A One-Man Orchestra, Now that’s Entertainment

Work hard, play hard is a saying observed by many at the end of a long work week. During a weekend some people may go to a restaurant, some may look for a place they can enjoy music, but what if you find a place where you can do both. That certainly would make for an epic outing with friends or family.

Enter Luis Rios, an entertainer from Lares, Puerto Rico whose guitar and music skill was forged with over 40 years of experience starting at the tender age of seven. Rios is no stranger to the satisfying nature of music. “When I was a boy my father was a musician and there were many instruments in our home” Rios remembers”.

Growing up, Rios was surrounded by music. His father would regularly take him out to participate in Puerto Rican Christmas caroling called parrandas.

At some point in his life, Rios shifted his focus and learned a trade, and became a barber. “I dedicated myself to my studies and let the music fall somewhat to the wayside”. Being a barber is his livelihood, but it didn’t take too long for Rios to pick back up his passion for music.

“I put together a group called “Los Sabrosos del Ritmo” and for over 17 years we played music in many activities, weddings, and hotels”. “During this time I also learned how to be successful in a group and as a soloist as well”. It is during this time that he became “El Hombre Orquesta” or the One-Man Orchestra. 

It’s been forty years and Rios is fortunate to continue to work on both of his life’s passions, music and cutting hair. As he continues to nurture his musical talent, Rios would like to work on recording and distributing his music on the internet.

Asked why he enjoys performing music, Rios says that “being able to please an audience is fulfilling”. He also wants to thank his public for supporting, following, and accepting him throughout his career

To keep up with the entertainment scene in Central Florida, subscribe to The Boricua en la Luna blog.

Dance Fever Grips Crowds At Amway Center During Puerto Rican Festival

The pandemic shut down many activities, concerts, and festivals this year. For Puerto Ricans, even the New York City Puerto Rican Day Parade was canceled this year.  

This year the city of Orlando put on a successful show of culture during its own 5th Annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival. Last year this activity was cancelled, but organizers decided to go ahead with the festivities this year, and to dedicate them to first responders as a way of thanking them for their service during the pandemic. The parade and festival were also dedicated to the Puerto Rican towns of Cabo Rojo and Moca.

The festival included prominent figures of Puerto Rican music and sport including Olympic Gold Medalist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn who made her appearance on one of the parade floats.

As always, music was a prominent part of this year’s festivities. Crowds gathered at the Orlando Magic’s Amway center to continue the party atmosphere. Performers included trovador Andres Jimenez, merengue band Limi-T 21, salsero Frankie Negron, and rock band Algarete.

Besides providing a great atmosphere for dancing, the festival also gave vendors an opportunity to interact with the public. There were artworks of all sorts, most of which included the Puerto Rican flag the unifying symbol of this festival.

One improvement festival organizers should address was a shortage of typical Puerto Rican food. There were only a few kiosks that served Puerto Rican favorites such as alcapurrias, bacalaitos, and empanadillas. Next year it would be nice to see a few more food vendors catering to everyone’s appetite.

It was a hot and humid day on the festival grounds but there were plenty of kiosks set up to quench the thirst of festival-goers. Whether you wanted to partake in a mixed drink, a piña colada, or a tropical fruit juice, there was something for everyone to wet their whistle.

If the dancing and singing were any indications, this year’s festival was an outstanding success.  

Pay attention to Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Inc’s website for next year’s festival dates and participants.  

Also, make sure to subscribe to the Boricua en la Luna blog for the low-down information on this and other Puerto Rican community events.