Rubén Blades

Just excellent! Ruben is amazing and the band too. Organization was very good as well. Seating was much better than expected.

Could not be better. Ruber and Gilberto really showed what salsa is all about.Two different styles and two different times but both good at the same time

A MUST-SEE! These two together are amazing! You are dancing from the very beginning!

Genius! spectacular! Great songs, great music, great artist.

Simply Awesome! Congratulations to all the organization, the band, the artist, the opening (Luis Enrique and band). Job well done!!

Simply AMAZING!!!! Great sound quality, visual effects and INCREDIBLE talent!!! Mr. Blades sounds just as amazing in person as he does in his records.

This concert was a masterpiece. Ruben Blades performance was hillarious and breathtaking. He went the extra mile and gave us a chance to experience one of the best spanish singers in the history of music. He is second to no one, believe me my dream came true last Saturday night. I wish him the best and thank him for giving me an unforgettable performance.

the best concert of the year, come back the next year

I couldn't believe this man still sounds as good as he did 25 years ago. He took me back to my childhood for two hours .Amazing

Never before I attended a concert of Ruben Blades, and I have to say it was wonderful, probably one of the best concert I ever attend. Ruben songs and words are music for our minds, creating feelings very difficult to repeat.

Who said Ruben Blades was history?. He gave a lesson of how good salsa is sung to new and old salseros. His band was a group of the best salsa players in the latin music scene and they are all masters in their instruments. It was amazing to see people of all ages singing the lyrics that Ruben made popular decades ago and it proves that the good music never dies. This concert was true masterpiece that everybody in the house enjoyed and a great comeback for Blades that I hope stays making music forever.

I must say that this concert was amazing. I had never seen Ruben Blades in concert but have been a fan of his since my middle school years. The openning act Luis Enrique was a great added bonus!!! I'm glad to see he is back! The same thing applies to Ruben good to see him back into music and leaving politics. To my delight Emilio Estefan got up on stage at the end of the concert and started playing the congas with the band. The only bad thing was the venue. The James L. Knight Center is a nightmare in terms of getting in and out of the facility.

Show started at 8:30 with the opening act, Luis Enrique.. Form the start, Luis Enrique's sound was HORRIBLE. His musicinas were strong and the music was well arranged.. The sound sucked. Same thing for Ruben Blades.. For $140.00 each, I would have expected much better sound..

Awsome concert, i wish i can see him in concert every year!

The concert was just amazing. The place was crowed and everyone was singing and having a great time

As expected, Ruben Blades singing was great and his stage performance fantastic. His voice still transmit the emotions of the lyrics. The trouble was the music engineer. The sound that came off the speakers was overloaded with base and you could barely hear any of the other instruments. At times you could not even hear Ruben. Also, Los 6 del Solar did not seem to be playing all that well together, and there were times that it seems some were playing out of rhythm. Even Ruben seemed a little confused at times as to what part of a song they were playing ( most dramatically on Plantacion Adentro). These guys need more time to rehearse and they need a different sound mixer.

excellent event, big fan of blades, best show of my live, lights , sound A1

The performance was fabulous. The sound system and lights were good.

A life changing experience. That's what makes him the BEST

The Stage was colorfull, we had Luis Enrique as opening act singing his best songs. There was Gloria Estefan and her Husband front row and other guests. When Ruben Blades came on the Stage he set it off with "El Padre Antonio" the background had 3 colorful screens that had a message to all the songs he sang. I was with my wife in center stage and had a good view. Ruben Blades sang songs that had message for people to come together as brothers and sisters in Unity. Saludos a todos los Panameños.

music was great but the sound was to loud, distorting the real flavor of the beat.

Ruben Blades is simple the BEST !!! Plus he sung with my favorite artist Luis Enrique, both together it was spectacular I could not ask for more ...

Amazing! Rubén is the Best! Excellent band sound very Good solo interpretation. In Luis enrique performance the sound was a Little wierd but his voice was excellent.

Excellent!!! Words are not enought to express the emotion I felt!!

This is one of the greatest concerts I've ever seen!!! Ruben Blades is an exeptional artist, poet, singer...We had almost 3 hours of good music & memories. Also Luis Enrique did an excelent job. I will go to another city or country just to see Ruebn Blades again and again! I just LOVE him, for teach me so much about life, love, faamily, relatinships...with his lyrics. Thank you, Rubencito!

