PIX11, in association with 21 Events, will present a live celebration of Latin music at the 116th Street Festival in East Harlem on June 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. The event, broadcast live on PIX11, will feature a lineup of legendary performers and emerging artists, underscoring the enduring influence of Latin music in New York City.
A centerpiece of the festival will be a tribute to salsa icon Willie Colón, with performances by Luis Damon and Papote Jiménez. The tribute will culminate with Grammy Award-winning artist Roberto Blades performing the classic anthem “La Murga,” honoring Colón's contributions to Latin music.
Tito Puente Jr. will also perform, continuing his father's legacy while introducing new audiences to the rhythms that made the Puente name synonymous with Latin music. Freestyle and Latin music icon Safire, who grew up in Spanish Harlem just blocks from the festival, will perform in her home neighborhood for the first time, ahead of her Spanish-language album release in August 2026.
“As one of New York City’s most celebrated cultural events, the 116th Street Festival continues to serve as a gathering place where music, heritage, and community come together in the heart of El Barrio,” said Michael Schwartz, Director of Sales for PIX11. “We are proud to broadcast this excitement to fans throughout the Tri-State area.”
The PIX11 Stage will also feature internationally acclaimed violinist Alfredo De La Fe, celebrating his 60th anniversary in music. De La Fe, recognized as the first solo violinist to perform with a salsa orchestra, has performed alongside Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Willie Colón, and other legends. Additional performances include Colombian singer-songwriter Yuri Toro, salsa vocalist Frankie Morales, Panama's Willie Panamá, New York-based Fuego Taibori, and emerging Bronx duo CRILL & CLOS, who blend Latin, pop, and urban influences.
The festival highlights the diversity and innovation of Latin music, bringing together artists whose careers span generations. “For the 21 Events Team, we are honored to bring together so many talented artists to present their music to the live audience and to broadcast the 41st Annual 116th Street Festival live on PIX11,” said Ralph Paniagua, Managing Director of 21 Events.
The PIX11 Stage is produced by Ralph Paniagua, with musical production by Luis Miguel Cruz, co-production and music licensing by Martha Cancel, stage management by Pioantonio Ventura, and artist relations coordinated by Manuel Soba. The event is presented by PIX11 in association with 21 Events.