Marc Anthony's first-ever residency, Vegas... My Way! tour will be held exclusively at BleauLive Theater. The residency will feature 10 live performances throughout 2026 beginning in February. For the first time ever, Anthony will perform both English and Spanish-language hits from his more than 30 years as a chart-topping solo artist.
"Marc is a defining voice of our generation, who personifies Fontainebleau's decades-long legacy of creating moments that become unforgettable memories," says Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer. "Marc Anthony's Vegas…My Way! is a milestone for Las Vegas entertainment, and we look forward to making history when he takes the BleauLive Theater stage in 2026."
A four-time GRAMMY® and eight-time Latin GRAMMY® award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Marc Anthony has achieved more than 114 No. 1 chart hits worldwide and sold millions of albums across the globe. As one of the top touring artists in the world, he continues to bridge the global stage between the general and Latin markets, delivering music that transcends culture, language, and generations.
"This residency marks a new chapter in my journey," says Marc Anthony. "Las Vegas has always been about reinvention and timeless entertainment, and this show embodies that spirit. It's a celebration of my history, my roots, and the music that has connected me to audiences around the world."
"With Vegas… My Way!, I'm inviting fans to experience my story in a more personal, intimate, and powerful way than ever before!"
Therefore join the top salsa artist at BleauLive Theater for a concert like no other. The residency concert dates thus far are on February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21; July 24, 25, 29, 31; and Aug. 1, 2026. Additional dates will be added as they are confirmed.
Get your tickets for Marc Anthony's Vegas... My Way! tour here.
Who would have known that history would repeat itself, well sort of, for a Tampa resident, my mom. Twenty seven years ago Brunilda Irizarry had a special bonding with Marc Anthony.
Since the first time we met Marc Anthony in December 1995, we had a special connection with him. My family and I assisted Imagen Latina Productions with an end of year dance in which Marc was the performer. I was his chauffer and mom accompanied me, my Dad may he RIP chauffeured the band. Marc’s itinerary after picking him up at Tampa International Airport included an autograph session then dinner just before his performance. Marc was more than an artist, he was like ‘family.’
Our last family photo in 1996 at Marlboro Music Festival Raices in Orlando, FL (another beautiful story behind it too)
The evening of the dance, we wished Marc Anthony luck just before his performance. It was his second performance in Tampa since his Spanish music crossover in the 1990s. His first performance was in 1994 for a local Latin magazine event in which I voluntarily contributed to its entertainment column. The farewell the next day was bittersweet not only with Marc but also with his band and Mikey Jimenez. We wished him well and like a mother, mom also gave him a ‘motherly’ pep talk along with her blessings.
Marc Anthony's longest band member Erben Perez and Mikey Jimenez
Mom and Dad blessed him a few times after up until Marc became well known, making it impossible to have that close interaction. We have followed his growth in his profession since our first encounter and have voluntarily contributed and supported him in our own way. We are extremely proud of his success and of all his accomplishments.
Volunteers for Marc's foundation - Maestro Cares (2013)
Little did we know what was going to transpire on Marc's return to Tampa 20 years later to perform at Amalie Arena that was formerly called Ice Palace Arena and where Marc had performed in 2002. We were already downtown to meet up with friends from MAC La Familia/Marc Anthony Fan Club (fan clubs from back in the days) that came to Tampa to attend the concert. It was a spur of the moment decision for me to try to purchase tickets about three hours before the concert. Luckily we scored an affordable and irresistible price for floor tickets, three rows from the stage. It was the only way Marc could see the small sign I made for mom, well try to see it at least.
Mom and I had attended Marc’s concert at the same venue 20 years ago, although we’ve seen him perform in Orlando, St. Petersburgh, and Miami, it was great to have him perform in our hometown again. Mom had told me I should make a welcome back sign. She had no idea I had made a sign that read, “¿Marc te puedo dar mi bendición como la primera vez en 1995?” (Marc can I give you my blessing like the first time in 1995?). We didn’t know if Marc would see the 8x10 sign from our third row seats.
For my family and I to have been part of his beginnings here in Tampa in 1994 and 1995 gives me so much nostalgia, happiness, and more so to watch mom sing, dance, and feel so proud of Marc and the band... I am forever grateful and blessed to share so many beautiful Marc memories with mom. There were many times I envisioned this but had no idea why, how, when and where. It is finally sinking in and each time I remember I get choked up. May we have many more Marc memories together.