Ruben blades is the most important artist ever.... he`s humble, smart, talented and very funny.....................................................................................................

Ruben Blades was great , i have been waiting to see for ever , the show was all i thought it would be with the old songs that took me back to my younger years growing up in the bronx with the sounds of salsa playing out of everyones apartment , and Ruben Blades music playing all day. He was great with his fans an telling the stories behind all the songs he played that night an how they came about , an making jokes an keep it fun ,, Thanks Ruben it was great ,, . Tommy ,

This concert was great. Ruben Blades is a professional, classy showman with a great clave beat. we loved it.

He performed non-stop for over 2-1/2 hours of pure magic. He engaged his audience in Spanish and English giving the date he wrote his songs and their significance at the time they were written . His political comments were on target and presented in a musical setting. I enjoyed this show much more than his performance in Miami. His musicians were superb.Way to go, Ruben.

As the title of this review states, Rubén Blades never disappoints. He sounds the same way he did 30 years ago on his recordings and has great energy. Best of all, he is not afraid of letting his fans get close to him to take a picture. A truly amazing event, with songs from his incredible repertoire. It is no wonder that it would be this astounding.

excellent, considering the weather was horrible. He was on for 2.5 hours, but the acoustics were a little off. The music was sometimes too loud and you could not hear his words.

I would have to say that this is one of the best concerts that I have been to in a long time. Ruban Blades was amazing, his song writing, his voice, his convictions. Although I do own some of his CD's and have seen many of his movies, this is the first time I have ever seen him in person. I took my husband to the concert for his birthday and he was thrilled. Mr. Blades really gave people their money's worth. He sang for almost 3 hours straight without intermission. The bank was phenominal. We ended up buying the CD's that was on sale after the concert. I will definitely come to see him and the band again should they ever return to Tillis Center.

It was great until the moment that Gilberto Santa Rosa said that they were coming back for an encore, but the never did. :(

This sports arena can not be used for concerts due to it's terrible acoustics! Moreover, Ruben and Gilberto said they would return for an last song and failed to do so, I will not attend any other concerts held there and certainly not for Ruben and Gilberto!

The concert was great!! I took my father and my aunt as a special gift and they had a blast. The music was great and it brought back memories of the good old days back in the island of Puerto Rico.

Excellent., the combination of the two types of Salsa themes of these two excellent musicians, in addition to their very enjoyable personalities made a wonderful night.

The concert was extraordinary, I took my wife by surprise in her birthday and she loves this kind of music including the music of Gilberto santa Rosa. She was extremly happy, we are from his era. We grow in Puerto Rico with this musicand we are from the begining of the 60's. I am rating this concert: extremly great performance and I hope God bless this people with many years of health to continue providing his kind of concert.

What can I say? Ruben Blades is the best salsero ever, a true living legend! And Gilberto just blew the roof of the place! It was the best salsa concert I had ever been to, a truly unforgettable night of music and talent. wow...really hard to describe in words. Both men displayed why they are who they are; their voices sounded like they were still in the 20s and 30s. again...wow...needless to say, i didn't want the night to end and i still wish it didn't. Encore, Encore!

Miami should have more salsa music events or concerts at least three times per year. there is enough public to followa these type of salsa music and attend these types of musical events desperated in need.

Any concert with Ruben Blades and Gilberto Santa Rosa is a great concert. It was my first time at the James L. Knight Center, traffic and parking were a challenge but now I know for the next event. Allow plenty of traffic jam time closer to the event time.

The concert was awesome. The seats were great and everything was on time

This is how salsa is to be played, by masters. Ruben was incredible, WOW

Great performance!!! I absolutely loved the concert from beginning to end. Great gentlemen both of them. Very professional, very well done. Amazing sound and great voices!!!

Amazing concert! Really enjoyed watching two stars. Great chemistry, wonderful music, highly recommend this concert.

Great show artists were fantastic very organice event and Amway Arena was awesome.

