The state of New York is preparing to homage the great Celia Cruz at the emblematic Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Next March 22 is the date set to celebrate the "Queen of Salsa" in one of her favorite New York venues, according to EFE, via People en Español magazine.
Singers Anissa Gathers, Cita Rodríguez (daughter of Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez), Amma McKen, Lucrecia and José Alberto "El Canario", are some of the artists that will gather to revive the diva's unique legacy in a date filled with meaning, since in 2014 it has been 11 years since her death.
According to the organizers in a brief article on the celebration published on the Apollo Theater's website, "Celia Cruz is remembered at the Apollo for her energetic performance style and assertions of Afro-Latina pride, which continue to resonate with the Harlem community."
And if that wasn't enough, the event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Celia Cruz' debut at the Apollo Theater in May, 2964, the first performance by the most famous singer of the cumbia genre in one of the venues that would welcome her with the most warmth throughout her successful career.
The show will be produced by the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in collaboration with Omer Pardillo and the Celia Cruz Legacy Project in what is expected to be one of the greatest Latino celebrations in the United States in the first half of this year.
"Cúcala", "Químbara" and "Yerberito Moderno" are just some of Celia's classic songs which will be reinterpreted by the participating artists which include a group of first-class musicians which include Cuban percussionist Román Díaz, who will be in charge of calling to "the gods", in the same manner the "Queen of Salsa" used to during her performances.