About Gerardo

Gerardo Contino, known as “El Abogado de la Salsa” (The Salsa Lawyer), is a celebrated Cuban singer, bandleader, and lawyer now based in New York City. Born in Havana, he is famous for singing timba, a high-energy, modern style of Cuban salsa. Gerardo first rose to fame in Cuba as the former lead singer of the legendary mega-group NG La Banda. He later moved to the U.S., where he continued to share his explosive music, leading his own award-winning band, Gerardo Contino y Los Habañeros. The band released their debut album, Somos Latinos, in 2013 to critical acclaim, earning honors like the “Best Band in Manhattan” by NPR/WNYC in 2015 and “Best Cuban Dance Band” in 2017. Their music blends classic Cuban rhythms with the diverse sounds of their new home in New York, creating a high-energy show that has toured globally at major venues like the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Beyond his work as a bandleader, Gerardo has been a lead vocalist for other famous groups, including the Max Weinberg Orchestra and the Grammy-winning Larry Harlow’s Latin Legends Band. His nickname comes from his second career: Gerardo holds a Master’s Degree in Law, specializing in Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law. He puts his passion for the arts and community into action as the director of Camino al Arte, a non-profit organization that helps connect Black Latinx artists with new opportunities. He also continues to use his music to uplift others by performing for sick patients with Musicians on Call.