56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    Trump’s downfall: Fascist capitalism will do him in

    Trump’s downfall: Fascist capitalism will do him in

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Why Trump will fail

    Why Trump will fail

    Pueblo Yumano

    Pueblo Yumano

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    Centros de ayuda parroquiales enfrentan mayores costos por recortes federales a bancos de alimentos

    Centros de ayuda parroquiales enfrentan mayores costos por recortes federales a bancos de alimentos

  • Community
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

    Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

    UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

    UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

    Ballot drive to end utility political contributions clears state canvassers

    Ballot drive to end utility political contributions clears state canvassers

    Detroit’s EasyPay Payment Plan Enrolls More than 30,000 residents protected from service interruption

    Detroit’s EasyPay Payment Plan Enrolls More than 30,000 residents protected from service interruption

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Movies Under the Stars Season Concludes Friday in Detroit at Historic Fort Wayne

    Movies Under the Stars Season Concludes Friday in Detroit at Historic Fort Wayne

    LIBRE–Michigan Hosted A Back-to-School Giveaway to Empower Latino Families

    LIBRE–Michigan Hosted A Back-to-School Giveaway to Empower Latino Families

  • Featured
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Pages Bookshop to Host Book Launch and Community Roundtable

    Pages Bookshop to Host Book Launch and Community Roundtable

    Pueblo Yumano

    Pueblo Yumano

    Learning about Art from a Master

    Learning about Art from a Master

    Huastecos Téenek

    Huastecos Téenek

    2025 Kresge Fellows from left-right: Elise Marie Martin, Taurus Burns, Louis Aguilar, Maya Davis, Kimberly LaVonne, Slumdog Visionaire, Marwa Helal, Donald Calloway, Brittany Rogers, Beenish Ahmed, Ivan Montoya, April Anue Shipp, Allana Clarke, Malak Cherri, Anetria Cole. Photo credit: JennyRisher

    Latino Creatives Shine as 2025 Kresge Fellows, Honoring Heritage and Artistic Power

    Tzotziles / BatsiI Winik’Otik

    Tzotziles / BatsiI Winik’Otik

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    Trump’s downfall: Fascist capitalism will do him in

    Trump’s downfall: Fascist capitalism will do him in

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Why Trump will fail

    Why Trump will fail

    Pueblo Yumano

    Pueblo Yumano

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    Centros de ayuda parroquiales enfrentan mayores costos por recortes federales a bancos de alimentos

    Centros de ayuda parroquiales enfrentan mayores costos por recortes federales a bancos de alimentos

  • Community
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

    Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

    UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

    UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

    Ballot drive to end utility political contributions clears state canvassers

    Ballot drive to end utility political contributions clears state canvassers

    Detroit’s EasyPay Payment Plan Enrolls More than 30,000 residents protected from service interruption

    Detroit’s EasyPay Payment Plan Enrolls More than 30,000 residents protected from service interruption

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Movies Under the Stars Season Concludes Friday in Detroit at Historic Fort Wayne

    Movies Under the Stars Season Concludes Friday in Detroit at Historic Fort Wayne

    LIBRE–Michigan Hosted A Back-to-School Giveaway to Empower Latino Families

    LIBRE–Michigan Hosted A Back-to-School Giveaway to Empower Latino Families

  • Featured
    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Pages Bookshop to Host Book Launch and Community Roundtable

    Pages Bookshop to Host Book Launch and Community Roundtable

    Pueblo Yumano

    Pueblo Yumano

    Learning about Art from a Master

    Learning about Art from a Master

    Huastecos Téenek

    Huastecos Téenek

    2025 Kresge Fellows from left-right: Elise Marie Martin, Taurus Burns, Louis Aguilar, Maya Davis, Kimberly LaVonne, Slumdog Visionaire, Marwa Helal, Donald Calloway, Brittany Rogers, Beenish Ahmed, Ivan Montoya, April Anue Shipp, Allana Clarke, Malak Cherri, Anetria Cole. Photo credit: JennyRisher

