East Harlem, where mambo, salsa, and boogaloo converged to give rise to iconic hits like “I Like It Like That,” “Oye Cómo Va,” and “Boogaloo Blues," where artists found pride, passion, and possibility on every block.
August 8, 7:30 pm
@ Mark Taper Forum
August 9, 7:30 pm
@ Mark Taper Forum
August 10, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
@ Mark Taper Forum
ABOUT
MUSE/IQUE Presents ​
LIKE IT LIKE HARLEM
Salsa, Boogaloo, and the Making of a New Musical Playground in New York City
Presented in partnership with Center Theatre Group​
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The story of East Harlem is the story of how American music is made. It's where mambo, salsa, and boogaloo converged to give rise to iconic hits like “I Like It Like That,” “Oye Cómo Va,” and “Boogaloo Blues.” It’s where cultures came together and artists who challenged the musical status quo found pride, passion, and possibility on every block.
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When Puerto Ricans and Cubans arrived in New York City in the mid-20th century, they ushered in a cultural renaissance in the neighborhood that became popularly known as “Spanish Harlem,” but is also known to many simply as “El Barrio”—the neighborhood.
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In this performance, MUSE/IQUE celebrates the power of community to inspire bold, authentic expression, and we pay tribute to legendary artists like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Pete Rodriguez, and more.
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Presented in partnership with Center Theatre Group. 2025 CTG:FWD programming at the Mark Taper Forum is made possible through the generous support of the S. Mark Taper Foundation. Additional funding is provided by gifts to the Artistic Director Discretionary Fund.
ABOUT OUR ARTISTS​
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Oscar Hernández, Piano & Music Consultant
Oscar Hernández is a highly accomplished musician known for his exceptional skills as a pianist, arranger, composer, producer, bandleader, and four-time GRAMMY winner. He is the leader of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, which has won three GRAMMYs and received five nominations. The orchestra is celebrated as one of the finest Salsa and Latin-Jazz ensembles globally. Oscar served as the Musical Director and Conductor for Paul Simon's Broadway musical “The Capeman” and worked on other productions including In The Heights and On Your Feet. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has performed, recorded and collaborated with iconic artists such as Tito Puente, Ray Barreto, Celia Cruz, Paul Simon, and Gloria Estefan. @oscarhernandezmusic on social media.
Yvette González-Nacer, Vocals and Violin
Yvette González-Nacer is an award-winning actress, singer, composer, and producer. She originated the role of Fate in Broadway's GRAMY and 8-time Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Her credits include Moulin Rouge (Satine) and In the Heights (Vanessa). She has performed at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall and collaborated with artists like Jason Mraz, H.E.R., Gloria Estefan, and Justin Bieber. @yvettenacer on social media.
Rogelio Douglas Jr., Vocals
Rogelio Douglas, Jr. is a proud first generation American and Brooklyn native of Panamanian descent. He is an original Broadway Cast member of the Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical In the Heights. He has performed more than 166 shows as the emcee on tour for PostModern Jukebox and was selected by Quincy Jones to headline a residency at his live music lounge in Dubai. He has worked with artists including David Foster, Dianne Warren, and Black Eyed Peas. @rdtripthret on social media.
ADMISSIONS
MUSE/IQUE is a member-driven organization. Membership gives you admissions to 12 months of MUSE/IQUE events, beginning the moment you sign up! The more you give, the more you support us in our mission to bring life-changing live music to all.​
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Click here to find a membership level that best suits you.
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Philippe Gras / Alamy Stock Photo​​