Lehman Center Unveils Star-Studded 2025 Fall Season in the Bronx

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts unveiled its 2025 fall season lineup, once again promising to bring renowned and diverse musical talent to the Bronx.

Beginning later September, an assortment of Latin, salsa, R&B and even Disney music will fill the music hall, located on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West.

Since 1980, Lehman Center’s stage spotlighted numerous stars — from José Feliciano to B.B. King — becoming the borough’s premier concert hall.

“To me, what’s particularly exciting is that it’s the 45th anniversary season,” Dante Albertie, Lehman Center’s interim executive director, told The Press. “The 45th anniversary could really be about a rebirth and gathering momentum to take it another 45 years.”

The season kicks off Sept. 20 with a one-night-only performance by the Mambo Legends Orchestra, known for preserving and advancing the legacy of Latin dance music.

Albertie — who took over in April following the retirement of longtime director Eva Bornstein — emphasized that serving the Latino community remains “hugely important,” while also expressing a desire to reach other audiences. He noted that 52 languages are spoken at Lehman College, which could inspire unique bookings.

“I’m about creating opportunities for people to see artists they don’t get to see anywhere else,” he said.

Family programming is also a priority. In October, Lehman Center will present “Disney’s Moana,” a live-to-film concert.

“People are screaming for things to do with their kids,” Albertie explained.

He also hopes to appeal to LGBTQ+ audiences and younger crowds, while exploring a potential partnership with entertainment company, Live Nation.

The broader goal, Albertie said, is to counter what he called “Bronx-phobia,” the hesitation some may have about traveling to the borough. 

“Hey, this place is great, it’s safe,” Albertie said.

In 2019, more than $15 million in renovations were completed at Lehman Center, improving seating, lobby space and elevators. The upgrades led then-Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. to dub it the “Lincoln Center of the Bronx,” a description later echoed by Bornstein.

Albertie is less convinced. “I understand the sentiment,” he said. “But that doesn’t excite me. I want to be the Lehman Center of the Bronx.”

The center is accessible via the 4 or D trains to Bedford Park Boulevard, and by car off the Saw Mill River Parkway or Major Deegan Expressway.

Mambo Legends Orchestra

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Mambo Legends Orchestra will perform at 8 p.m.

The group boasts a 21-piece ensemble and aims to preserve the legacy of the “Big Three” — Machito, Tito Rodríguez and Tito Puente. Their music will blend the rich melodies of Afro-Cuban and Latin culture.

The show will include Nelson Gonzalez, a former member of the iconic Fania All-Stars Orchestra, who will be joined by his all-star ensemble. 

Additionally, the night features Latin Grammy nominee Lucrecia — a celebrated Cuban vocalist and multi-talented musician, who rose to prominence as a key member of the renowned all-female orchestra Anacaona; guest appearance by Azul Gonzalez.

Sheila E. in Concert

World class drummer and percussionist Sheila E will hit the stage on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m., featuring Bernadette Cooper, and with special guest Klymaxx.

Sheila E. has performed with many notable artists, including Prince, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Beyonce. The evening will feature Latin and R&B music. 

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Disney’s Moana

On Oct. 5, at 2 p.m., a full-length screening of the Disney film “Moana” will be shown, along with live performances with Hollywood style musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters and vocals. The live-to-concert film promises to be a fun afternoon for the whole family.

Ivy Queen

Featuring hit songs such as “Queiro Bailar” and “Quitate Tu Pa Ponerme Yo,” the “Queen of Reggaetón” will make her debut at Lehman Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. Ivy Queen’s performance will include her greatest hits in the genre of Latin urban music and celebrate her legacy.

The Three Kings & Their Queens 

On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m., the Lehman Center audience will be treated to a theatrical musical concert that explores the golden-age of Latin music with The Three Kings & Their Queens. Those who attend will be transported back to the 1950s and the “Home of Mambo” at the legendary Palladium nightclub in New York City, honoring the legacy of Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, Celia Cruz, La Lupe, Machito and Graciela.

The cast includes: Grammy-nominated vocalist Yaharia “YaYa” Vargas; NYC-based vocalist Anissa Gathers; Bronx-based actress and vocalist Caridad de la Luz “La Bruja,” internationally-known sonero Frankie “Señor Estilo” Figueroa; actor, singer and dancer Grizel “La Chaci” Del Valle; American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer K7; Puerto Rican Salsa star Michael Stuart; Salsa and Mambo musician Steven Oquendo; and Latin Grammy nominee Waddys Jaquez. 

Dru Hill

Dru Hill, the sensational American R&B group known for their soulful melodies, will bring their iconic sound to the Lehman Center stage on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m., featuring special guest Christopher Williams. The audience should be prepared for passion and nostalgia, as the group grooves to ‘90s R&B tracks.

Jose Alberto “El Canario”

“The Showman of Salsa” Jose Alberto will celebrate 50 years of being on stage, as he takes audiences on a journey through his illustrious career, alongside an incredible ensemble of talented musicians, dancers and special guest artists.

The 50th anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. 

Deborah Cox, Estelle and Vivian Green Ladies Night

Ladies Night features an all-star lineup of R&B talent: Deborah Cox, Estelle and Vivian Green combine forces for an evening of powerhouse vocals and soulful energy that will celebrate the very best of contemporary and classic R&B.

The showtime is Saturday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. 

Postponements

Originally scheduled for early September, Eddy Herrera in Concert has been rescheduled to March 21. Additionally, Aida Cuevas in concert was slated for mid-October, but has also been postponed. A new date has not been set.

For more information on the fall 2025 season lineup, visit lehmancenter.org.