La Esquina Latina – with Luis “Lou” Pomales and Edwin Muñiz

La Esquina Latina (LEL) humbly began in 1974 with the sole purpose of bringing the Latino culture into the homes of WPKN’s listening audience, regardless of ethnicity or language spoken.

Presented in English and the occasional Spanish, LEL focuses on the cultural significance of the lyrics, the syncopated rhythms, and the melodic runs of the Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban song, including Latin Jazz and other indigenous Latin American influences.

More importantly, it has always been about the music and not the person behind the microphone. This is so important! Projecting a social and time-honored cultural consciousness has always been at the very foundation of LEL’s mission.

From time to time, you will hear personal interviews with the likes of Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdez, the late Andy Gonzales, Bobby Sananbria, Larry Harlow, Poncho Sanchez, Son 7, Sol y Canto, Joe Gaines, Joe Bataan, the late Bobby Rodriguez de La Compania, Jose Mangual Jr., Jose Feliciano, Pedro Gonzales de La Charanga Moderna, Plena Libre, Orlando Oriz and Karibe Mambo, Chris Washburne, Vinny and Ray, and many others, including many prominent and not so prominent community members with something significant to share!

LEL has been a part WPKN’s listening audience for decades and continues with its time-honored traditions. LEL has become a major part of my life since the summer of 1974 and it remains to this very day.

In 1985, Edwin Muñiz came on board and has been an integral part of LEL ever since. Both of us have devoted our lives to preserving the Latino culture with dignity and respect, which is why you have often heard me say, “It’s not about me…it’s all about the music!”

Put on your dancing shoes, or just sit back and groove with the music, and prepare to be entertained and educated!

Que Viva La Musica!

Hosts: Luis “Lou” Pomales and Edwin Muñiz