This was the best concert I have ever seen. EVER. I almost cried when Ruben sang Amor y Control. There are insufficient words to describe what a great concert this was. My husband and I flew to Miami from Seattle (our home) to see this. I hope Ruben y Gilberto will come to Seattle so we can see it again. Yes, it was that good. If the same tour comes here I will happily buy tickets for it again and see it again.

Excellent event. Two of the greatest salsa performers.

It was great. I came from Venezuela exclusivily to go to the show. I like it.

They are great singer, I saw years before and they maintain his performance.

My favorites artist together!!! WWOOOOWWW. I sing and dance my heart out!!! The songs choice was excellent, even thou there's always that one that you miss and they should have included :-) There presence and voices were enough, no need for dancers, we were in the floor already!

was great, excellent performance! both were amazing......

Have been a fan of Ruben since 1974 and have seen him perform many times over the years. Have also seen Gilberto a few times over the years. What was special about this concert was the way they fed of each others energy and they both gave fantastic performances.

Excellent show, Ruben play some of his classic songs, some of which were over 30 yeras old, and interpreted some new ones that were as moving as his old material. Gilberto was very good, I am amazed by his ability to improvise and add lyrics to the song onb the spot. great show.

Thought the show was great....Was a little disappointed by Ruben Blades choice of songs.....Would like to have heard "Patria", "El Padre Antonio y el monaguillo Andres", "Buscando America"....otherwise the show was pretty amazing..... Highlight was listening to "Perdoname" from Gilberto Santa Rosa and listening to "Pedro Navaja" from Ruben Blades.....Their voices are on point....the band was excellent. Miami crowd was weak....First 5 rows sitting.....Thought they needed to get up and dance... I would see them again...No Doubt.

this is a great event,two of salsa greatest performers,

I was not disapointed at all. He is King of the Salsa and he looks better than ever. Hope that someday I get to meet him.

It was the best... fell in love with Ruben all over again.. It took me way back and it felt amazing.. Gilberto was just as good.. The top of the cake was when Tito walked up the stage and they all sang....

After five years away from regular performance, I was worried that Ruben might not have the voice for a full, live concert. This New York concert proved that I should not have worried - he is back, strong as ever. Seis de Solar was tight and full of energy, with every band member contributing good solos. It was also a treat that Jimmy Bosch was in the band on trombone that night. Ruben stuck with the old standards, all of which were true to their recorded versions, but extended in length with solos. We were surprised Ruben did not perform songs from more recent album, but figured he needed to reestablish himself with the fans. The audience was happy, singing along with these familiar hits. I have two minor complaints from the show that have nothing to do with Ruben's performance. First, the lighting was not consistent. Although the visual displays and associated light show were well designed and contributed to the event, Ruben himself was often moving in and out of dark or dimly lit portions of the stage. Where were the spotlights or front stage lights? Second, the sound balance was off - too much bass, which made for a muddy sound overall. It was difficult to hear the various individual pieces in the band. This might have been due to the unusual, large volume of the theater, but I think it was more the fault of the sound board manager. Those minor complaints did not take away from this tremendous experience. This was an amazing opportunity to hear one of Latin music's greatest musicians and songwriters. I never thought I would have the chance to hear Ruben Blades live! Now, I would travel to go to another of his concerts. Too bad there was not a dance floor in the theater, too. Nobody would have stayed in their seats. Bravo, Ruben!

Ruben Blades gave a fantastic performance, his voice was as good as 25 years ago, and he sang all of my favorites (except for Tiburon!) with great energy and passion. I took away one star because of the lighting and sound engineering. While Ruben was singing his heart out the lighting engineer seemed to have problems following him on the stage, leaving him most of the time in the dark. As the sound goes, the bass and the bells were often covering everything else, I would have loved to hear a bit more the trombones and the xylophone. Fortunately there was no problem hearing Ruben Blades, who sang for about 3 hours without a pause.

It was great to be there and enjoy a concert that it might not be able to repeat again in Atlanta. Last time was 11 years ago so...

Great show but his voice was softer than the music. Hard to hear words sometimes.

the 65yr old still's got it. one of the best concerts I've been to.

Ruben did a non stop show because he said he wanted his fans to get their monies worth.