Thanks to Marc, his band, his crew, Joey Vega, and Luis Figueroa for an unforgettable evening in Tampa. And of course to those that were around us that were trying to get Marc's attention to notice mom with the sign and to Marc's crew that spotted her and moved us to the front of the stage... Mom had a slight sore shoulder for a few days but it was all worth it.
“Que me imaginaba yo que me iba encontrar con Marc otra vez después de tantos años... Si me acordó, no sé. Son tantos años ya. Que Dios me lo siga bendiciendo, a todos. Gracias hija.” (I didn't imagine I was going to meet Marc again after so many years... If he remembered me, I don't know. It's been so many years now. God keep blessing him, all of them. Thanks daughter).
Read Marc Anthony's Tampa concert review here and additional reviews here.
Missed Marc Anthony this time around, well his Viviendo tour continues, check it out here for information of where he'll be performing this year and in 2023.
Photo and video credits Doris Irizarry
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(We normally don't write in first person but it was easier and more meaningful to write in first person this time).
What an honor to have one of the top salsa music artists there is today return to Tampa for an exclusive concert 20 years later. It was December 15, 2002 that Marc Anthony and his band had last stepped foot at the Amalie Arena which back then was the Ice Palace Arena.
On Friday, November 4, 2022 the biggest and best salsa dance party was set for downtown Tampa. The excitement was felt all around, ladies and gents all decked out, traffic was a hustle bustle since early Friday morning. Marc Anthony (Marco Antonio Muñiz), el flaco (skinny) as he’s referred to by many, his band (da baddest band as they’ve been baptized by their fans), the hilarious comedian Joey Vega (he’s been Marc Anthony’s opening act for 20+ years), and special guest performer Luis Figueroa, the latest salsa sensation were going to light up Tampa. And indeed they did!
Joey Vega was all set promptly at 8 p.m. to entertain the early arrivals. It was 20 years he had performed at the very same venue with Marc. He took us back to the pandemic days and how ladies need to look to attend a Marc Anthony concert. By the time Luis Figueroa started singing, the venue was three fourths full. He took us back in time with oldies but goodies among them one of my all-time favorites “Hasta el sol de Hoy.”
Yes, Latinos show up late or arrive early to hang out around the venue mingling, drinking, eating, waiting for the most acclaimed artist to start. As the lights start to dim, Marc’s baddest band take their places on stage. The band plays a medley of Marc Anthony songs just before he appears on stage sporting his signature shades as usual that don't last long on him, black jeans, black blazer, a white button down dress shirt, and of course he wore shoes too.
Osvaldo Figueruelo with his wife and mother - photo courtesy Osvaldo Figueruelo
The audience ranged from families with their children, sons and daughters with their mom or dad or both, couples, groups, and fans that came from far and near all ready to sing and dance their hearts out. Osvaldo Figueruelo was happy to see Marc Anthony for the first time with his wife and his mother.
“Que sentimiento de felicidad, sabor, orgullo es haber sido parte de ese público anoche. Y que bendición presenciar a una de nuestras mas grandes estrellas. Solo queda tomar las palabras de Marc Anthony anoche y decir: ¡Viva la raza latina!” (What a feeling of happiness, taste, pride to have been a part of that audience last night. And what a blessing to have witnessed one of our greatest artists. It only leaves me to take Marc Anthony's words last night and say: long live the Latin race) posted Osvaldo on Facebook.
Santi Socorro attended the concert with his family, They had seen Marc perform 20 years ago also at the same venue. It left them wanting for Marc to continue singing. “His voice is one of a kind. All of his songs are also hits. If he comes back to Tampa Bay we will be there,” said Santi.
Santi Socorro and his family - photo credit Alisha Estevez
The welcoming was surreal, the sold out venue went into hysteria as soon as Marc was spotted and belted out the first lyrics to his recent hit “Pa’lla Voy.” Marc Anthony is a showman within himself. He doesn’t need dancers, props, laser lighting, boom and bangs… It’s his voice and band that completes him for an extraordinary evening of singing and dancing.
