Ray Delgado Project

The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is back with a fresh new lineup! Join the Central Park Conservancy on August 23, 2026, for a performance by salsa and Latin jazz ensemble the Ray Delgado Project.

MEET THE ARTIST: A Q&A WITH THE RAY DELGADO PROJECT

How would you describe your music or performance style?

Led by percussionist Ray Delgado, our group features seven talented musicians on vibraphone, piano, bass, bongos, congas, timbales, and vocals, delivering a rich and authentic Latin sound rooted in New York’s musical tradition. I’d describe it as high-energy, rhythm-driven salsa with a strong live feel.

What does a live audience feel, hear, or experience when they see you perform?

The band connects directly with the audience—whether they’re dancers, listeners, or both. It’s not just about playing songs; it’s about creating a shared experience, where the rhythm builds, and the energy rises.

What makes the Ray Delgado Project memorable is the connection—between the rhythm, the band, and the audience. The rhythm section locks in deep, creating that pulse that dancers feel immediately, while the arrangements breathe and evolve in real time. There’s a sense that the music is happening with the audience, not just for them.

What inspires your work?

I’m deeply inspired by the tradition of salsa and Latin jazz, but also by the idea of finding my own voice within it. I respect the masters, those who came before me and even after me, the sound of the streets, the dance floors, the barrios of the world. I love to keep our traditions going, that Afro-Caribbean sound mixed with the jazz of our African American roots.

What is the connection between your work and the Harlem community?

Harlem is my home. My music is my connection to all of Harlem. From Chick Webb to Tito Puente, from swing to bebop, and from mambo to cha-cha, this is where it all began for me. My work is deeply connected to Harlem because Harlem represents history, migration, and cultural exchange—the same forces that shape my music. That blend of rhythms, languages, and stories lives inside the music I play.

ABOUT THE HARLEM MEER PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL

The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is a beloved annual tradition, filling Central Park with music and movement on select Sundays throughout the summer. The festival is free, and all ages are welcome. Check out our Event FAQs for more information and join our mailing list to receive event updates.

COMMUNITY EVENTS BY THE CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY

Central Park Conservancy community events reflect the spirit of the Park itself: fun, free, and open to all. Join us all year for family-friendly programs across Central Park—featuring music, movement, art, film, and more—creating a culture of connection in the Park we all love.