Special to the Times
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) kicks off the annual Tito Puente Latin Music Series on July 10 at 7 p.m. with a lively performance by Cuban singer-songwriter Barbara Zamora Vargas at O’Day Playground (85 W Newton St, Boston, MA 02118). Presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music, the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and the National Endowment for the Arts, the six-concert summer series brings the vibrant rhythms of Latin Caribbean music to parks across Boston, filling Thursday evenings with salsa, soul, and dancing.
Showcasing the vibrant sound of live Latin music, the series features dynamic performances from a diverse lineup of Latin artists. This summer, audiences can turn up the volume with Hugo Díaz, celebrate Boston’s rich cultural diversity with Costa Rican native Manolo Mairena y la Pura Vida, and experience the bold sounds of Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship recipient Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing. Claves and Blue will deliver an extraordinary blend of Cuban music and Latin jazz, leading up to the grand finale on August 14 with the unforgettable tropical rhythms of Puerto Rican artist Jesús Pagán.
“For 17 years, this music series has brought the soul of Latin music to Boston’s parks, transforming summer nights into vibrant celebrations of culture, rhythm, and community,” said Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, IBA CEO. “What ultimately began as a tribute to the legendary Tito Puente has grown into a powerful tradition, one that honors the roots of Latin music while creating joyful, inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can connect through the universal language of music. Through our partnerships with Berklee College of Music, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and National Endowment for the Arts, we’re proud to present free, live performances that uplifts and empowers communities across our city.”
Notably including performances by Berklee students, alumni, and world-renowned artists, IBA looks forward to continuing to foster a vibrant Latin music and salsa community.
The 2025 Tito Puente Latin Music Series includes:
Bárbara Zamora Vargas | Thursday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.
O’Day Park. 85 West Newton Street, Boston, MA, 02118
Cuban singer and songwriter Bárbara Zamora Vargas is celebrated for her rich, genre-spanning career and powerful stage presence. A lead vocalist for the legendary all-female orchestra Anacaona and a solo artist in her own right, Vargas will captivate attendees at O’Day Park with her blend of bolero, salsa, son, and more.
Hugo Díaz | Thursday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Plaza Betances. 100 West Dedham Street #403, Boston, MA 02118
Dynamic vocalist rooted in the world of tropical music, Hugo Díaz is known for his powerful performances alongside legends like Gilberto Santa Rosa and Tito Rojas. From his early days with Cinco En Clave to large stages like Lincoln Center, Díaz will bring passion and authenticity to Plaza Betances.
Manolo Mairena y la Pura Vida | Thursday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.
LoPresti Park. 33 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA 02128
Costa Rican-born singer, percussionist, and composer whose career spans decades and continents, Manolo Mairena blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms with Boston’s vibrant Latin scene. The Grammy-nominated artist and seasoned performer will continue to captivate Boston’s community at LoPresti Park with his powerful voice, rich musical roots, and passion for cultural expression.
Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing | Thursday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Mission Hill Playground. 1545 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholar Kristalis Sotomayor, fresh off earning her master’s in classical flute from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, is making her entrance into the Latin music scene with her new charanga group, Kristalis y Las Nenas del Swing. Bringing together tradition and fresh energy, the group unites powerhouse musicians from across Latin America to deliver a vibrant, high-impact sound to attendees at Mission Hill Playground.
Clave & Blues | Thursday, August 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Mozart Park. 10 Mozart Street, Boston, MA 02130
The Cuban music and Latin jazz band that have performed at across the Boston area will be at joining the series at Mozart Park. Bringing a mix between Afro-Cuban rhythms, blues, R&B, and world music for a contemporary sound earning them a high regard in the New England music scene.
Jesús Pagán | Thursday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Boston Common. 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Powerhouse vocalist and bandleader, Jesús Pagán’s passion for salsa and tropical music has made him standout on stages from Carnegie Hall to Medellín. With decades of experience, an infectious live presence, and a dedication to keeping the spirit of Latin music alive, Pagán will captivate Boston Common with his electrifying sound.
The 2025 Tito Puente Latin Music Series is made possible by the support of its sponsors, National Endowment for the Arts, Mass Cultural Council, and United Way.
All concerts in the Tito Puente Latin Music Series will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. All locations are wheelchair accessible and there will be no rain dates. Visit IBA Boston to learn more about the series.