The communication between Marc and his people was indescribable. The Latin pride was visible throughout the night with flags from Venezuela, Cuba, and of course Puerto Rico being waved as Marc repetitively yelled “Dios los bendiga y que viva la raza latina” and at one point almost slipped into the ending "puñe...” (God bless and long live the Latin race).
Marc never disappoints as the fan followers know. He keeps holding out notes, dances all over the stage making sure to cover every angle so everyone could see him. Of course he blew kisses, gave eye contact, blessings, bowing respectfully as he did to Brunilda Irizarry when he spotted her with an 8x10 sign stating “¿Marc te puedo dar mi bendición como la primera vez en 1995?” (Marc can I give you my blessing like the first time in 1995?), he even said jokingly, “Why you all sitting.” Marc wants everyone to have a great time, he wants you to sing and dance as is the message in his hit “Vivir mi Vida.”
Many times the fans out powered Marc in singing and he just let them sing. He does encourage his fans to sing with him if they know the song, “Si la saben, cántenla” and of course dance too. They knew all his songs from the first one to the last one.
The band outshined too, each in their own way and a few doing solos – Mario Sebastian strumming his guitar and Jessie Caraballo with his drum solo until Marc joined him on a set of drums. Let’s call out the additional phenomenal band members Alexandra Taveras and Franklin Torres vocalists, Ozzie Melendez trombonist and Erben Perez bassist, the four also formed their own group, A Tempo Band, during the pandemic. In addition, Curtis Rodriguez plays the bongos, Eric Velez the congas; Angel Fernandez is the musical director, guitarist and trumpeter; Bayron Ramos and Dan Reagan trombonist, Gerardo Rodriguez trumpeter, Marc Lopez percussionist, and last but not least Juan Carlos Sierra pianist.
Marc’s repertoire consisted of oldies but goodies of his endless all time hits and of course his recent hits. The setlist included “Valio la Pena,” “Y Hubo Alguien,” “Hasta Ayer,” “Flor Pálida,” “Contra la Corriente,” “Palabras del Alma,” “Si te Vas,” “Que precio tiene el Cielo,” “Mala,” “Te conozco Bien,” and after Marc sang “Parecen Viernes” he said, “buenas noches, que Dios me los bendiga,” as he waved and walked towards the back of the stage until he disappeared.
Although the arena lights were off, the arena was lit with cellphones as chants for more of Marc got louder and louder. Some started to leave but regular concert attendees and fans know a Marc Anthony concert isn’t over until Marc sings his closing theme song. For those that stayed until the end, they had an extra song to enjoy “Tu amor me hace Bien,” before ending a great and unforgettable night with “Vivir mi Vida.” Just what we all did Friday night, vivir mi vida (live my life). Indeed we did.
Vive tu vida que la vida es una, baila y canta, gózala (live your live, life is only one, dance and sing, enjoy it).
What an incredible evening it was in Tampa with the return of the salsa sensation and his band after 20 years of absence. Hopefully it’s not the last Marc Anthony concert in Tampa or a long wait for one.
To Marc Anthony, his band, his crew, and staff thanks for an awesome evening. Please come back soon!!
As the Marc Anthony duo with Carlos Vives goes, “hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar” (until we find each other again).
Missed Marc Anthony this time around, well his Viviendo tour continues, check it out here for information of where he'll be performing this year and in 2023.
Check out a few Marc Anthony reviews and what happened with Brunilda Irizarry's sign here.
It has been a year since the outburst of Covid19 in 2020 that put a halt practically on our lives in many ways. For music fans, it was the live concerts, show, award shows where we could enjoy our favorite artists perform. The creativity since the pandemic for some artists, musicians, sound engineers has been amazing.
It's a new year, the year 2021 and slowly venues and clubs have started offering live concerts again but some artists are still laying it low to a certain extent. One of the most popular salsa artists there is today, Marc Anthony, once again takes over the stages in an innovative way presenting his first live streaming concert for the USA and North America directly from the sunshine state Miami, Florida.
The livestream concert Una Noche will broadcast live on Saturday, April 17, 2021 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET. A first class show, completely renewed and in keeping with these new times, will move the most intimate fibers of all his fans. A historic event designed so that they can feel the intimacy of his songs and vibrate with the energy of his greatest hits.
Marc is the artist with the most #1 albums on the Billboard (Latino) chart, the most number of songs to have reached the #1position (32 tracks), seven time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winner, more than 30 million albums sold all over the world, and the list goes on. The livestream concert will make each spectator live an unbeatable experience, a live show, in which the energy, production and music will be destined to capture the public and not let go until the end.
“Life has changed us… undoubtedly. But music is still a tethering wire for everyone. It allows us to continue keeping the illusion, love and joy alive. And although for our safety we cannot be face to face yet, I am sure that this concert will create an incredible magic, that I will be able to connect with my audience, wherever it is and with all those who need a touch of music to move forward; to maintain the illusion for life,” said Marc Anthony.
Tickets are on sale now at the special VIP price for $25 then $30 and $40. To purchase tickets for the USA and North America concert, click here. There will also be a VIP After party with Alex Sensation for an additional $5 that can be added to your ticket.
Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime event mi gente.
Additional Information
* Tickets exclusively for transmission only in the territory of the United States and North America. Instructions and your unique code to access the stream will be included in your confirmation email after purchase. You will have 24 hours, from the live broadcast schedule, to watch the event for a single time on the broadcast platform.
The music industry is mourning the loss of one of its salsa music classic artists, Julio Cesar Rojas Lopez, who is known in the entertainment world as el gallo salsero Tito Rojas. No, he doesn't sing like a gallo (rooster) but it's more so due to his imitation of a rooster during his performances. The Puerto Rican artist died at the age of 65 at a family residence in Humacao, Puerto Rico due to health complications.
Tito Rojas' passing was confirmed by the director of Criminal Investigations of Humacao, Teddy Morales in indicating that the call to the police was registered at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020. The cause of the artist death was due to health complications - a heart attack.
A police officer indicated Tito Rojas had just left from a family gathering at the Tejas neighborhood in Humacao.
“When the activity ended, he left for his residency, but a little while after leaving, he stopped at one of his cousin's house at the Mariana neighborhood and tells him he doesn't feel well,” Morales said. “He asks him to take him to the hospital. When they are about to get in the family member's vehicle, he collapsed,” he added. “A little while after the paramedics arrive and certify he died. There were no signs of violence, but everything seemed to be due to a health situation.”
Tito Rojas' followers were able to enjoy his last presentation on Christmas Eve, a virtual Christmas special titled “Canta Gallo canta” (sing rooster sing) that was transmitted on YouTube. “I want you to enjoy to the max this Christmas special that I prepared for all of you. Dale pa’ bajo,” he wrote. Dale pa’ bajo was a common phrase Tito used in his performances as well in which I'd translate as hit it downward.
Among all his recordings in his four decades as an artist - albums, singles..., Tito recorded his last album in 2019, Un gallo para la historia, that includes “Vivo feliz,” “Los años no pasan en vano” and “Maldito amor bendito amor,” among others.
After knowing of Tito Rojas death, the Mayor of Humacao, Luis Raul Sanchez Hernandez, declared five days of mourning and made available the Marcel Trujillo Coliseum to the family for the wake. “If something distinguished Tito Rojas in addition to his voice, it was his humility and commitment to the Humacaeña community,” said the municipal executive.
Source Primera Hora, Facebook, Instagram
A few photos of Tito Rojas in Tampa, FL a few years ago.
Photo credits Doris Irizarry
Our deepest condolences to Tito Rojas family and friends. Rest in peace gallo salsero.
There’s only one Marc Anthony. With almost five billion video streams, mega-grossing international concert tours, and a massive social media base, he’s the world’s biggest-selling tropical and salsa singer by far. Now, fans worldwide have the opportunity to witness Anthony's most intimate journey as a music creator with the premiere of Opus - The Recording Sessions Series, exclusively on his YouTube Channel Marc Anthony starting Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at 7 p.m. ET. The digital weekly series, produced by Magnus Studios, will run for a period of 10 weeks. Recorded in Miami at Art House Society and Criteria Studios, Opus is state-of-the-art salsa album that finds Marc Anthony teaming up once again with pace-setting producer and pianist Sergio George, who produced Marc’s first salsa mega hits and co-produced his acclaimed 2013 album 3.0. Their imaginative, innovative, and massively popular productions revolutionized the sound of music, bringing millions of young listeners to tropical music and continues to have an impact all over the world. To listen to his award-winning album, Opus click here. In addition to winning the 2020 Grammy for Best Tropical Album, Opus has earned Marc Anthony a #1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay list with “Parecen Viernes”, four nominations to Latin American Music Awards. In addition, he is a finalist in four categories for the 2020 “Billboard Latin Music Awards”, and “Premio Lo Nuestro”, Anthony is currently on his Opus tour In the U.S. During the summer, he'll be touring in Europe. For tour info click here. Make sure to follow the salsa astro on social media - Facebook OfficialMarcAnthony, Twitter MarcAnthony, and Instagram MarcAnthony.
Source: Sony Music Latin
Nothing stops salseros and less Marc Anthony fans from partying. On a rainy and cold day in which Floridians are not accustomed to the latter, fans managed to fill up Amway Center in Orlando for another unforgettable evening with the one and only Marc Anthony, his amazing band and the hilarious comedian Joey Vega.
The renowned salsero kicked off his Legacy tour in 2018 but Central Florida wasn’t included which left many fans questioning as to why. But it would be impossible for Marc not to perform in Orlando where he's had consistent sold out concerts, a huge fan base especially Puerto Ricans and after his historical and emotional 2017 tribute to Puerto Rico singing “Preciosa” for the first time ever at Amway Center. Of course, he’d return to Orlando for the second leg of his Legacy Tour. It was a great way to start off 2019 with Marc Anthony.
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The stage setting was different. A stage curtain was in place displaying the artist and his tour name. Comedian Joey Vega stepped out to bring laughter and flashbacks of being a Latino for about an hour. And just before 10 p.m. the music started playing Marc Anthony song clips that also included his collaborations just before the stage curtain was raised for the band and Marc Anthony to be exposed. Thankfully he put to rest his jeans. He looked classier, sharper and handsome performing in a suit tailored by Sew On Set Tailor.
Close to two hours of singing and dancing with the top salsa artist there has been for years. This time “Aguanile” wasn’t the opening number, instead it was “Valio La Pena.” Inclusive “Flor Pálida,” “Vivir Lo Nuestro” “Hasta Que Te Conocí,” a medley of classics, among other hits from the beginning of Marc’s Spanish crossover to present. But Marc Anthony regular concert attendees know his concert isn’t over until he sings “Vivir Mi Vida.”
A flirty and witty Marc Anthony that made sure everyone saw him by covering every angle of the stage, showing his gratitude of his fan’s unconditional support and not to mention his pride of being Puerto Rican. “Bendición papi,” he said to his dad that was in the audience as he sang “Hasta Que Te Conocí.” He even accepted a few drinks from fans. Oh, and Marc will definitely call you out because he wants you to dance. What is a Marc Anthony concert if you don't sing and dance?
From the band to the backup singers, they were all on point adding to another phenomenal Marc Anthony concert for the books. Once again Marc Anthony depicts exactly his tour title - LEGACY!
Marc Anthony’s Legacy Tour continues until February 23. For tour information click here.
Y Marc Anthony sigue acumulando trofeos. El afamado salsero de los pasados años fue honrado con el Premio iHeartRadio Corazón de 2018 este pasado sábado 3 de noviembre en la ciudad de Miami en la Florida.
Anthony recibió el trofeo de las manos de su gran amigo y hermano, el locutor de iHeartRadio Miami y el anfitrión de la noche Enrique Santos. El reconocimiento es muy merecido por sus infinidad de logros y sus obras humanitarias que van mas allá de su carrera en la música y en la actuación.
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Antes de la entrega, Santos dio un breve discurso de los logros de Marc Anthony a través de su Fundación Maestro Cares cuyo objetivo es mejorar la calidad de vida de los niños huérfanos y desfavorecidos en América Latina y los Estados Unidos. La fundación ha ayudado a miles de niños en Colombia, República Dominicana, México, Puerto Rico, y los Estados Unidos. También hay que recalcar el compromiso que todavía lleva a mano de la reconstrucción en Puerto Rico después de la devastadora pasada del Huracán María por la isla el año pasado.
