Decade of Romance: Celebrating 10 Years of Boleros de Noche
Boleros de Noche, an annual concert series founded by musician Roberto Carlos in 2015, celebrates the Latin American bolero music genre. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, featuring performances by iLe and Voz Bohemia at the Ford on Aug. 1. The city of L.A. honored the series by declaring Aug. 1 as “Día del Bolero,” recognizing its decade-long legacy of uplifting bolero music.
Boleros are known for their slow tempo, romantic lyrics, and crooning vocal style, originating in Cuba and spreading across Latin America with unique cultural influences. Influential artists like Trio Matamoros, Agustín Lara, Rafael Hernández, and Julio Jaramillo shaped the genre in the early 20th century. The bolero genre experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and ‘90s with artists like Juan Gabriel and Luis Miguel, and has been modernized by contemporary musicians such as Mon Laferte, Romeo Santos, Adrian Quesada, and Kali Uchis.
Boleros de Noche has presented numerous concerts featuring local and international artists over the past decade, bringing together audiences to appreciate the lush orchestration of bolero music. The event has sold out shows at the Ford and expanded to Chicago’s Symphony Center in 2025. UNESCO recognized the bolero genre as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, highlighting its cultural significance beyond L.A.
Roberto Carlos, raised in L.A. County, founded Boleros de Noche to share his love for bolero music and live performance with a wider audience. The event aims to celebrate bolero artists and provide a welcoming space for the community. Through performances of bolero classics like “Sabor a Mí,” Carlos and his group Los Rebeldes Románticos continue to honor the genre’s heritage and legacy.
As Boleros de Noche marks its 10th anniversary, the event series remains a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the bolero genre. By showcasing a diverse array of bolero artists and creating a space for community celebration, Boleros de Noche continues to preserve and promote the rich tradition of Latin American bolero music.