BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Under the glow of an almost perfect full moon Thursday, the El Caballero de la Salsa turned Musikfest's main Steel Stage into a fitting tribute to Puerto Rico.
Gilberto Santa Rosa, known as the "Gentleman of Salsa," delivered a night of rhythm and flawless vocals.
The six-time Latin Grammy Award winner doesn't need to shout to fill a stage — his projection is smooth and effortless — gentlemanly without a doubt.
The performance, which proved why Santa Rosa stands as one of salsa’s undeniable icons, was backed by an equally passionate 16-member orchestra.
From the romantic strains on “Derroche” and “Sin Voluntad" to the tropical beats of "Sombra Loca" and "Conteo Regresivo," Santa Rosa kept an energetic momentum through the nearly two-hour performance (another gentleman-thing to do; take the stage before the standard 9 p.m. call time.)
Fans sang along to "Quiéreme" and swayed to "Un Montón de Estrellas," each number infused with Santa Rosa's signature dance moves.
Accompanied by an orchestra — including brasses, keyboards, strings and percussion — and backup singers, the cantante delighted the audience with other classics such as "Mariposas," "Mal Herido" and "Perdóname."
A tribute to Eddie Palmieri
Midway through the show, Santa Rosa introduced every member of his orchestra — a gesture that reflected his camaraderie for talent sharing the stage.
Many of them, including bassist Johnny Torres and trumpeter Rebeca Zambrana, have performed with the crooner for decades.
Santa Rosa dedicated part of the show to a fellow "maestro," Latin pianist and composer Eddie Palmieri.
Palmieri, 88, died on Wednesday at his home in New Jersey.
"I had the good fortune to not only meet him, but also record with him on one of his last recordings," Santa Rosa said, referring to 2018's "Mi Luz Mayor."
'I feel at home'
In one playful moment, Santa Rosa quipped he had a surprise for the crowd — a joke that perhaps Colombian singer J Balvin might appear to belt out their single, "Misterio."
In July, Balvin and Santa Rosa performed the single on "The Tonight Show," starring Jimmy Fallon."
No surprise: it was only for his backup singer, Michael Pérez, to deliver the version in Balvin's place.
"He couldn't come, but this song is for my respect for him and for everyone who loves his music," Santa Rosa said.
The emotional wave hit during "Isla Del Encanto," from 2006's "Directo Al Corazón."
As images of Puerto Rico filled the big screen, fans waved their banderas high, their voices joining Santa Rosa's as the moon glowed above and a tropical-like breeze filled the air.
Sure, the crowd was in Bethlehem, but its spirit was in La Isla.
"I feel at home because they are people from everywhere I see and where I'm from," Santa Rosa said.
"For all the Puerto Ricans here tonight, we hug you. Tonight we made music for you with all our love."
