The DMV's Premier Salsa Orchestra

In the early 1980s, bandleader Edwin Ortiz performed with various groups throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. While gaining valuable experience, he longed for the salsa music of his youth. Determined to bring authentic salsa to Washington, D.C., he founded his own orchestra in November 1985.

Originally named Edwin Ortiz y su Orquesta La Romana, the band proudly carried this name for the next three decades. The early years were challenging, as merengue and cumbia dominated the local Latin music scene. However, by the late 1980s the orchestra had firmly established itself as Washington, D.C.’s premier salsa ensemble. Salsa had finally risen to its rightful prominence as the region’s leading Latin music genre.

The early 1990s marked a transformative era for the local music landscape. As dancers immersed themselves in the intricacies of salsa, both the music and the dance captivated a broad and diverse audience. This surge in popularity propelled Orquesta La Romana to near-nightly performances. Washington, D.C. soon emerged as a global salsa capital, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. During this time, Orquesta La Romana became the preferred choice for live salsa entertainment. In 1992, the band released its debut CD, “Edwin Ortiz y Orquesta, Ya Llegó,” now regarded as a collector’s item.

In 2015, during an event honoring Orquesta La Romana, Edwin renamed the group Edwin Ortiz y La Mafia Del Guaguancó. The name, once associated with renowned New York City musician Bobby Quesda, had faded from memory. As a young man in New York, Edwin had always admired the name—and decided to revive it.

Fast-forward to 2023: seeking to record new material, Edwin assembled a team of top-tier musicians. Working with Hector Luis Pagán, who composed three original songs—“Pa’l Bailador,” “Todos Saben de Rumba,” and “Diferente a las Demás”—Edwin also included salsa arrangements of two beloved ballads: “Cómo Han Pasado los Años” by the late Rocío Dúrcal, and “Ese Beso” by Edith Márquez. Arrangers Ernesto “Tito” Rivera, Javier Fernández, Pedro Bermúdez, Ramón Sánchez, and Isidro Infante—who also served as producer—brought the new project to life.

Today, our lineup features:

Edwin Ortiz (Band Leader, Vocals), Vivian Mojica (Lead Vocals), Carmelo Saavedra (Lead Vocals), Luis Mavarez Morales (Piano), Errica Poindexter (Bass), Iván Navas (Congas), Patrick Noel (Timbales), Carlos Diaz (Bongo), Jorge Ayala (Trumpet), Michael Ventura (Saxophone), and Mike Matarazzo (Trombone).