Orchestra Fuego, the fiery Florida-based Salsa band, has achieved global recognition, ranking as the Number One independent Salsa Band in the world by IMC Awards, ReverbNation, Akademia Music Awards, LIT Music Awards and Spotify. Their music has enthralled audiences worldwide with their upbeat original Latin numbers, as well as their rendition of familiar ones.
Orchestra Fuego's creative output is truly prolific, with seven albums, a dozen singles, and over 15 music videos to their name. Their latest album, "Nostalgia," has not only garnered worldwide download coverage but also won the best album and best music video at the 2024 Independent Music Awards in Hollywood, CA.
In May 2024 I had to get a new Receiver for my Stereo System and in that new Receiver it had Spotify on it. This gave an Old School Salsero like myself the opportunity to hear the new Salsa that was out there. Well the band that stood out and made an extremely high impression on me was La Orquesta Fuego. My fellow Bro from Brooklyn Marcus Hernandez has put together a Band, repertoire of songs and fantastic arrangements that bring back the explosive Salsa from the 70’s and 80’s that I, like Marcus, were a part of. Marcus’s goal was to bring back that sound and he succeeded big time with Orquesta Fuego. I love the mix of 2 Trumpets, Trombone and Sax that at times has a Afinque Willie Rosario sound to it but still sounds very original. I’m a big percussion lover also so it’s nice that we get a taste of their solos too. I can’t rave enough about Orquesta Fuego because they’ve got it all. Great name. Great tag that are on your t shirts with the Puerto Rican Maracas and Congas and of course the Fuego Flame. Great songs both old and new. Great Arrangements to both listen and dance to. Great Musicians and Great Singers. And Marcus very rhythmically playing that Piano down. I even love your “Fuego, Fuego..Llaman Los Bomberos” that are on a few songs. I put together a 26 song playlist that is as explosive as it is entertaining. To conclude I congratulate Marcus and La Orquesta Fuego for being very much Music to my very pleased ears. Vaya Orquesta Fuego bring us more of your SALSA
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
I truly appreciate your heartfelt words, my dear friend. Your kindness means a lot to me.
This band played our corporate party and made the event fun and personalized!! We had an amazing time and are incredibly thankful to Orchestra Fuego!!
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
Thanks, Amy, for your wonderful review. Glad everyone had a terrific time.
We love this band. Once you start dancing you will never sit. We first saw them at the Gulfport Latin Festival and now we try to go every place they appear close to us. The last time was in Ybor City at Ybor Jazz House my feet and toes were so numb but I did not care as I just kept dancing until they left. That is how good they are. I am hoping I do not have to wait to long before they perform again as my body and feet love to dance to their Latin beat. Love you Orchestra Fuego!!!
I enjoy Orquesta Fuego's live Salsa beyond what words can express.. It's the purest most raw Salsa music that gives you goose bumps! Marcus hits that piano like he F@&#%* means it!! ...and when they played their rendition of Quimbara, I went outta control!!
Love them!!!
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
Thanks brother, glad you enjoyed yourself.
My husband and I saw Orquesta Fuego at The Wooly, downtown Gainesville, and we had such a great time! Their music is awesome, we danced Salsa and Merengue all night. What a great perfomance, Luis Aponte and Jorge Tamayo are the best! Can't wait to see them performing again.
When this band plays locally, I will be there. They are the greatest! The vocalist, Jorge Tamayo and Luis "Torpedo" Aponte are exceptionally talented! I have not had a greater time at any event (and I had no idea what they were saying; I danced all night). I bought the CD and am listening to it now and dancing in my seat at my desk. A must see group of fun-loving, professional, talented and blessed, people. The musicians are the best I've ever heard! Hat's off to Marcus Hernandez for your direction. I am a fan who impatiently wait for your next local event. GREAT JOB!
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
Thank you Wanda for your generous review. I'm glad you had a good time. We'll be back in the area soon. Just check out our website for times and dates of when and where we will be performing. We also just released our second album which is on sale on our website.
Any question please feel free to reach out to me.
Have a terrific day!
Marcus Hernandez, Musical Director
I saw Orquesta Fuego a couple of weeks back at the Wooly in downtown Gainesville. The orchestra packs a tight sound with fantastic stage presence and they quickly got the floor dancing to their beat—I didn’t know we had a Latin orchestra of this quality so close to home. Props to Jorge and Luis for their great work.
I highly recommend watching them live and catch their next show!
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
Hi Santiago; thanks for your wonderful words. We really appreciate your review.
We just released our new album titled "Salsa Brava" and it's on sale on our website and all major vendors, such as iTunes, Google Play and many more.
We'll be back in that area soon; just check our website for details.
Be well.
Marcus Hernandez, Musical Director
Since the day I met Mr. Marcus Hernandez, I was totally blown away by his level of professionalism and I felt at ease knowing that my son, his bride and our guests will have a good time. However, when he and his orchestra performed at the reception, every single guest was amazed by their performance, the way the interacted with our guests, the music, the sound and their disposition. Their energy level was outstanding. We highly recommend them and can't wait to hire them again. They definitely exceeded the 5 star ranking.
