Dec 13-21 | Holidays at SFJAZZ
Dec 13 - Dec 14, 2025
Miner Auditorium
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is an archive of a past production
Please visit our calendar for all upcoming SFJAZZ shows.
Original show description below.
Join us for a night of holiday fun with a dash of salsa picante, as one of the hottest Latin jazz bands in the land brings their high-energy night of Christmas classics back to the Miner stage.
Founded by veteran pianist Oscar Hernández and dedicated to the classic, dance-inducing New York City salsa dura sound, Spanish Harlem Orchestra entered the scene with a blaze of clave on the 2002 debut album Un Gran Dia en el Barrio, which earned a GRAMMY nomination and Latin Billboard Award for Salsa Album of the Year.
The Latin big band will perform tracks like "Navidad Con Plena", "Jingle Bells", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Sabor Navideño", "Venimos Cantando Alegre", "Silent Night / Noche de Paz" and more!
A widely esteemed accompanist and arranger known for his extensive work with conga legend Ray Barretto and salsa star Ruben Blades’ innovative Seis Del Solar ensemble, Hernández took the plunge into bandleading with the SHO. Three GRAMMY Awards later, he’s become an institution himself.
Over their two-decade existence, the band has issued a string of increasingly audacious albums that have featured guests including Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, Randy Brecker, Kurt Elling, Miguel Zenón, and Tom Harrell, among others.
The latest Ovation Records release, 2024’s Swing Forever, features new songs and arrangements and includes a guest appearance by six-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist Gilberto Santa Rosa. On this night, SHO sparks a holiday conflagration with salsa-fied Christmas standards and patented rhythmic panache, embracing the Puerto Rican Christmas style known as “Aguinaldo.”
Founded by veteran pianist Oscar Hernández and dedicated to the classic, dance-inducing New York City salsa dura sound, Spanish Harlem Orchestra sparks a holiday conflagration with salsa-fied Christmas standards and patented rhythmic panache.
This band reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra
The New York Times on Spanish Harlem Orchestra
This band reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra
The New York Times on Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Personnel
Oscar Hernández piano
Mitch Frohman saxophones, flute
Manuel Ruiz trumpet
Alex Norris trumpet
Doug Beavers trombone
Juanga Lakunza trombone
Gerardo Madera bass
George Delgado congas
Luisito Quintero timbales
Jorge Gonzalez percussion
Jeremy Bosch vocals
Marco Bermudez vocals
Carlos Cascante vocals
One of the most important contemporary Latin music ensembles in existence today.
Latin Jazz Network on Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Personnel
Oscar Hernández piano
Mitch Frohman saxophones, flute
Manuel Ruiz trumpet
Alex Norris trumpet
Doug Beavers trombone
Juanga Lakunza trombone
Gerardo Madera bass
George Delgado congas
Luisito Quintero timbales
Jorge Gonzalez percussion
Jeremy Bosch vocals
Marco Bermudez vocals
Carlos Cascante vocals
One of the most important contemporary Latin music ensembles in existence today.
Latin Jazz Network on Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Watch & Listen
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Yo Viné Para Echar Candela
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Bailador
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Yo Viné Para Echar Candela
Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Bailador