Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the three-time Grammy® winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, sets the gold standard for excellence in authentic, New York style, hard core salsa. 

Whether in a concert hall or at an outdoor jazz festival, there is no easing you in, they come at you full force, from start to finish. Their energy on stage and their rich sound and musical precision leave audiences mesmerized until the last note is played. With an unwavering respect for the music’s storied history, the ensemble’s thirteen world-class musicians and vocalists come together to create an unparalleled musical experience.

Now celebrating 25 years of excellence, SHO, as they are known to fans, is dedicated to the sounds of the barrio (Spanish Harlem, NYC). Their music is characterized by the raw, organic and vintage sound defined by the genre. They are on a mission to keep the musical legacy of salsa dura (hard salsa) alive and expand its audience to those who love great music, not just Latin music. Grounded in the past, while focused on the future, they strive to keep the music relevant, creating a unique and fresh approach.

With nine CD’s and six Grammy nominations, this powerhouse orchestra is aware that it is crucial to continually push themselves and raise the bar. Their new 2024 release, Swing Forever, solidifies Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s well-earned reputation as the true sound of the barrio, and “the leading light of the salsa reconstruction movement” (Newsday). Featuring six-time Grammy® winner Puerto Rican sonero, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Swing Forever continues to write Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s legacy in the annals of the music’s history.

The band has performed on prestigious stages around the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, and the Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival & the renowned Monterey Jazz Festival. Their 2018 release Anniversary won the 2019 Grammy® Award for “Best Tropical Album”. As recently as 2022, the band was once again nominated for the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards for their seminal release, Imágenes Latinas.