But because she does not play merengue or salsa, which dominate Spanish-language radio, it is hard to get her songs on the air.

Mr. Attiso said that in its early years the band played "salsa" - a term that had become popular by the late 60's.

During this time, he played with various versions of a band that played son and salsa, often to sizeable dance crowds.

"Many other Latin places just play salsa and merengue all night long," he said.

We are categorized as only being able to play salsa or samba.

On the other are unglamorous bands that play salsa for dancers.

"I can't play salsa and merengue music, as we do at our other stations, because tropical formats are already taken in New York," he said.

The group Guaco started as a gaita group but now plays salsa.

Dominican artists played salsa in NYC and around the world.

There's a dirty old boombox sitting on a pile of crates, playing salsa.