Maelo Ruiz in Mexico City

Maelo Ruiz is a Puerto Rican salsa singer who was born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico. A former lead vocalist for Pedro Conga y su Orquesta Internacional, he became known for romantic salsa songs including “No Te Quites la Ropa,” “Te Va a Doler” and “Regálame una Noche.” As the singer for Pedro Conga’s orchestra, he toured internationally before moving into solo concert work. His later performances have drawn on both the recordings from that period and his solo catalogue. Maelo Ruiz performs with a salsa orchestra in theatres, clubs and at salsa festivals, including appearances in Puerto Rico, Colombia and Peru.

Willie Gonzalez is a Puerto Rican salsa singer who first became known as a vocalist with Grupo Chaney before establishing a solo career in salsa romántica. His repertoire includes “Pequeñas cosas,” “No podrás escapar de mí,” “Hazme olvidarla” and “Seda.” Willie Gonzalez has performed at Puerto Rico’s Día Nacional de la Salsa in San Juan as part of the festival’s multi-artist concerts. His New York appearances have also included Salsa Con Amor concerts at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx.