The Crown Sits Uneasy

The title of Mambo King is hotly disputed, with any number of pretenders vying for the crown. "After Perez Prado died, everybody else said they invented the mambo," observes Paquito Hechavarria, "but how come no one made that claim while he was still alive?"

The memory of another of the strongest contenders, the beloved band leader Tito Puente, will also be honored this Saturday by a tribute concert performed by saxophonist/flautist Bobby Ramirez and his band beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, at Gil's Café, 216 71st Street, Miami Beach. Admission is free. Call 305-867-0779.