Really enjoyed the concert, opening band led by Eddie Palmieri, followed by Ruben Blades, who as an actor I greatly admired. Hearing him sing live for the first time was amazing! Loved seeing Dudamel during the break. I had the lucky opportunity of seeing him conduct at the Walt Disney Concert Hall last year. His endorsement of Latin music is appreciated.

Going to the Hollywood Bowl is always a pleasant experience. The only problem is L.A. traffic. Set aside at an hour and a half to get there. I ordered the Bristol burger at the restaurant and it was really good. The Sangria was not as good. You should bring your own wine. The night was opened by Eddie Palmieri. With classics songs such as "Azucar" and "La Malanga", the master of the piano got the crowd going. Some people were moving in there seats and others had to stand up to do a little dancing. He was was right to say that if don't move or feel it, "You're not well". This was my first time seeing Mr. Palmieri and I'm so glad I was able to see such a legend on the stage. His charisma is contagious. Aside from his superb piano skills, he gave a little demonstration of how he plays the timbales!!! I felt that his time on stage was too short, or maybe it was that I was having too much fun. Ruben Blades came on stage after the intermission. As he opened with "Plastico", I was worried that his voice was not the same. I think he was a little cold or the sound was not working properly. But then he put me at ease, the rest of his songs were sang good. He performed with a band from Panama. That band was good band but not to the caliber of Ruben. His songs always have such deep messages. Now that I'm older, and hopefully, wiser I understand them more and more. Ruben sang many well known songs such as "Pedro Navaja", "Todos Vuelven", and "Ojos de Perro Azul". The crow was captivated by him. I was a little disappointed at the fact that Ruben and Eddie didn't share the stage. I was hopeful that they would. But other than that, it was an overall great event.

To say it was Poor is to be kind! It was BAD! THIS MAN IS A SALSERO, WE WERE THERE TO HEAR HIM SING SALSA. TO MAKE US DANCE AND HAVE FUN! HE GAVE US NONE OF THAT. IT SOUNDED LIKE BAD POETRY. Zero star rating, is my personal opinion. Never again. Not recommended.

The show was excellent....Reuben is a great singer and the orchestra was amazing!

Wednesday night was awesome: Eddie Palmieri and Ruben Blades brought the house down!!! Listening to Ruben Blades sing under the stars was simply a great treat -- an unforgettable performance.

Dont change a thing. Perfect type of concert. Affordable accommodating and entertaining.

Once again another great show by amazing musicians. My only complaint is that is was too short.

He was really really great. I had so much fun, I saw him thirty years ago in a small night club, granted very different environment but still great.

An opportunity of a lifetime- we've waited to see him perform for years and we were no disapointed!

Two Latin legends on one night, who could ask for more? Eddie Palmieri co-headlining with Ruben Blades. Eddie Palmieri's Salsa Orchestra opened and treated his fans to all their favorites, old and new. Ruben Blades did something amazing in performing with a full fledged Latin orchestra like he did in the old days when he was the featured vocalist for both the Fania Allstars and Willie Colon's band. I wish the show could have gone on and on.

Loved the second half of the show. Had a hard time with the extent of each song performed by Eddy Palmieri's band. Since the event was advertised as a Ruben Blades concert, I would have expected the other performer to be just an opening act- not take up half the time! Was also a bit disappointed that Ruben Blades only performed a few of his "all time hits". There were quite a few songs that both myself and others that grew up listening to his music did not recognize. Other than these 2 issues, the event was enjoyable.

Awesome music, lots of fun salsa music with a great orchestra

Ruben Blades is such an interesting talent; not only in his music but he is an example of how a single person does so much good for the elevation of the music he plays, the humanitarian efforts he is involved in and given the pollitical environment, he is his country's best ambassador. His band dressed in professional jackets; just set the evening. Ruben's styling himself and his voice...ah, I was in heaven. The good Lord did good in giving the talent to Ruben. I was moved by all the songs even those I didn't understand. The songs had such depth, sang with such feeling and played so every muscle in my body didn't stop moving all night. With a limited income, I selected well where I would spent my hard-earned money and the evening exceeded all my expectations, including the park and ride method getting to and from the Bowl.

I think the bass could've been turned up a little bit more. I didn't feel the full impact of the timbales, the bells and sometimes I couldn't hear Ruben Blades. Aside from that the lighting and stage was amazing. Eddie Palmieri took too much time, he should speak less. Thanks.

