Washington DC's premier Salsa Orchestra

In the early 1980s, bandleader Edwin Ortiz played with various groups throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. While gaining valuable experience, he yearned for the salsa music of his youth. To introduce 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 retained 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 solidified its position as Washington, D.C.’s premier salsa ensemble. Salsa had finally achieved its rightful prominence as the region’s top Latin music genre.

The early 1990s marked a transformative era for the local music scene. As dancers delved into the intricacies of salsa, the dance and music captivated a diverse audience. This surge in popularity propelled Orquesta La Romana to near-nightly performances. Washington, D.C. emerged as a global salsa capital, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. During this time, Orquesta La Romana became the preferred choice for live salsa entertainment. The band released its debut CD, "Edwin Ortiz y Orquesta, Ya Llego," in 1992, now considered a collector’s item.

In 2015, at an event honoring Orquesta La Romana, Edwin renamed the orchestra Edwin Ortiz y La Mafia Del Guaguanco. This name, previously associated with the renowned New York City musician Bobby Quesda, had faded from memory. As a young man in New York City, Edwin admired the name and decided to revive it.

Fast forward to 2023, Edwin sought to record new material and assembled a team of top-tier musicians. Collaborating with Hector Luis Pagan, who composed three original songs – "Pal Bailador," "Todo Saben De Rumba," and "Diferente A Las De Mas" – Edwin also included salsa arrangements of two popular ballads: "Como Han Pasado Los Años" by the late Rocio Durcal and "Ese Beso" by Edith Marquez. Arrangers Ernesto “Tito” Rivera, Javier Fernandez, Pedro Bermudez, Ramon Sanchez, and Isidro Infante, with Isidro Infante as producer, brought the songs to life.

Our current lineup features Edwin Ortiz (Band Leader, Bongo), Vivian Mojica (Lead Vocals), Carmelo Saavedra (Lead Vocals), Bienvenido Dinzey (Piano), Errica Poindexter (Bass), Ivan Navas (Congas), Patrick Noel (Timbales), Jorge Ayala (Trumpet), Luis Faife (Saxophone), and Mike Matarazzo (Trombone).