Guttenberg’s annual outdoor summer concert will feature a new Latin theme this year, complete with music and dancing inspired by the cultures of Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. On Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m., the town will hold the free concert on Kennedy Boulevard East between 69th and 71st streets.
The concert will feature performances by Cuban singers Rene D’Leon and Maria Rivas as well as Dominican singer Omairy Nunez. The Colombian dance group “Cafe & Orquidea” will also perform at the event.
A new twist
Held annually since 2008, the outdoor concert was originally organized by Capt. Joel Magenheimer of the Guttenberg police and his wife Debbie.
The first show included a performance by The Duprees, a doo-wop group from Jersey City who first achieved national fame in the 1960s, and karaoke from interested audience members.
‘It’s the first Latin show we will do in this beautiful town.’ – Rene D’Leon
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Titled the “First Latin Concert,” the show is being organized by D’Leon, a professional singer and television host who has performed at the annual concert for the past two years.
D’Leon, a Cuban native, resides in North Bergen, though he previously lived in Guttenberg.
“This is the first time Guttenberg will do a Latin concert,” said D’Leon. “Every summer they do something similar, but with American bands.”
D’Leon typically performed English and Italian songs as a side act in Guttenberg’s past outdoor concerts. After being invited to organize and headline this year’s show, D’Leon decided to perform in his native language.
“There’s a lot of Latin people in the area,” said D’Leon, adding that his credentials include hosting his own show on Telemundo, an American television station that broadcasts in Spanish.
His show, “Bailando,” which translates to “dancing” in Spanish, was a program that featured D’Leon performing in different discotheques in New Jersey. Each episode was filmed in different locations with various performers, and also featured an inside look into the lives of local actors and actresses, according to D’Leon.
Other acts
D’Leon has organized several Latin acts to accompany him, including fellow Cuban native Maria Rivas, a salsa singer known for her Celia Cruz impersonations.
Also scheduled to perform is Omairy Nunez, a Meringue singer who hails from the Dominican Republic.
As usual, D’Leon will be accompanied by “Cafe & Orquidea,” a Columbian dancing troupe. Dance is a big part of Latin culture, and D’Leon hopes the audience will be inspired to dance along with the groups.
To keep up the Italian and American music theme of past Guttenberg shows, D’Leon expects to perform Frank Sinatra’s version of “New York, New York.”
D’Leon says he appreciates the chance to take over the Guttenberg concert and introduce a new tradition.
“I think it’s a very nice opportunity that the Guttenberg town and people gave to me,” said D’Leon. “It’s the first Latin show we will do in this beautiful town.”
“It’s very important for me,” added D’Leon.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.