This was a great Salsa concert by some of the greatest artists in the Genre, however, the place did not accommodate the surrounding Salsa heat!!! Note to the promoters, next time hold the concert in a ballroom so that people can DANCE!!!

Amazing show! Loved the opening act: Eddie Plamieri and a live Salsa Orchestra. Spectacular performance had me dancing in my seat and later on in any open space. Great set list and interaction/participation with the audience. Ruben Blades was outstanding! I loved every single song, he is a true salsero with the soul of a poet. I went with my mom and we had a memorable time. Singing, dancing and enjoying all the amazing peoples good energies at the Bowl. Definitely want to come back with my entire family! Please bring back Ruben Blades & Eddie Palmieri's Salsa Orchestra!. Unforgettable night!

5 stars for Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra. They were HOTTT. Just wish the second half of the show ended like it started ---- sizzling. Not a big R.B. fan and found his sound to be rather lackluster compared to Eddie's.

This was an all time must go artist! I am so glad I was able to attend with my mother who is also a fan. Two different generations enjoying the same artist. It was an amazing concert and to see everyone up dancing and singing was awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better venue. I loved it and would see him again!

Ruben was amazing and respectful to the audience. For example, he was concerned not to speak too much because we came to hear him sing.

It was a perfect summer night with the perfect voice.

Great venue and great concert! Salsa music is fantastic live!

nothing like live music @ the bowl... ruben & eddie were amazing- couldn't sit still the whole show... so proud to see panam!!!

What a tragedy! I saw ruben many hers ago at BB Kings and enjoyed it immensely. I have been looking forward to this concert for 10 years and what happens....snow storm! My wife and I were devastated. The weather was so bad that we could not leave the house. We had a black out for 5 days and then our basement flooded. We are now getting back to normal and unfortunately must take a loss of $200 for the tickets.

Two talents that will be alive for ever.......the best....old school, songs with meanings and the best concert in a long time......new singer.....this is music, not what you do!!!!!!

This was a great show put together by these two guys, the more they sang, the better it got......music was a bit loud at times......

Excelent concert. GREAT seat. Excelent hall. Excelent artist

Fantastic show. Well worth it. They played all their popular songs and they played for over 2 1/2 hours.

UNA SOLA SALSA,only one salsa brings out the big picture. Even though they have different styles of salsa they were able to unite us in one big voice echoed by the thousands of fans that watched them perform last Saturday. Gilberto Santa Rosa also know as the "gentleman of salsa" proves one more time how versatile he is and how he can bring those songs alive whether it is to salsa beat or boleros. What distinguishes him as a true "sonero" is the ability to improvise. Ruben Blades on the other hand and with his unique style also brought us back to the adolescence with his politically engaged songs. His music makes sense and it brings our day to day struggles to life, he calls it like it is. UNA SOLA SALSA was much more that what I expected and that says it all

Music non stop and Longer than expected. Ruben and Gilberto was the PERFECT combination. They sang better than ever. They were great, sound great, the orchestra amazing musicians. It was worth evry penny spent which was a Father's Day present for my husband and my brother. They loved it!!!!

The energy, chemestry amongst the artists- public and orchestra was incredible. The opening act was amazing too!!!! Will see them again

Gilberto Santarosa and Ruben Blades, as well as their band, were perfect in every sense of the word. Unfortunately the venue didn't score that well.

Excellent concert !! Ruben Blades and Gilberto Santa Rosa are amazing artist !!

Awesome show! Two legends!!! U can't beat that! Great acoustics, comfortable environment & a dancefloor!! Only drawback was parking but that was a minor thing. A great time was had by all!

Amazing the chemistry between these two performers. 12 piece salsa band, The trombone player was very good too, The only negative was my girlfriend wanted to danse in the aisle and the ushers would not allow dancing.

A must see...Blades can't be missed by any Salsa fan.

From the beginning to the end both artist did a wonderful and superb presentation.

These two gentlemen were amazing. What talet they have and we are blessed to enjoy it. It was so loud in the arena that I had to cover my ears. What a surprise when Tito Nieves was a guest and Gilberto/Ruben asked him to come up. Can you imagine these three men singing. Whoo Hoo!!