Vicente and Christina Barreiro have owned and operated Casa Latina Music Shop on 116th Street in El Barrio for more than half a century. We were sad to hear that this historic shop will be closing its doors.
The shop was purchased by Christina’s father, Alfonso Rubio in 1966, and as you might expect Christina met Vicente at a dance club. After her father passed away in 1978, Vicente and Christina began running the business that became an integral part of El Barrio along 116th Street ~ adding CDs and musical instruments. Reported by NY1, Casa Latino has drawn some of the biggest names in Latin Music over the years including Tito Puente, Joe Cuba and Machito.
Over the years (and four children later), times have changed ~ with COVID, shopping on-line and streaming services, their business changed. Casa Latina Music Shop, located at 151 East 116th Street, will be closing its doors on Saturday, May 28, 2022. May the music and spirit live on.
It is interesting to note that 151 East 116th Street, along with three adjacent buildings, are currently for sale. The buildings for sale begin at Lexington Avenue, heading east (google image above).
Does anyone know how I could get a hold of Vicente and or Cris? Perhaps an email. I am so bummed by this. During the pandemic, I’d go twice a week to buy records at Casa Latina. They gave me a lot of historic gems and musical wisdom and I am going to miss that experience dearly. If anyone knows them, or could extend their reach, please tell them to give Jesús a call, they should have my number. 🙏🙏🙏
Wow–part of East Harlem/El Barrio history gone
We learned about the history of this shop while on one of your Tours.
A landmark gone.l would come from befstuy to purchase.Lola was the store 🐕 dog.It was not well advertised, the closing. Hopefully it will reopen. The store always had good vibes.
They retired and will not be reopening. Wouldn’t it be nice if Landmark East Harlem applied for a plaque for the building (from the Bronze Plaque Program) of New York Landmarks Preservation Commission.
However, it appears that this building and the adjacent three buildings are currently for sale.