, Walker stood out as a singer with the Orlando Orchestra Pabellón, where he stayed for five years and recorded two albums: “En la bonita” (1987) and “Una aventura más” (1991).
Starting in 1993, he made his way as a vocalist in the iconic Willie Rosario Orchestra leaving an indelible mark on three record productions, reaping unforgettable successes such as: "Esa muñeca", "La novia", "La bomba", "Un tipo como yo", and "¿Quién rayos me mandaría?", among others.
After eight years with Mister Afinque, in 2003, “Rico” Walker joined La Puertorriqueña by Don Perignon, where he participated in six albums, intervening with his exceptional voice and particular style, in more than twenty captivating songs, including two of his own authorship. Of those 17 years of continuous work with La Puertorriqueña, the public became well aware of the interpretation of “Rico” in: "Para mi Gente", "Cáscara con afinque", "Baila", "Afinque total", "Ahí Na’ma", "Cultura y sabor", among many other successes.
While he delighted the public as the singer of La Puertorriqueña, with his vast experience, “Rico” Walker expanded his horizons through other musical collaborations. Thus, special projects flourished in which he shared his talent in productions by prominent artists such as: Eddie Montalvo, “Desde Nueva York a Puerto Rico” (2012); Puerto Rico All Stars, “Echando Candela” (2013); Javier Fernández Big Band, “The Eternal Classic” (2014); Carmencita DJ and his Salsamanía, “Mi pasión” (2016); Pedro Bermúdez, “Arrasando” (2018); Eduardo Zayas and his EZ La Banda, “Nacido entre titanes” (2019); Ángel Meléndez, “Gia Fu Presents Ángel Meléndez X Big Band Máquina” (2021), to name a few.
In 2022, the so-called “Salsa Patriot”, as “Rico” Walker is recognized, presented to the public his first record production as a soloist "Con sabor y cadencia" produced by Steve Guasch (Salsaneo Records). Topics like "Vengo con to'" and "El tumbao de la timba", have made this album acclaimed by his followers and consolidated Walker in his position within the Salsa industry. Currently, “Rico” is at an unparalleled professional stage due to his numerous years of dedication as a salsa exponent and the valuable accumulated experience with outstanding musicians. With an innate talent that transcends borders, “Rico” Walker has known how to conquer the recognition and admiration of his most prominent colleagues for his commitment and delivery on stage. Without a doubt, we are in the presence of one of the most sublime soneros that Salsa has had the privilege of hosting. Rico Walker's recent participation in Día Nacional de la Zalsa 2022 by Z-93; in the “Tribute to the King” in Concert with Giovanni Hidalgo, Fania Explosión at the Miramar Convention Center, and the Traditional Festivities of the Cruz, in Puerta de Tierra, confirm that he is one of the most sought-after talents in the world at the moment.
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the charisma and artistic energy of "Rico" Walker. His vocal and interpretive ability, accompanied by a high-quality repertoire, transports the audience to a universe full of rhythm and joy. Get ready to live a unique experience and let the music of "Rico" Walker and his orchestra make you dance like never before.
You can listen to some of "Rico" Walker's successes here:
"Un tipo como yo"
"La Bomba"
Social Media
Spotify
Orquesta Borinquen
Hip Hop Jibarito
Godbless Bendiciones
My name is Ariel “Soundboy” Cartagena
Also known as EL HiPHOP JiBARiTO y su Orquesta Nosfuimos
Awarded Salsero Urbano Del Año TELEMUNDO .
HipHop Jibarito y su Orquesta Nosfuimos is a modern PuertoRican representation of preserving culture and live music. 11 piece salsa band: congas, campana, bongo, timbales, piano, baby bass, trumpets, trombone, sax, & guitar. Includes dancing maraca man & dancing HipHop Jibarito mascot & Bomba dancers.
Instagram @hiphopjibarito
YouTube HipHop Jibarito
My name is Ariel “Soundboy” Cartagena
Also known as EL HiPHOP JiBARiTO y su Orquesta Nosfuimos
Awarded Salsero Urbano Del Año TELEMUNDO .
HipHop Jibarito y su Orquesta Nosfuimos is a modern PuertoRican representation of preserving culture and live music. 11 piece salsa band: congas, campana, bongo, timbales, piano, baby bass, trumpets, trombone, sax, & guitar. Includes dancing maraca man & dancing HipHop Jibarito mascot & Bomba dancers.
Instagram @hiphopjibarito
YouTube HipHop Jibarito
Jery y su Kombo Klasico
Dos Four Gambizi
Dos Four (Leyder Chapman) is an impressive performer with a unique sound and powerful lyrics. Each show is delivered with incredible energy and will have the entire audience on their feet moving by the time he is ready to start the second song. The music itself, written and created by Dos Four, is a unique fusion of current and traditional rhythms from both Cuba and the U.S. - a distinct blend of hip hop, reggaeton, salsa, and mambo as well as many other rhythms. And when you listen to this artist's list of influences, you begin to understand why: Benny More, Los Van Van, Charanga Habanera, Munequitos de Matanzas, Tego Calderon, Don Omar, Snoop Dog and Jay-Z just to name a few.
Dos Four has shared the stage with Danny Losada, Fito Reinoso, Jesus Diaz, Gente De Zona, Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Fulanitos, and others. He has performed at clubs all over the U.S. including the Bay Area, NY, Miami and LA as well as performing in Europe.
Dos Four is proud of his roots and is quoted in saying "Cubans take pride in their culture. We were born with the drum [and] I carry Cuba around like a backpack.”
Dos Four has shared the stage with Danny Losada, Fito Reinoso, Jesus Diaz, Gente De Zona, Don Omar, Ivy Queen, Fulanitos, and others. He has performed at clubs all over the U.S. including the Bay Area, NY, Miami and LA as well as performing in Europe.
Dos Four is proud of his roots and is quoted in saying "Cubans take pride in their culture. We were born with the drum [and] I carry Cuba around like a backpack.”
Hazel B
Hazel B was born in El Salvador into a home full of music... a musician grandfather, parents and uncles who were dancers and music lovers. She has in her memory the boleros and ballads that were hits by artists like José Feliciano, José José, Rocio Dúrcal, which she sang at the age of 10. As a teenager she discovered pop and salsa and fell in love with their rhythm and movement. Today she combines her memory and her love to produce songs of new memories, performing those classic vintage songs from her childhood with the warmth of Afro-Caribbean music.
DJ's
Angela Tirado
Angela Borricua Tirado is a local Puerto Rican a cappella vocalist from East Side San Jose . She enjoys sharing her God given talent with her community. She has been named "The Voice of San Jose" in 2015 by San Jose City Council and former Mayor Sam Liccardo. The Voice of The Bay Area by Vice-Mayor of FremontvTeresa Cox , The Voice of The Veterans by United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County, and The Voice of Forever Oakland by our beloved Godfather Griz Jones of Oakland, CA .
Her motto is:
"God gives each of us a gift of talent, what we do with it is our gift to God" .
This was taught to her by her deceased mother Angelita Tirado.
She is well known for singing our beautiful US National Anthem and has sung for The Puerto Rican "Día De San Juan" for many years.
Her motto is:
"God gives each of us a gift of talent, what we do with it is our gift to God" .
This was taught to her by her deceased mother Angelita Tirado.
She is well known for singing our beautiful US National Anthem and has sung for The Puerto Rican "Día De San Juan" for many years.
Lovely
Lovely is our youngest performer this year and will be singing our beautiful Puerto Rican National Anthem.
Click here to purchase tickets online!
