Host of The Roots and Relevance of Salsa

Robert Fernandez, aka Cisco, is originally from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, NYC. Like most transplants, he learned to adapt to Connecticut's lifestyle. He choose the name Cisco as a tribute to his dad, Louis. "I took the name Cisco, but I am actually the son of Cisco". The story goes, when his cousins came to visit, they would ask Louis what his name was, and just to get a rise, his dad would say in a sing-songy Mexican accent "My name is Cisco."

Cisco's eclectic taste in music stems from the fact that he is a seasoned listener. He has collected music since his teens and for 40+ years has amassed an admirable collection. He admits he's only trying to catch up to his musical mentor Angel Rosado, who has an even larger music collection. Cisco says that if it wasn't for Nancy, he would never have met her brother Angel. After years of just collecting music, Angel taught Cisco how to analyze it with great scrutiny, and have a greater appreciation for music. Cisco also credits his parents for introducing him to the music they passionately danced to during the Palladium era when the mambo was king. He also acknowledges Dr. Armando Rodriguez for helping him realize the need for a salsa show at UNH.

Not only does Cisco have a radio show at the University of New Haven, he is also an employee in the IT Department. You can find him tackling computer problems while he dances to the music on his iPod. Occasionally you'll find him working on tech problems at the radio station.

For the last 3 years, Cisco has broadcasted live on Sundays from 2PM to 4PM with The Roots and Relevance of Salsa. The radio show features music from the Caribbean and Caribbean-inspired music throughout Latin America and around the world. Its principal focus is classic salsa and Latin big band music from the 1940s through the 1970s. The program also features other Caribbean genres such as merengue, cumbia, vallenato, timba and reggaeton. Moreover, the Roots and Relevance of Salsa covers music spanning back to the origins of danzon all the way up to the music that is currently being played in Cuba, South America, Europe, and Japan. The program seeks to explore the many genres of Latino music old and new, traditional and experimental, urban and folkloric.

With the help of his close friend, Angel, Cisco attempts to illustrate the relationships between this music and that of music from various genres. The show is about primarily having a good time as well as educating the listeners about the music, the history, and the culture with some social commentary.

So put on your dancing shoes, open that bottle of wine, and get ready to enjoy!!!

And most of all, listen with open ears. Robert is always happy to receive calls from the community or to entertain new sounds...WEPA!!!!!