Bronx, NY—-Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present KINITO MÉNDEZ: 35th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 PM. Celebrating an incredible 35-year musical journey, “El Hombre Merengue” will light up the stage with an unforgettable night of merengue hits and festive energy. Featuring special guests Rikarena, Pochy Familia, Jandy Ventura, Magic Juan, this spectacular concert promises to transform Lehman Center into a vibrant celebration of KINITO MÉNDEZ’S legendary career.
KINITO MÉNDEZ, known as “El Hombre Merengue,” is a legendary Dominican merengue artist with a career spanning over three decades. Born José del Carmen Ramírez in Padre Las Casas, Dominican Republic, he began his musical journey at just nine years old in the band Pequeños del Ritmo. In the 1980s, he co-founded the Coco Band with Pochi Vásquez, releasing hits like “La Faldita” (1990) and “La Flaca” (1989).
Méndez later formed the groups Rikarena, known for the hit “El Tamarindo” (1994), and Rokabanda with his lifelong friend and singer Bobby Rafael, before launching his solo career in 1995 with the album El Hombre Merengue which sold over 1.5 million copies. The album featured the chart-topping single “Cachamba,” solidifying his reputation as a driving force in tropical music.
KINITO MÉNDEZ has released a series of celebrated albums, including El Decreto de Kinito Méndez (1997), A Caballo (1998)—a tribute to his mentor Johnny Ventura—and D’Colores (2000), which features the socially reflective song “Nueva York Pasando Lista.” Over the years, his music has captivated audiences with vibrant rhythms and infectious melodies, earning him international acclaim.
From founding iconic bands to producing hits as a solo artist, KINITO MÉNDEZ remains a beloved figure in Latin music, celebrated for his lasting contributions to merengue.
Celebrate 35 incredible years of music with KINITO MÉNDEZ at this unforgettable anniversary concert! Joined by an all-star lineup of special guests—including RIKARENA, POCHY FAMILIA, JANDY VENTURA, MAGIC JUAN—they’ll transform Lehman Center into a vibrant carnaval celebration. Don’t miss this electrifying night of merengue!
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.
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 KINITO MÉNDEZ: 35th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8 PM (VIP $125, $95, $75, $60, $50) can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 (Monday through Friday, 10 AM–5 PM, and beginning at 4 PM on the day of the concert), or through online access at https://www.lehmancenter.org/events/kinitomendez. 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.
