By Natalie Maniscalco

Best known as 'The New Generation of Salsa Dura,' La Excelencia sets out this May for their “Ecos del Barrio” 2012 World Tour. From New York, London and Leeds to Spain, Turkey and France, La Excelencia brings modern vitality and social consciousness to the salsa genre, taking their bold sounds to salsa dancers and fans around the world. “La Excelencia represents something very significant, a return not just to the classic formula of salsa but to the virtues of it,” says Aaron Levinson, a Grammy-winning producer.  “They are going back to the more eclectic period when salsa was street music, playing with spirit and integrity and writing socially relevant music again.” 

Founded in 2005 by percussionists José Vázquez-Cofresí and Julián Silva, La Excelencia boasts an 11-piece orchestra with music full of powerful arrangements, free flowing brass and hard-driving percussion. Under the bands own label, Handle With Care Productions, Inc., La Excelencia has released three CDs “Salsa Con Conciencia,” (Salsa with Awareness/ Conscience), “Mi Tumbao Social,” (My Social Drumbeat) and most recently, “Ecos Del Barrio,” (Echoes of the Neighborhood). With an adoring fan base that spans over 15 countries worldwide, La Excelencia has successfully created a revolutionary movement of Salsa. From festivals, club venues to concert halls and congresses, their bold sounds and vibrant stage characters will take fans and hardcore salseros into their very own musical journey.

For more information about La Excelencia visit: www.laexcelenica.net & for a complete calendar of the band’s Ecos Del Barrio world tour check out: http://www.laexcelencia.net/events.htm