El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has fulfilled its promise to its founder, Rafael Ithier, who passed away a year ago. The group, also known as the Universidad de la Salsa, has continued to perform and will do so as long as their health allows. According to Jerry Rivas, the group's lead singer, their agenda for the rest of the year is full, and they have work lined up.
Rivas stated that they will continue to present and defend Ithier's legacy, vision, and concept. Recently, the group participated in the Festival de Salsa in honor of Frankie Ruiz in Mayagüez, where they also honored Ithier's memory with a proclamation. The group plans to hold a grand tribute to Ithier in 2027.
Ithier would have turned 100 years old recently, and the salsa world honored his birthday. Rivas emphasized that their commitment is to Ithier and to Puerto Rico, and they will continue to perform as long as they are able.