Muy agradecido el astro del momento, no perdió tiempo en expresarse. "Muchas gracias mi hermano. Para mí, esta es una gran noche por muchas razones. Quiero aceptar este premio en nombre de mi equipo, que ha estado a mi lado durante tantos años. Esto es en nombre de mi gente. Esto es para Puerto Rico. En nombre de ser latino porque he representado toda mi vida lo que significa ser un latino puñeta. Pero esto no viene de la noche a la mañana, como dije, esto es muy especial para mí... Y significa tanto que mi querido hermano, Enrique Santos, es el que me lo da. Eres el número uno, cariño. Y aceptar este premio en Miami hace toda la diferencia en el mundo, así que muchas gracias por esto ".
Y claro que Marc Anthony tenia que deleitarnos como solo el y su banda saben hacerlo en una noche llena de regocijo. Cantando y bailando al son de "Tu Amor Me Hace Bien", "Flor Pálida", y cerrando con broche de oro "Vivir mi Vida".
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Felicidades Marc Anthony por sus merecidos reconocimientos y a su banda que ha sido muy importante en los éxitos del cantante salsero.
No se pierdan a Marc Anthony en su gira Legacy que anda por los Estados Unidos. Para información y boletos, vayan a Ticketmaster.com o opriman aquí. Síganlo en su redes sociales en Facebook Official Marc Anthony, Instagram marcanthony, Twitter Marc Anthony, red oficial Marc Anthony Online, y en YouTube Marc Anthony. Finalmente, apoyen a su Fundación Maestro Cares oprimiendo aquí.
Thanks to fans and all the voters in choosing which photo will be on display at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Our querido flaco, Marc Anthony, the top salsa artist there is today was up against teen movie icon Molly Ringwald and actor Daniel Dae Kim for the honors.
The three candidates turn 50 this year along with the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery that also celebrates its golden anniversary. Anthony’s photo taken by Puerto Rican photographer Adál Maldonado will be on display at the museum's “recognized” wall. About the photo: Combining Latin rhythms, ballads, and mainstream pop music, Marc Anthony is one of today’s most significant crossover artists, selling more than twelve million albums worldwide. This photograph shows the singer, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, just as he hit his stride with his first salsa records, between 1993 and 1997. These established him as one of the all-time top-selling artists in the genre. The viewer looks at the singer, with his arms extended and head toward the sky, in a posture that conveys his natural and enduring stage presence (source: Smithsonian). La foto: Con un repertorio que combina ritmos latinos con baladas y música pop, Marc Anthony es uno de los artistas más destacados del crossover, habiendo vendido más de doce millones de discos en el mundo. Esta fotografía muestra al cantante de raíces puertorriqueñas cuando empezaba a triunfar con sus primeros discos de salsa, entre 1993 y 1997. Para esa época se estableció como uno de los salseros de más ventas de todos los tiempos. Aquí lo vemos con los brazos extendidos y la cabeza girada hacia el cielo, en una pose que comunica la naturalidad y solidez de su presencia escénica (fuente: Smithsonian).
For the past few years, the top Latin salsa artist never ceases to
amaze, and this year was no different. The renowned Marc Anthony has performed in Central Florida’s top venue a
total of 13 times – six at former Amway Arena and seven at the present Amway
Center. Most fans that have attended his concerts numerous times know his
repertoire doesn’t change much but they don’t mind as year after year he
successfully fills up the venue.
But this year it was a little different. Anthony had just
performed two concerts in Miami as part of his present Full Circle tour
presented by CMN Events. Just before his phenomenal band took their places on
the square stage set up (change from an end stage), comedian Joey Vega and radio
personality/DJ each entertained for about 30 minutes or so.
Escorted out by security and his daughter Arianna, a
few fans managed to get a closer look at Marc Anthony as he walked past them to
get to the stage. A hug and kiss from his daughter and it was show time. The
hysteria was incredible from the first to last glimpse of the salsa sensation.
This time he was even more interactive with his fans - giving autographs,
kisses - dancing and covering every angle of the square stage as he belted out
his favorite top hits from his close to 30 something career. Of course, he was
witty as well. About a 90 minute concert that left fans wanting more of Marc Anthony and his stupendous band.
“Flor Pálida”, “Vivir lo Nuestro”, “Contra la Corriente”,
“Te Amare”, “Mi Gente”, was just a handful of songs among others that Anthony sang.