    Latino Creatives Shine as 2025 Kresge Fellows, Honoring Heritage and Artistic Power

    Tzotziles / BatsiI Winik’Otik

    Tzotziles / BatsiI Winik’Otik

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Southwest Detroit in the National Music Spotlight

The 1988 Machito Memorial Concert

Ozzie Rivera by Ozzie Rivera
May 4, 2023
in Community, People
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend

In 1988, Southwest Detroit and its Latino community was in the national spotlight. How did that come to be? Those who are familiar with Salsa and Latin Jazz history may recognize the name of the bandleader and singer Machito. His full name was Francisco Raul Griollo. In collaboration with his brother in law, Mario Bauza, he was instrumental in the formation of both Latin Jazz and Mambo. The nation’s first memorial concert was held in Detroit!

A well known singer since the 1920’s, Machito would go on to form the groundbreaking orchestra “Machito y Sus Afro Cubanos” in 1940. Born in Cuba in 1909 he sang in a number of famous ensembles there between 1928 and 1937. When he moved to New York City in 1937 he joined Bauzá, who already had gained recognition for his work as the musical director of a number of African-American jazz big bands. Those bands included historic figures like Cab Calloway, Fletcher Henderson, and Chick Webb. Bauza went on to introduce jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Dizzy Gillespie and vocalist Sarah Vaughan to some of these bands. Bauza’s jazz pedigree was well established by the time the Machito y Sus AfroCubanos was formed. The music played by the band would go on to inspire many jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, George Shearing and Stan Kenton among others.

Machito and Bauza blended Cuban and Puerto Rican sounds with big band Afro-American Jazz to develop musical forms that would become known as Latin Jazz and mambo. A New York Latin experience and tradition that would go on to become the world rage. A number of music greats like Tito Puente, who played at the age of 15 with Machito, were incubated in this groundbreaking band. Later on, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito’s Afro Cubanos would bring in the golden age of Mambo during their tenure at the Palladium Dancehall in New York City from the late 40’s through the early 60’s. Latin music would never be the same!

Given this historic contribution a number of Detroit musicians and cultural activists were puzzled that a national memorial concert had not been organized for Machito after his death on April 15, 1984. In 1983, after decades of musical brilliance and being nominated twice before, Machito finally won a Grammy for a recording done in the Netherlands. The following year he would pass. His legacy is maintained by son Mario Griollo, who continues to lead the Machito Orchestra to this date.

Facing what they considered to be a major oversight, members of Palante Productions Francisco Mora, Bernadette Dickerson, and yours truly decided this had to be corrected. They reached out to Andy and Jerry Gonzalez famed New York Salsa and Jazz musicians and Mario Griollo to begin the work of organizing the first National Machito Memorial Concert. Casa de Unidad, the premier Latino arts organization at the time played a key supporting role. The New York side of the organizing effort was handled by Andy Gonzalez and Mario. The target month selected for the event was April 1988, in order to celebrate the four year anniversary of Machito’s death.

To insure significant community turnout they knew they needed an educational campaign about Machito’s historic role. Critical to this was the formation of a committee that included educators, community agencies, youth, musicians and artists from not only Southwest Detroit but also from across the broader music community. After a year and a half of comprehensive educational and organizing efforts, the concert was held April 23, 1988, at Orchestra Hall, current home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Three radio stations collaborated in promoting the event and were represented by their respective Latin music program hosts. Detroit’s jazz station WJZZ by Club Caliente program host Carmen Garcia, Public Radio WDET by Latin Quarter program host and the station’s music director Jose Gomez and Detroit Public School’s WDTR, 90.9 FM by Ozzie Rivera, program host for Caribe Serenade. The three jointly emceed the night’s festivities.

