LowerEastSalsa is a New York City-based Latin music ensemble performing salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz. Founded in 2008 by timbalero and musical director Tommy Fernandez and Hector "Papote" Jimenez, the group was established in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Fernandez was inspired in part by his uncle, Ray Alcantara, a timbales player who performed with the 1970s New York band Saoco.
The group's discography includes several singles such as "LowerEastSalsa" released in 2010, "Luz Del Cielo" in 2011, "Pideme," and "Baldito Caneca." Their recordings have featured notable guest musicians and collaborators, including vocalists Tito Allen and Aris Martinez on backing vocals, Dr. Chris Washburne on trombone, bassist Carlos Henriquez, and percussionists Papo Pepin and Jose "Papo el Tuko" DeLeon.
Under Fernandez's direction, LowerEastSalsa has performed as a live act at notable New York City venues, including B.B. King's, the Copacabana, and S.O.B.'s.
