As El Prodigio is currently touring in the United States, I knew I had to catch a show. The band frequents lounges and clubs throughout the tri-state area on Latin nights. This time around, I luckily was able to find a show close to my apartment in Jamaica, Queens. The band appeared at their usual late hour, around 2AM. The lights went dim for the moment and then a splash of light hit the band on full effect. The famous accordian player appeared with his band right behind. The sounds of the tipico music with its saxophone, accordian, guitar, guira, drums, and bass are taking over the club. The rhythm creates an energy which envelops everyone nearby. The bandmembers move in sync to the beat of each of the songs, giving a full on show. The band continuously engaged the audience throughout the show. They were very fan-friendly, taking requests towards the end of the show and inviting people up on stage with them to dance. They premiered some of their songs which are currently trending in their home country of the Dominican Republic. Afterwards, they distributed free sample CD’s with their latest songs.
Overall, we believe El Prodigio’s performances are lively and truly signify the culture of the country and origins of the music. This performance brought the sounds and rhythm of the Dominican Republic in it’s 1.5 hour duration, which you normally would have to travel 4 hours for. While the band is on tour in the tri-state area, we recommend you catch a show and don’t hesitate to go to a few. Each experience is better than the last and had an overall unique effect. Anything goes with this band and nothing else other than their music is typico.

My view of the concert from my seat

My ticket to the Romeo Santos concert at Prudential Center

The King has done it again. Time and time again, Romeo Santos has sold out his tour date concerts. No matter the city or the size of the venue, tickets seem to continuously stay on demand and arenas get packed. The popular bachata artist returned to the tri-state area when he performed at the new Prudential Center on March 22nd. I was lucky enough to attend this event and see The King take thousands of fan’s breaths away, as I remember he did in his 2012 Madison Square Garden concert during his last tour.

While Romeo has not released any new songs since his last tour, he seems to have no trouble gaining the interest from his loyal fans. The tour took the same format as the previous tour, with his famous gold, diamond studded microphone and grand lions decorating the stage. He continued the concert in which he seeks fans to help him perform his song “Debate de 4” which features three other well-known artists. This time around, he increased the incentives by offering a $1000 prize for the winner who sings the song best, which is determined by a vote from the audience.

But, what really makes the fans keep buying tickets and making the trip from all around the tri-state area? Most would argue it is his charming voice and lyrics along with his dimpled-smile, which I don’t deny is a major reason most girls fall in love; but Romeo is also an entertainer. All throughout the concert, he engages the audience by taking song requests, holding contests, making jokes and eye contact. He changes his positions, going from the stage to the middle of the arena closer to fans who have not been able to obtain seats close to the stage. He makes sure to make each and every audience member feel like the show is a personal experience; that in a stadium of thousands of people, they are the only one there.

So, here at On The Rise, we believe that this concert won’t be the last sold out show we will be seeing. If you get a chance, we highly recommend you to catch a show in a nearby town, as it won’t be something you’ll regret or be able to forget.