Top Concerts and Performances at Anfiteatro Tito Puente
Surrounded by lush greenery and sparkling lagoons, the Anfiteatro Tito Puento is an open-air concert arena in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which serves as the venue for music concerts of every description. Audiences can enjoy listening to their favorite artists with stars shining overhead and a breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees. Reggae, Spanish pop music, hot Latin jazz, metal and traditional are just some of the music genres that have been heard at the Anfiteatro Tito Puente.
The theater is named in honor of the renowned musician, Tito Puente, the man who is widely credited with introducing Cuban-style big band sound (which came to be known as salsa) to the rest of the world. Tito Puente (1923-2000) was a well-respected and influential mambo and Latin jazz musician. He was considered by many to be the king of Latin music and also the king of the timbales – a popular percussion instrument. Tito Puente is best remembered for his dance-oriented mambo and Latin jazz compositions, which made him popular throughout his 50 year career. He appeared in several films that also featured his music, including “The Mambo Kings” and “Calle 54”. He was a guest star on a number of television shows, including the popular “Cosby Show” and the animated series, “The Simpsons”. Tito Puente features in “La Epoca”, a television production about the Paladium era (1950-1972) when mambo was at its peak.
The Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest takes place at the Anfiteatro Tito Puente at the beginning of June each year. Apart from a host of Jazz artists, including some of the best tropical and Latin Jazz musicians, music-lovers have enjoyed performances by Gwen Stefani, Michael Bolton, Bon Jovi and Erasure. Anfiteatro Tito Puente also hosts the Heineken Jamrock, held in November each year, and has featured John Digweed, The Wailers, Habitat and Circo. Other artists who performed at the theater in 2007 include metal bands Nonpoint, Ankla, Ill Nino and Anthrax, as well as Soja and Gomba Jahbari.
San Juan in Puerto Rico is a popular tourist destination, with many things to do and places to see. The experience of a music concert at the Anfiteatro Tito Puente is sure to be memorable, so check out what’s happening at the theater when you visit San Juan.
