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, hardcore salsa.

Whether in a concert hall or at an outdoor jazz festival, there is no easing you in as 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.

For over 20 years, SHO has been 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.

“As a leader and producer, my mission and vision are to represent the great history and legacy of this music that I’ve been blessed to be a part of my entire life,” reflects Hernández. “Our passion and commitment to this music is never-ending.” With this unyielding motivation, SHO’s GRAMMY® nominated 2022 release Imágenes Latinas saw the band exploring new dimensions but never deviating from its core belief. “As with all the new SHO recordings, the concept and sound are the same, but the playing of new songs, arrangements, and performances always aim to create a new magic for the listeners,” Hernández adds. SHO released their 9th studio album, Swing Forever, in 2024, further solidifying the group as “the leading light of the salsa reconstruction movement” (Newsday).

With eight albums and six GRAMMY® nominations, this powerhouse orchestra is aware that it is crucial to continually push itself and raise the bar. Their sixth album, entitled Anniversary, won the 2019 GRAMMY® Award for Best Tropical Album.