The Latin bands performance during Maggie's 50th birthday celebration in Tampa, FL was amazing! The live music was a combination of salsa, merengue, bachata and entertainment! I was blown away by all the musicians in the band. The music was clear and loud. It was very entertaining watching them play their instruments. I particularly enjoyed watching one of the musicians dance with his partner. He looked so gracious and natural, watching them dance made my Puerto Rican blood bubble! I enjoyed the band so much, that I will follow their event schedule and hope to attend an event soon...that's 3 hours or so away. I'm in Savannah, GA and I am already looking forward to it!
Myself and my guests were in awe of this band. They were prompt, organized and professional. The music director, Marcus Hernandez, was the consummate professional. From the first conversations to the first in person meeting. The music was amazing. I would recommend them and hire them again without hesitation. The only regret I have is that I didn't hire them for a longer period of time.
I had the privileged of seeing and hearing Orchestra Fuego this past weekend at a Birthday Party at Tampa Bay Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club. They were absolutely fantastic. Their 2 singers were exceptional and were at ease pumping up the crowd. If you want a great sounding Salsa band then Fuego is the one.
Orchestra Fuego has always exceeded expectations from guests to our staff. Extremely professional and amazing music! Highly recommended! Perfect for any type of special event!
Response from Orchestra Fuego: A 12-Piece Latin Orchestra:
Thanks my friend
Price Range: Starting at $2800
Gig Length: 60 - 120 minutes
Languages: English, Spanish
Insurance: $100,000 - Liability Insurance
Orchestra Fuego is a high energy Salsa Band. We also play a variety of other Latin American music, such as merengue, bolero, cha cha and Bachata. We play what's called "Old School NYC Salsa" and will sure make you want to move and dance.
Our Story
ABOUT ORCHESTRA FUEGO
Rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved and sought-after Salsa bands in America—and with reach extending to South America, Europe, and Japan—Orchestra Fuego, the fiery Florida-based Salsa band, has been ranked as the Number One independent Salsa band in the world by IMC Awards, ReverbNation, Akademia Music Awards, LIT Music Awards, and Spotify. The band is currently enjoying a spectacular run as they carve out a niche for the Salsa genre, captivating audiences with their upbeat original Latin songs as well as their renditions of familiar favorites.
Founded and led by Salsa aficionado and composer Marcus Hernandez, Orchestra Fuego (with "Fuego" meaning "fire") traces its origins back to the late 1970s when Hernandez, already a veteran performer on the New York City scene, formed the Salsa group Fuego ’77 and recorded an album of the same name under the Alegre Record Label, a subsidiary of the renowned Fania Records. This album became an instant hit, paving the way for Hernandez to collaborate with notable artists like Adalberto Santiago and Rafael de Jesus. Known for his creativity, electrifying stage presence, and leadership, Hernandez eventually relocated from New York to Tampa, FL, where he recognized the need to revive the classic Salsa sound in Florida, leading to the formation of Orchestra Fuego in 2015. Their high-octane sound, combining Afro-Cuban rhythms with Nuyorican flavor, preserves the integrity and spirit of old-school Salsa (or New York City Salsa) while adding a fresh twist.
Orchestra Fuego has released seven albums, a dozen singles, and over 15 music videos. Their latest album, "Nostalgia," has garnered worldwide attention and received the awards for Best Album and Best Music Video at the 2024 Independent Music Awards in Hollywood, CA, as well as Best Salsa Album at the 2024 LIT Music Awards.
In addition to original music, Orchestra Fuego performs lively arrangements of familiar songs, including "I Can Only Imagine," "Way Maker," and "All I Want for Christmas Is You." They have made appearances on Fox News and ABC Action News, and over the years, they have cultivated a large and loyal following. As their devoted fans chant, “Fuego, Fuego, Llaman Los Bomberos!” the band has performed live in front of tens of thousands at venues such as the Orlando and Miramar Amphitheaters, Magic City Casino in Miami, and the Orlando House of Blues, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Grupo Niche, Victor Manuelle, Grupo Gale, Charlie Aponte, and Sonora Poncena.
Orchestra Fuego has already had a busy 2024, with their music videos for "Cry Me A River," "Bésame Mucho," "Ella Baila Sola," and "De Tu Boca" winning Best Music Video awards at the 2024 LIT Music Awards. They have also achieved RIAA Platinum status for their albums "Baila Mi Salsa" and "Candela."
Through all their successes and the joy of igniting dance floors across Florida and beyond, Marcus Hernandez remains grounded and focused on the path ahead. Stay tuned for more music from Orchestra Fuego!
Written by Vaibhav Thomas
Client must provide sound equipment and technician. We do not have sound equipment.
| October 06, 2024 • 11:00am - 8:00pm | Palm Bay, FL PR Parade & Festival |
| September 21, 2024 • 6:00pm - 10:30pm | Clermont, FL Sips & Salsa Festival |
| July 30, 2019 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
| March 18, 2017 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Saint Petersburg Latin Festival |
| September 24, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration |
| Marcus Hernandez | Musical Director |
Our sound is similar to those of Willie Rosario, Puerto Rican Power, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Marc Anthony.
PA system
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