Celia Cruz’s backing band is reuniting to pay tribute to the late Cuban icon. Today (July 29), the free concert A Tribute to Salsa Royalty: Celia Cruz was announced, which will be taking place this weekend in Los Angeles, CA.
Cruz’s first big break in the music industry came after she partnered with Fania Records, the label that helped globalize salsa music. Fania Records was also home to giants in tropical music like Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, and Tito Puente. This year, the record label is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To honor one of their most iconic artists, Fania Records is teaming up with the Los Angeles-based Grand Performances and Nance Arte Productions to put on A Tribute to Salsa Royalty: Celia Cruz.
“Celia Cruz’s stardom began in Cuba, soared in the U.S., and continues to be a universal gem in Los Angeles,” Rafael González, the president and CEO of Grand Performances, shared in a statement. “Grand Performances is thrilled to present this tribute, which will celebrate Celia Cruz’s extraordinary achievements and bring together Angelenos who share appreciation of her timeless contributions. The tribute will feature artists and dancers that showcase the breadth of her influence on salsa music and global culture.”
The free tribute concert to Cruz will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3 at California Plaza in L.A. from 6 to 10 p.m. Havana Secret, which includes musicians that supported Cruz on the last tour of her lifetime, will perform. Contra Tiempo and Gia Fu will also honor Cruz’s legacy with performances of their own. Food and beverage vendors will be at the event that is open to all ages.
The 2024 Premios Juventud last Thursday also celebrated the 60th anniversary of Fania Records. La India, Ivy Queen, Anitta, Luis Figueroa, Oscar D’León, Tito Puente Jr., and Tony Succar performed a medley of classics by the artists on the label’s roster, including Cruz’s “Quimbara.”