Detroit jazz greats like drummer JC Heard, trumpet master Marcus Belgraves joined New York brothers Andy and Jerry Gonzalez on bass and congas respectively, Nikki Marrero famed timbalero and Ismael Miranda who flew in from Puerto Rico to join Mario’s sister Paula on vocals. Marrero and Miranda’s key roles with the Fania All-Stars is well known to salsa aficionados. Veteran musicians from Detroit’s jazz and New York’s salsa music communities rounded out the 20 plus orchestra.

A sold-out crowd of over 1,000 individuals filled the hall. A high percentage were current and former Southwest Detroit residents. All knew history was being made, especially because the venue was not typically associated with the vibrant Detroit Latin dance scene of the time. The atmosphere was electric from the very first song and continued throughout the almost 2-hour concert. Audience members chimed in singing well known choruses and occasionally got up in the aisles and danced their hearts away. New York mambo dancers Ernie Ensley and Ana Anaya excited the crowd with their electrifying performance adding even more spice to the evening.

That night Detroit’s Latino community enjoyed the national spotlight. I still run into people who excitedly reflect on their attendance then and their pride they were able to revel in the national attention. They realize history had been made.

BIO: Ozzie Rivera, a retired social worker, is a cultural activist and musician who currently teaches on Afro-Latino History and Culture at Wayne State University and social work at the University of Michigan.

Previous Post

Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta: Music of our Heritage

Next Post

Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Ozzie Rivera

Ozzie Rivera

Ozzie Rivera, a retired social worker, is a cultural activist and musician who currently teaches on Afro Latino History and Culture at Wayne State University and social work at the University of Michigan.

Related Posts

City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District
Community

City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

by Michael Gutierrez
September 4, 2025
0

Detroit’s Bagley-West Vernor may join the National Register of Historic Places, unlocking tax credits, grants, and recognition for Latino heritage.

Read moreDetails
Community Representatives Selected for DCFC Stadium Community Benefits Process
Community

Community Representatives Selected for DCFC Stadium Community Benefits Process

by EL CENTRAL
September 4, 2025
0

Detroit’s $150M soccer stadium sparks debate. Learn how community leaders and residents are shaping the project’s future in Corktown &...

Read moreDetails
Ziggy Gonzalez-A Lifetime of Education and Activism
People

Ziggy Gonzalez-A Lifetime of Education and Activism

by Ozzie Rivera
September 4, 2025
0

Celebrate the life of Ignacio “Ziggy” Gonzalez, Detroit teacher, coach, and activist whose legacy shaped Clark Park and inspired generations.

Read moreDetails
Remembering Ken Jones
Community

Remembering Ken Jones

by EL CENTRAL
September 5, 2025
0

Celebrate the life of Kenneth Ray “Red Rock” Jone

Read moreDetails
Sheffield Touts ‘Progressive’ Agenda in Final Phase of Mayoral Race
Community

Sheffield Touts ‘Progressive’ Agenda in Final Phase of Mayoral Race

by EL CENTRAL
September 5, 2025
0

Mary Sheffield leads Detroit’s mayoral race with a progressive, anti-poverty agenda. Can she become Detroit’s first woman mayor in November?

Read moreDetails
Detroit River Nonprofit Targets Wetlands Loss with Island Habitat Restoration
Community

Detroit River Nonprofit Targets Wetlands Loss with Island Habitat Restoration

by EL CENTRAL
September 5, 2025
0

Discover how Friends of the Detroit River restored Sugar & Celeron Islands, fighting pollution and protecting wildlife in a $50M...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

August 28, 2025
Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

August 28, 2025
Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

August 28, 2025
UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

August 28, 2025

Recent News

DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

August 28, 2025
Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

August 28, 2025
Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

August 28, 2025
UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

UNI Launches Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship

August 28, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

August 28, 2025
Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

Metro Detroit Youth Find Their Voice in Summer Writing and Photography Camp

August 28, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS