Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Rivera.
Hi Eduardo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Arriba El Son: A Decade of Music and Community
Ten years ago, Eduardo Rivera took the stage as a karaoke singer at Orlando’s Casa de Puerto Rico. What began as a hobby quickly transformed when family and friends joined in with congas, maracas, and a bass guitar. Within six months, the group had grown into a full band, officially registered with the state and performing live across Central Florida.
Arriba El Son first found its audience with monthly shows at the Old Cuban Café before settling into its longtime home at the Orlando Elks Lodge #1079. There, the band became a favorite among “Old School Salseros,” entertaining with the rhythms they remembered from their youth. Over the years, the group expanded its reach, performing at Hispanic Heritage events, cultural festivals, and community celebrations.
Today, Arriba El Son is recognized as one of Orlando’s cornerstone Latin bands. Their repertoire spans salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, bolero, and holiday parranda music, alongside classic American hits reimagined with a Latin twist. Known for their energy and versatility, the musicians continue to bring people of all ages together on the dance floor.
But the band’s influence extends beyond music. Five years ago, Eduardo and his wife, Carmen, established the Arriba El Son Youth Art & Music Scholarship, providing children with free music lessons, instruments, and opportunities to study art, dance, or theater. Their goal is to inspire future generations while keeping cultural traditions alive.
Arriba El Son’s story is one of family, heritage, and giving back—a reminder that music is not only for entertainment but also a powerful way to build community and nurture the next wave of artists.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many community-based bands, Arriba El Son has faced its share of challenges. There have been times when the group carefully set aside time from work to prepare for an event, only to have it canceled at the last minute. On other occasions, a main singer might fall ill or be away on vacation, leaving the band to adjust quickly. Ticket sales, too, can sometimes be unpredictable. Sponsorship for our youth scholarship has been extremely challenging as the economy is not well and businesses are tightening their budgets. In addition, many businesses undervalue live music—forgetting that musicians invest hours in practice, travel, and performance, yet are still offered unfairly low pay. Despite these obstacles, Arriba El Son LLC remains determined to continue entertaining the community. Whether performing for five people or fifty, the band plays with the same professionalism and energy, and every musician is paid the salary they deserve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of the band, Eduardo Rivera works full-time as a dedicated postal carrier, while Carmen Rivera, a retired law enforcement officer, continues serving the community as a part-time professional tour guide in Florida. For the past nine years, Carmen has also been a Trustee and an active volunteer in many positions at the Orlando Elks Lodge, where she dedicates her time to supporting community programs and events. Together, they balance their careers with their passion for music, family, and service.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When it comes to risk-taking, we’ve certainly experienced our share. Hosting fundraising dances, for example, always carries financial uncertainty. We are responsible for covering the costs of renting the hall, paying the sound engineer, and compensating nine band members—all without the guarantee of sponsorship support. If ticket sales fall short, the loss comes directly from our own personal bank account.
Every time we host a dance, any profits we make are reinvested back into the band and our mission. These funds help cover yearly expenses such as hall rentals, insurance, equipment, and even maintaining a wardrobe of shirts, pants, and hats for the band. Most importantly, they go toward supporting our Youth Art & Music Scholarship, which gives children the opportunity to learn, grow, and follow their artistic dreams.
It’s not an easy path, but we accept these risks because of our passion for music and community. The joy of seeing people gathered together, celebrating culture, and dancing to the rhythms of our history makes every challenge worthwh
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arribaelson.com
Image Credits
pictures taken by Carmen Rivera