After performing “Tu Amor me Hace Bien”, Anthony was escorted off the stage.
Some started to leave, others stayed roaring for the man of the moment to
continue singing as they know Marc Anthony´s concert isn´t over until he sings
his present finale song “Vivir mi Vida”, but it wasn’t his next song just yet.
As soon as the Puerto Rican flag was displayed on the
venue’s four-sided marquee, the roaring incremented and Anthony was escorted
back to the stage once again. He slowly stepped up to his microphone, the
musicians started playing the first tunes to the popular and meaningful Puerto
Rican patriotic song “Preciosa”. He took a deep breath just before he belted
out the first lyrics. It came as an amazing and unexpected surprise for all
present as Anthony is known to have only sung “Preciosa” at Madison Square
Garden in New York and at his beloved island Puerto Rico during his tours. It
has been long overdue as there is a large population of Puerto Ricans in
Central Florida as well. What an emotional performance for Marc Anthony and I’m
sure for many that were there as well.
"Preciosa" has become so much more powerful and
meaningful after the devastation of Hurricane Maria this year in Puerto Rico.
Marc Anthony poured his heart and soul into his interpretation as he normally does but this was beyond it. The out-pour of
love for his superb performance made him totally emotional to the point he
cried and it took him a few minutes to gain his composure to close out his Full
Circle concert in Orlando, Florida with “Vivir Mi Vida”. His band and fans didn’t
hesitate in starting the song for him until he was able to join them in singing.
What a surreal, unbelievable, and emotional Marc Anthony
concert. Can’t wait for his next concert and hope he’ll continue to sing in
Central Florida “Preciosa.” Marc Anthony has two more concerts scheduled for this year. Check them out here. To make donations to Marc Anthony's Puerto Rico disaster relief fund, Somos Una Voz / We Are One Voice, click here.
Photos and videos are not to be reproduced and or used elsewhere with out permission
Photos and videos are not to be reproduced and or used elsewhere with out permission
Fan clubs have been taken over by social media especially Facebook. Fan clubs have united many fans all over the world. In this case, a popular salsa artist has united many with his voice, music and fan clubs.
Marc Anthony has been singing for 21 plus years and many have followed him for that long and some even when he was singing in English before his crossover in the 1990s. His former fan clubs - La Familia and MAC (Marc Anthony Club) were an integral part of Marc fans. There were contests - meet and greets, photo opportunities, presale ticket purchases (fans had great seats for a reasonable price, now fans are not as fortunate)... close encounters with Marc, opportunities to attend special Marc events but things have changed. The love for Marc was shared via his former fan club forums with concert photos, meet and greets, great recaps of concerts, fans uniting... But within time, the fan clubs disintegrated. There was no 'playground' for Marc fans to share their love for him. There is Marc Anthony Online but...
Then came MySpace and currently Facebook (but they don't measure up to our former fan clubs) where some fans have managed to find each other once again to continue and share their love and support for their querido flaco. Some have been lucky to meet each other.
I have been fortunate to meet many from Miami, New York, Ohio, California and even Japan. On my recent trip to California I had the pleasure of meeting Arlene Castilla and reunited with Wanda Perez. I had met Wanda during our MAC glory days - we were fortunate winners of the fan clubs meet and greet contest for Orlando, Fla. and yes, she traveled from CA to Orlando.
2007 "El Cantante" activities in NYC
Margarita Mamiko from Japan
Maestro Cares 2013 volunteers
As for Arlene we had not met yet, but we shared many special Marc moments on MAC and now Facebook, emails and even phone calls (we would call each other during a Marc concert too, many did and still do). We had a special friendship bond and finally were able to meet. Although our former fan clubs don't exist, the Marc Anthony bond forever lives. And some day, some how we hope to share with Marc Anthony personally our love for him, his music (front row seats) and tell him how he has been an integral part of many of his fan's lives like the good old days.
Furthermore, I/we look forward to some day reuniting with La Familia and MAC for a Marc Anthony intimate concert somewhere, oh yes and take photos once again with our favorite salsero. Yes, I love to dream big and believe!! Viva Marc Anthony and his fans!! If you have a similar story, photos please share.
