Cuban bandleader Willy Chirino to play Downey Theatre

DOWNEY — Willy Chirino, a Cuban-born vocalist and bandleader credited with creating the “Miami sound” of salsa music, will perform at the Downey Theatre next year, show organizers announced Tuesday.

Chirino, 72, is scheduled to play here Saturday, April 4.

Tickets start at $45 and are on sale now at the Downey Theatre box office.

The composer of more than 100 songs, Chirino’s material has been covered by a lengthy list of artists including Raphael, Ricardo Montaner, Rocio Jurado, Celia Cruz, Oscar D’Leon, Angela Carrasco, Jorge Muniz, and Nydia Caro.

Chirino’s song “Soy” has been recorded by more than 60 artists, including the Gipsy Kings, whose interpretation sold more than four million copies.

Chirino also composed and performed the theme songs for Spanish-language television soap operas “La Zulianita” and “Pobre Diabla.”

Chirino has received numerous awards throughout his career. He was named King of Miami’s Calle Ocho Festival in 1993. Two years later, a section of NW 17th Avenue in Miami was christened Willy Chirino Way.

Chirino received a UNICEF award for his work for children via the Willy Chirino Foundation.

In May 1989, Chirino opened a restaurant and night club, Zarabanda, in Coral Gables, Florida.