Bronx, NY—-Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present MANNY MANUEL: 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 8 PM. Celebrating three decades of music, the Puerto Rican merengue icon will take the stage for a special night filled with his greatest hits. From his early days with Los Sabrosos del Merengue to his rise as a beloved solo artist, MANNY MANUEL has captivated audiences with his infectious energy. With special guest, ODILIO GONZÁLEZ, this unforgettable night will bring the best of Latin music to Lehman Center in a can’t-miss celebration!
MANNY MANUEL, born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, was exposed to traditional music and romantic boleros from an early age, sparking his passion for the arts. His first experience in a musical group was with Tempo Merenguero in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, before joining the orchestra led by merengue duo Mayra and Celinés, where he stood out as a soloist. He later became the lead vocalist of Los Sabrosos del Merengue, where his powerful voice propelled the group to success with hits like “Fiera Callada” (1991). In June 1994, he departed from Los Sabrosos del Merengue, and by October of that same year, he officially debuted with his own orchestra as a solo artist.
MANNY MANUEL’S first solo album, Rey de Corazones (1994), distributed by Merengazo Records, made an immediate impact, earning Platinum certification for its impressive sales. With arrangements by top merengue producers like Manuel Tejada, Jaime Querol, Ramón Orlando, and Juan Valdez, the album gained widespread popularity through hits such as “Mi Problema,” “Estrellita,” and the title track “Rey de Corazones.” His career gained significant momentum in November 1995 when he sold out six performances at the prestigious Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, a first for a merengue artist. He later performed on renowned stages like Coliseo Roberto Clemente Walker and the Festival Presidente de la Música Latina, solidifying his status as a top performer.
By the 2000s, MANNY MANUEL had solidified his versatility, releasing En Vivo (2000), Manny Manuel (2002), and Serenata (2003), an album featuring romantic 1950s classics.
His 2007 pop album Tengo Tanto, produced by Andrés Castro, further broadened his appeal with festive tracks like “No me haces sufrir” and a duet with Spanish singer Chenoa. Tengo Tanto was recognized by the National Foundation for Popular Culture as one of the year’s most outstanding productions.
ODILIO GONZÁLEZ, known as “El Jibarito de Lares,” is a living legend, celebrated for his unique voice, guitar playing and rustic, “ajibarado” style of bolero interpretation. His influence extended beyond Puerto Rico, serving as a source of inspiration for the development of Dominican bachata, with several prominent artists in the genre paying tribute to him. Starting his career in 1950, ODILIO GONZÁLEZ gained fame with his first album Cantando En El Campo (1957), and his breakout success followed after he was discovered by singer Pedro “Piquito” Marcano.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, his discography grew with hits like “El vellón pegao” and “Ni de madera son buenas,” cementing his place as a major figure in Latin music. His music has resonated in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, where he is regarded as an idol.
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.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is located on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. Tickets for MANNY MANUEL: 30th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 8 PM (VIP $100, $85, $65, $40, $35) 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/manny-manuel-odilio-gonzalez. 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.
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.
