A "Sabor Latino" conquering New England

Sabor Latino (Connecticut)

Sabor Latino (Latin Flavor) is a Peruvian salsa orchestra born in Connecticut 10 years ago. They have been performing for a variety of public throughout several New England states. The founders Bernardo Orejuela, Johnny Asanza, and Nano Orejuela as their musical director have a long artistic trajectory that started in Peru. When they migrated to the United States, their love for Latin music was stronger than the cold eastern winter as they continued to feel the Latin flavors in their blood. Originally, from Callao - Peru, they brought up their seaside origins to Connecticut to establish a legacy of salsa music in the Eastern American culture.

Sabor Latino orquesta

How where the origins of Sabor Latino?

Nano: We started Sabor Latino 10 years ago. Its founder is my father, Bernardo Orejuela, and Jhonny Asanza, I am the musical director. In the beginning, My dad (Bernardo) and Johnny used to play for a Peruvian cumbia orchestra here in Connecticut, but we always felt that we needed to go beyond cumbia and play something a little bit more universal.  That’s how Sabor Latino started because we love to play different music genres, especially for the diverse Hispanic population in Connecticut.  We play salsa, bachata, cumbia, and merengue. Our band has grown. Now, we have 12 members joining. The result of our hard work is that people like our music.

Bernardo: Yes, we have played in many places not only here in Connecticut, but also in Philadelphia, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island. In Connecticut  we have established a fame. 

Johnny: We used to play for “Nada Facil,” a cumbia group here in Connecticut. We worked with them for about two years, but we always liked to play different types of music, for instance, salsa, bachata, but with that group we were limited to play cumbia only. One day we decided that it was time to do something different. I am very proud of our initiative and hard work, and I'm  happy to be part of Sabor Latino. 

Why does salsa characterize Sabor Latino?

Nano: I particularly love salsa. I have salsa in my blood; it is everything to me.

Tell me about your new single?

Nano: Yes, it is called “La Carta Final,” an original composition of the Peruvian cumbia group Armonía 10. We were inspired by their artistically work and decided to convert “La Carta Final” in a salsa tune. We wanted to make a tribute to their love for music and thought this was a great idea. We also converted a song from the Peruvian bolero singer Ivan Cruz, “Dices que te vas,” and it was a success. We made a cumbia song from Corazon Serrano, “Dígale” to a merengue theme. We love experimenting with diverse genres.

Sabor Latino orquesta

What are the plans for Sabor Latino in 2020?

Nano: We have many plans! We are going to keep making more music. In New Year’s, we are going to be performing at Piolin At Franklin restaurant in Hartford. We have a lot of work in front of us. We'll have concerts in February and August. Next year we have presentations in Providence and New Jersey, so our agenda is booked.

Johnny: We have reached out to a big public because we are dedicated to our work. We rehearse 5 to 6 hours every day. When we see that the place where we are going to play is full of people, we feel proud. For us, the basis is to play salsa music, but we also like to indulge our public; if they ask for bachata or merengue, we give them what they want.  Cumbia, bachata, merengue, salsa, we have everything!

Sabor Latino (salsa music)

Most Hispanics receive New Year’s with a particular cabala. Do you guys have any in particular?

Bernardo: My family’s cabala tradition is to eat 12 raisins or grapes as soon as the clock hits midnight.

Fernando: I don’t have any particular cabala. I don’t believe in any of that, so I cannot tell.

Nano: My cabala is to start the year playing salsa. To be working in New Year’s and play is the best thing to keep doing what I love the whole year. 

Gian Pierre: I do not have any specific cabala. But like Nano said, as long as we are playing in New Year’s, that is the best thing. I am happy and fortunate to be a member of Sabor Latino.

Johnny: Mine is to be working. To end and start the year, playing is the best. 

Sabor Latino orquesta

What is your new year’s message for the Boceto Media community?

Fernando: Greetings to all the community, and happy New Year! I want to thank you for your support in 2019, and to continue supporting us in 2020. The New Year is going to be even better!

Bernardo: First of all, I want to thank the Peruvian community and all Latinos. We hope to see you at Piolin restaurant for our New Year’s party!

Nano: I want to thank the community, our followers, and our family for your kind support. See you at the concert!

Gian Pierre: I want to thank our fans and our family for your support. We hope we can count on your support in 2020. See you at the party!

Johnny: Thank you very much for your love. Thank you for your support through our social media platforms. I wish the best to all in 2020.  

Interview to Sabor Latino (spanish)

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