During the 1970s, when salsa was going full throttle, Chicago was right in the thick of it. Salsa stars were coming to Chicago on a regular basis headlining dance halls, theaters and clubs. While most of us expected these headliners to eventually make their way here very few of us gave credit to those who went through the trouble to get them here. What most of us didn’t know was all the hard work it took to book these headliners and put the event together. One of the more popular promoters of that time was Angel Lopez, a charismatic hard working man from Puerto Rico who was responsible for bringing many of the main acts to Chicago during salsa’s heyday. Angel Lopez was tireless in his efforts to promote salsa in Chicago and probably brought about 80% of the big name salsa acts to Chicago during that time. This was a good thing. You see, these promotions brought work to Chicago. Local musicians received work as warm up bands and others were hired to accompany established stars who brought their sheet music virtually forming their bands here. Halls made money, musicians made money, vendors made money and spectators got to enjoy a big name act. Some of the stars Angel brought to Chicago on a regular basis were Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Sophie. During the salsa era Angel was at the top of his game. Angel Lopez even started the “Latin Connection” record label and was responsible for producing some of Chicago’s popular salsa bands. Angel, in my opinion, received very little credit for all he did to promote salsa in Chicago. At the close of the salsa era, Angel simply disappeared from the scene. I often wonder what ever happened to him. He was a true pioneer of Chicago salsa and deserved to be recognized for it. Wherever he is, I hope he is doing well. Attached is an old poster of one of his productions. If you were around during that time, you may remember it. Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Angel Lopez
During the 1970s, when salsa was going full throttle, Chicago was right in the thick of it. Salsa stars were coming to Chicago on a regular basis headlining dance halls, theaters and clubs. While most of us expected these headliners to eventually make their way here very few of us gave credit to those who went through the trouble to get them here. What most of us didn’t know was all the hard work it took to book these headliners and put the event together. One of the more popular promoters of that time was Angel Lopez, a charismatic hard working man from Puerto Rico who was responsible for bringing many of the main acts to Chicago during salsa’s heyday. Angel Lopez was tireless in his efforts to promote salsa in Chicago and probably brought about 80% of the big name salsa acts to Chicago during that time. This was a good thing. You see, these promotions brought work to Chicago. Local musicians received work as warm up bands and others were hired to accompany established stars who brought their sheet music virtually forming their bands here. Halls made money, musicians made money, vendors made money and spectators got to enjoy a big name act. Some of the stars Angel brought to Chicago on a regular basis were Eddie Palmieri, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and Sophie. During the salsa era Angel was at the top of his game. Angel Lopez even started the “Latin Connection” record label and was responsible for producing some of Chicago’s popular salsa bands. Angel, in my opinion, received very little credit for all he did to promote salsa in Chicago. At the close of the salsa era, Angel simply disappeared from the scene. I often wonder what ever happened to him. He was a true pioneer of Chicago salsa and deserved to be recognized for it. Wherever he is, I hope he is doing well. Attached is an old poster of one of his productions. If you were around during that time, you may remember it. 
Monday, June 4, 2012
The 911 Mambo Orchestra – Small, Medium, or Large?
Angel Melendez’ 911 Mambo Orchestra is a band of many bands. Confusing? Not really. Angel‘s band can change from a smaller 7 piece to a 20 piece orchestra as the occasion calls for. I have seen Angel do it many times before. On one occasion you will see the full size orchestra playing Tito Puente and on another see a much smaller Combo with 2 horns. Angel typically declares the theme of the night based on the size of the group he brings along for the date. One of my personal favorites is his “Tribute to Hector Lavoe.” On Monday, May 28th 2012, Angel brought his “Tribute to Hector Lavoe” to the Navy Pier Beer Garden for a free outdoor concert. The group was hot evidenced by the crowded dance floor. This is not unusual as Angel’s band usually attracts large numbers of salsa dancers. The stage was set at the end of the pier surrounded by beautiful scenery of clear skies and numerous boats in the water. On the pier was a healthy crowd of people enjoying an occasion of outdoor salsa.
Angel, who plays trombone partnered with Frankie Rodriguez - a Chicago salsa trombonist who is a veteran of many salsa bands over the years. Together they blended perfectly replicating the old Willie Colon sound that brought you back to the days when salsa dominated the scene. Angel and Frankie played in sync creating a musical blend that moved your soul. Dancers lip sung the words to the popular songs as they spun around tipping their partners as spectators stood by enjoying the groove. Angel’s vocalist did a tremendous job replicating the savvy lyrics that made Hector Lavoe so unique. All in all it was a great time. Angel, I tip my hat to you and this smaller group. You brought me back to a different time when bands like this were plentiful. It was a great experience.
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