Concert Review: Summerstage Gifts “NUYORICO” With Jerry Rivera
Not lying! PUERTO RICAN FLAGS WERE UP FOR JERRY RIVERA! Playing at Summerstage’s set, in East River Park, my Latinx were out to see “”El Niño Bonito De La Salsa.” In other words, the “pretty boy” of Salsa. Trust me, you have to be really good to have the title of “pretty boy” attached to your name in complete adoration. Yet, Jerry owned it!
“Cara De Niño,” “Mi Libertad,” and “Amores Como El Nuestro” are all classic Salsa hits. Now when I say “classic Salsa hits,” I mean for the genre itself. You have to be powerful in music, when to look up a genre, your face is automatically equated to it. Your music is seen as quintessential and innate to an entire category’s history and thus future. I amp up this importance to explain why flags were up, and Jerry came with a cool dominance upon the stage. He is solid in his musical importance, and that always brings out a certain vigor and attractiveness to his presence.
Jerry Rivera, Yandel – Mira (Official Video)
Approaching the crowd and looking upon their faces, Jerry Rivera acts as if he knows the audience: like he sees us every Thanksgiving. Yet, Latinx music-lovers are deeply loyal to their artists, which is why they have such longevity. Still, because of Hurricane Maria, Jerry’s Summerstange performance felt driven by an added energy/ desire to show Puerto Rico still here, its people can still dance, despite tragedy, and, one day, we will heal. I know that it may seem unusual to have a devastating Hurricane, that in a few months, will turn 1 year old still be on the minds of people at a concert. Yet, Jerry Rivera’s name attracted the Borinquen community, and it inevitably was felt in side chatters and the extra moxie of our bailes.
Jerry Rivera – Que Hay De Malo (Video Version)
From Talib Kweli to Tomasa Del Real, I have mentioned that Summerstage’s lineup brings diversity in both artists but also attendees. If you take the opportunity to see its shows as not just chances to be entertained, but also offerings to learn about others and explore potential, new likes for yourself, Summerstage heightens in importance. While I admire how it gives excellent shows for free to people that might not be able to splurge, Jerry Rivera’s show elaborated that Summerstage is also a spiritual “pick me up”; giving communities the space to revel in the glory of their presence over a current sadness. For More Information On Summerstage Click Here.
