Bronx, NY—Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present MERENGUE CON AMOR 3 on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 8 PM. Returning for its third year, this beloved Valentine’s Day Concert unites some of the most memorable voices in merengue for an unforgettable night of romantic hits and lively rhythms. Featuring RAMÓN ORLANDO, CARLOS DAVID, RAVEL, ARAMIS CAMILO, PETER CRUZ, TONY BRAVO, and SIN FRONTERAS, MERENGUE CON AMOR 3 promises a captivating night filled with cherished hits spanning the 80s, 90s, and today.
RAMÓN ORLANDO, a celebrated pianist, composer, and singer from Manoguayabo, Santo Domingo, began his musical journey at 14, playing keyboards in La Tribu Orchestra, led by his father, Cuco Valoy. In 1986, he founded the acclaimed International Orchestra, earning prestigious awards such as El Gordo del Año, El Dorado, and Casandra. The group’s popularity peaked in 1991 with a concert attended by over 15,000 fans. Orlando later found international success with the song “El Venao” (1997) and debuted as a concert pianist with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic.
CARLOS DAVID, a gifted singer and songwriter from La Mata de Cotuí, Dominican Republic, began with the Bonny Cepeda Orchestra before joining Dioni Fernández and later co-leading Orquesta Liberación. He achieved success with hits like “Solo Importas Tú” and “Esa Mujer” (1987) and released his first single, “A Mi Nada Me Cae” (1992), with Combo Records. In 2010, he reconnected with fans through his solo album Carlos David Mundial.
RAVEL, raised in New York, is celebrated for his distinct voice and deep connection to Dominican dance music. With his band Los Bravos, he gained acclaim for albums like Como Tú Lo Quieras (1999) and Llegó El Tipo (1992), the latter winning two Estrellas del Merengue awards. His 1997 album Alma, Ritmo y Pueblo solidified his status as a leading figure in merengue.
ARAMIS CAMILO, known for his bold style and innovative approach to merengue, began his career in the 70s with the Luichy Herrera Orchestra. In 1983, he released the hit “El Tente” and later co-founded Aramis Camilo y la Organización Secreta with Raphy D’Oleo. His unique clothing and sound redefined merengue, earning him Revelation of the Year at the 1984 El Dorado Awards. Camilo remains a standout figure in the genre.
PETER CRUZ, a pioneering figure in merengue, was born in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. He gained recognition in the 1980s with groups like El Queridísimo and Cheché Abreu y Sus Colosos before joining Wilfrido Vargas’ Orchestra, touring extensively across Latin America. Known for hits like “Tú Mujer” (1985) and “Cometa Blanca” (2000), Cruz collaborated with Ramón Orlando, further cementing his place in merengue history.
TONY BRAVO, born in the Dominican Republic, collaborated with Dominican icon Aníbal Bravo on the acclaimed albums Que Siga el Palo! and El Retorno Musical de Aníbal Bravo, both released in 1995. Now based in the United States, he continues to represent Dominican merengue as a celebrated performer on national and international stages.
SIN FRONTERAS, a merengue group from the Dominican Republic, rose to fame in the late 1990s under producer and musical director Darys Contreras, also known as “Darys Darys.” The group gained international recognition with hits like “Nubes de Algodón” and “Amarte a Ti” (1996).
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is supported, in part, by public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council and the Bronx Delegation. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with support from the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. We are thrilled to share that Goya Foods has agreed to renew their sponsorship for this season which will help Lehman Center expand our reach to the community.
In addition, we have secured funding from the Howard Gilman Foundation to help grow our programming. The 2024-2025 season is also made possible through sponsorships by Con Edison, Havana Café, Friends of Lehman Center, and our cherished audience members.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for MERENGUE CON AMOR 3 on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 8 pm (VIP $100, $85, $65, $50, $40) can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 (Monday through Friday, 10am–5pm, and beginning at 4pm on the day of the concert), or through online access at https://www.lehmancenter.org/events/merengue-con-amor-3. Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway.
