This undeniably bold and vibrant big band features a breathtaking ensemble of 19 incredibly skilled musicians who come together to passionately celebrate the rich and diverse world of Latin music. The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra (SOLJO) plays an electrifying repertoire that mainly highlights Afro Cuban, salsa, and mambo classics, skillfully honoring the genre's deep roots while seamlessly adding a contemporary twist that captivates and attracts fans of all ages and musical backgrounds.

SOLJO’s sophisticated use of free improvisation, dissonant harmonies, fusion rhythms, and creative arrangements has dispelled stereotypes surrounding Latin music and Latin Jazz, and ensured that the essence of the music continues to thrive.

SOLJO’s Members hail from all five boroughs of New York City and beyond, and have individually performed with a wide array of international artists, including Ray Santos, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Celia Cruz, Ruben Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Machito, Tito Rodriguez, Wynton Marsalis, Hector Lavoe, Benny Golson, Eddie Palmieri, Jon Faddis, Marc Anthony, Dave Valentín, Arturo Sandoval, Destiny’s Child, Candido Camero, Bobby Sanabria, Juan Luis Guerra, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray Barretto and a host of others.

SOLJO has been featured at a variety of venues and festivals, including Dizzy’s Club by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the David Rubenstein Atrium, Pregones Theater, Lehman College, Hostos Community College, Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Annual Scholarship Gala, the infamous Spanish Harlem 111th street “Old Timers” festival, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, Yonkers Riverfest by Yonkers Downtown, Jazzmobile Concert Series, Jazz Power Initiative, International Salsa Congress, and the Sugar Hill Music Festival.