LIKE IT LIKE HARLEM
The story of East Harlem is the story of how American music is made
When Puerto Ricans and Cubans arrived in New York City in the mid-20th century, they ushered in a cultural renaissance and changed the way we think about American music.
Mambo, salsa, and boogaloo converged to give rise to iconic hits like “Oye Cómo Va” and “I Like It Like That.” Cultures came together and artists who challenged the musical status quo found pride, passion, and possibility on every block.
Join Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby and our magnificent featured artists as we celebrate the power of community to inspire bold, authentic expression and this quintessential story of how the music that blossomed in East Harlem shaped New York City, and inspired the whole country.
Like It Like Harlem Program Repertoire
Oye Cómo Va - Tito Puente, arr. Jose Madera
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr, Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra;
Joan Rodriguez & Katie García, dancers
Caravan - Juan Tizol, arr. Oscar Hernández
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Night in Tunisia - Dizzy Gillespie & Raymond Leveen, arr. Rob Schaer
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Mambo No. 5 - Dámaso Pérez Prado, arr. Dan Higgins
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra; Joan Rodriguez & Katie García, dancers
Babalú - Margarita Lecuona, arr. Francisco Torres
Rogelio Douglas Jr, Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Quizás, Quizás, Quizás - Osvaldo Farrés, arr. Jamey Tate
Yvette González-Nacer, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Guantanamera - Joseíto Fernández & José Martí, arr. Francisco Torres
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Light My Fire - Jim Morrison, Robby Krieger, John Densmore & Ray Manzarek, arr. Jamey Tate
Rogelio Douglas Jr, Yvette González-Nacer, Michael Abraham, Rene Camacho, Oscar Hernádez, Jamey Tate
Spanish Harlem - Mike Stoller, Jerry Lieber & Phil Spector, arr. Jamey Tate
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Cucurucucú Paloma - Tomás Méndez, arr. Francisco Torres
Yvette González-Nacer, Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra;
Joan Rodriguez & Katie García, dancers
Bemba Colorá - José Claro Fumero, arr. Jose Madera
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
I Like It Like That - Tony Pabon & Manny Rodriguez, arr. Rob Schaer
Yvette González-Nacer, Rogelio Douglas Jr, Vocal Trio, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra;
Joan Rodriguez & Katie García, dancers
Like It Like Harlem
Program
MUSE/IQUE MUSE/IQUE’s Pop-Up Exhibit, Nueva York: Beyond El Barrio
Pop-Up Exhibit
It was inevitable that Latin American* culture would become integral to American culture. This “Latin Tinge,” a phrase coined by jazz forefather Jelly Roll Morton to describe Latin American and Caribbean rhythmic influences, played a profound role in the development of jazz as a musical genre. This exhibit explores the concept of "Latin Tinge" and discusses the impact of Caribbean culture in New York City. The migration of people from the Caribbean to Manhattan between the 1930s and 1950s was a transformative period. Their authenticity, their culture, and their music not only enriched but also forever changed the identity of New York City.
Caribbean culture continues to shape New York and American music from Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny sampling "Un Verano en Nueva York" and putting a Puerto Rican flag on top of the Statue of Liberty for his music video "NUEVAYoL;” Cardi B sampling "I Like It Like That" by Pete Rodriguez for her song "I Like It" with Bad Bunny and J Balvin; Jennifer Lopez brandishing the Puerto Rican and American flags at the Super Bowl; to the artistry of the reigning King of Salsa Marc Anthony.
*Latin America - The geographical area consisting of Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
English
Spanish
Like It Like Harlem
Featured Artists
ROGELIO DOUGLAS JR., VOCALS
Rogelio Douglas, Jr. is a proud first-generation 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. @rdtripthret on social media.
YVETTE GONZÁLEZ-NACER, VOCALS AND VIOLIN
Yvette González-Nacer is a Cuban-American award-winning actress, singer, composer, and producer. She originated the role of Fate in Broadway's GRAMMY and 8-time Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Her credits include Moulin Rouge (Satine) and In the Heights (Vanessa). She has collaborated with artists like Jason Mraz, H.E.R., Estefan, and Justin Bieber. @yvettenacer on social media.
JOAN RODRIGUEZ, CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCE
Joan Rodriguez is a Cuban-born dancer, educator and choreographer, known for blending Afro-Latin, contemporary, and multimedia styles. At BODYTRAFFIC, he assists in leading the company’s education and outreach initiatives and develops new choreographic commissions. @joanrodriguez_vlogs on social media.
KATIE GARCÍA, DANCE
Katie García is a proud Latina artist, choreographer, and educator. A Juilliard graduate, her work spans international outreach, academic teaching, and dance film production. At BODYTRAFFIC, she guides dancers, supports creation, and brings movement to stages, classrooms, hospitals, and festivals worldwide. @katiee395 on social media.
This special group works closely with MUSE/IQUE to develop and produce arrangements, advise on repertoire, and help bring the music to life.
Thank you to Oscar Hernández, leader of the three-time GRAMMY-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, for his spirit, energy, and expertise.
Resident Arrangers Jamey Tate and Rob Schaer. Additional arrangements by Oscar Hernández, Jose Madera, Francico Torres, and Dan Higgins.
MUSE/IQUE orchestra
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
Trumpet
Serafin Aguilar, Sean Billings, Jonathan Bradley, Evan Linares
Trombone
Francisco Torres, Andy Martin, Phillip Menchaca, Todd Eames
Saxophone
usto Almario (tenor sax, flute), David Urquidi (tenor sax, clarinet), Pat Posey (baritone sax, bass sax), Ashley Jarmack (alto sax, clarinet), Chris Powe (alto sax), Brandon Fields (soprano, alto sax and flute)
Percussion
Giancarlo Anderson, Christian Moraga
Piano
Oscar Hernández
Guitar
Michael Abraham
Bass
Rene Camacho
Drums
Jamey Tate
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager. Caroline Boyce, Librarian.
This season is presented by LeeAnn and Ron Havner / JCS Family Foundation.
Additional Sponsors:
Anonymous (2), Avery and Andrew Barth, Michael Casey, Susan Chandler, Ellen and Harvey Knell, The Jerry and Terri Kohl Family Foundation, Ambassador Robert Kohorst and Shelley Allen, Debbie and Rick Powell, and Alyce de Roulet Williamson.