Marc Anthony returns to Tampa after 20 years

Marc Anthony performing at the former Ice Palace Arena in 2002

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

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It has been 20 years since the worldwide salsa artist Marc Anthony performed in Tampa, FL. His last performance was September 15, 2002 at the Ice Palace Arena which today is the Amalie Arena and exactly where Marc is returning to perform in November.

As we look back at Marc's local performances, he definitely has come a long way. A few years ago Marc Anthony was not so well known or good looking to everyone, well actually 28 years. He first appeared in Tampa as a special guest performer for an event for Victor Matos' la Revista Ovación at the Club Civico Cubano (Cuban Civic Center), a small venue, February 1994. 

It had only been a year or so since Marc’s crossover from singing in English to singing in Spanish commenced. The singer with long hair and funky glasses along with a local band and two of his own band members, Erben Perez and Angel Fernandez who are still an integral part of Marc's trajectory, to accompany him belted out a few songs to a small crowd. It was an intimate show. You could easily extend your hand to touch him, talk to him, get his autograph and even a photo or two.

Marc Anthony performing for the first time at Tampa's Club Civico Cubano February 1994

Then Marc returned in December 1995 to an upgraded venue, the former A La Carte Event Pavilion, for an end of the year dance by Imagen Latina Production. This time his hair was short and more handsome. He had his own band and the crowd multiplied. His popularity increased as the crowd joined him in singing and there was room to dance. 

End of the year dance at the former A La Carte Event Pavilion December 1995

Marc’s songs were being heard more and more on the radio, winning countless awards, hitting the top of the music charts, penning and recording songs, videos... Marc was a singer to be spoken about. His first concert at a bigger venue in Tampa was in 2002 at the Ice Palace Arena as his popularity exploded. Although not an intimate show and no room to dance similar to the beginning of his crossover career, he had a bigger crowd, more songs under his belt to perform and had fans following him.

A special bond since December 1995, encouragement and blessings from a long time special admirer, Brunilda Irizarry of 81 years of youth

Two years later he was to perform once again at the Ice Palace but the concert was cancelled. Also worth mentioning, on November 19, 2011 Marc was invited to perform across the bay at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Then there was another lapse in his performances in Tampa Bay.

Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg November 2011

Marc's unconditional fans, salsa music lovers, and followers have driven to Orlando and or Miami throughout the years. This time around, his unconditional fans, salsa music lovers and followers are more than welcome to join us in Tampa for a concert for the books.

Marc just wrapped up his Pa'lla Voy tour named after his successful recent album and single that included concerts in the United States, Europe and Latin America. And within no time, Anthony kicked off his Viviendo tour in the United States in Las Vegas. This tour is titled after his third song "Viviendo" from his fifth studio album Libre released in 2001.

Finally, Friday November 4 Marc Anthony, his 'baddest' band, and the famed Latino comedian Joey Vega will be on our stomping grounds. Hopefully a sold out concert too. Don't miss your chance to see the most acclaimed salsa artist. Haven't purchased your ticket yet, well what are you waiting for, click here. Like we say in Spanish, para que no te cuenten - so you won't be told.

Not convinced or sure to attend, what we know, well at least I know it will be one unforgettable concert in Tampa, like Marc Anthony says, "check it out."

There's tons to know about Marc Anthony from his astonishing singing profession, his acting, entrepreneur, philanthropist... check out his website Marc Anthony by clicking here. And of course he has videos, even duos with other artists and mostly in every music genre there is today on his YouTube channel Marc Anthony. In addition, his music is on every online music outlet there is today, therefore check those out too.

Marc Anthony sang for the first time "Preciosa" at Amway Center in Orlando, FL November 19, 2017, the year Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico

Therefore, Tampa we have a date with Marc Anthony and his crew. See you November 4, 2022 at the Amalie Arena, in Tampa, FL at 8 p.m. "Esto sigue."

Let's interact, have you seen Marc Anthony perform live? If you have where and when? Did you enjoy the concert? If you didn't enjoy it, tell me too. Share any special moments you've had during Marc's concert, your most memorable moment.

How about his music, do you prefer Marc just singing salsa and or singing in other genres and with other artists? What is/are your favorite song(s)/album(s)? 

And you do know, Marc is an actor too? Well, what movie(s) did you like?

Make sure to come back if you attend the concert and let us know how it was too.

And last but not least read a few Marc Anthony reviews here.

Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry

Content is not to be reproduced without consent