Merengue made a powerful return to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as fans, family, and friends gathered for "Rubby Pérez Infinito," a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer, Rubby Pérez. Held at the Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito ( Eduardo Brito National Theater), the event marked three months since the tragic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub, which claimed 236 lives, including Pérez, known as "La Voz Más Alta del Merengue" (The Highest Voice in Merengue).
Over 70 musicians, dancers, and vocalists lit up the stage, including Milly Quezada, Olga Tañón, Los Hermanos Rosario, Ramón Orlando, Toño Rosario, Miriam Cruz, Eddy Herrera, Joseph Fonseca, and Amaury Gutiérrez. Also present were Alex Bueno, Carlos Alfredo Fatule, Jandy Ventura, Frank Ceara, Martha Heredia, Michel "El Buenón," Pavel Núñez, and José Peña Suazo, each adding their voice to Rubby's enduring legacy.
The Pérez family was front and center. Among the attendees were Zulinka Pérez, Miguel Báez, Ana Beatriz Pérez, Joselito Trinidad, Jorge Gómez, Eliezer Pérez, and Laura Taveras Pérez. Their presence grounded the evening in both personal love and shared grief.
A Standing Ovation for the Fallen
Actor and singer Carlos Alfredo Fatule paused the show to ask for a minute of applause. A wave of claps and cheers filled the theater in honor of Rubby and every soul lost in the April 8 tragedy. It was a celebration, just as Rubby would have wanted.
"We are here, dad', to raise your name and your legacy even higher," wrote Rubby's daughter, Zulinka, on social media before the tribute began. "You knew how much I loved you. That's all that matters."
She continued, " I am deeply grateful for Rubby Pérez Infinito's incredible support. I know he's smiling from heaven, proud to see so much love and respect for his legacy. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to every artist who said 'yes' to this unforgettable night. We are overwhelmed with joy and touched to our very core."
The Voice That Refuses to Fade
The most emotional moment of the night arrived with the song "De Color de Rosa," the same song Rubby was performing with his orchestra the night of the collapse. His daughter Zulinka was standing near her dad; she survived. At the tribute, she sang it, joined by her husband, Miguel Báez, a band member still recovering from his injuries.
Rubby's niece, Laura Taveras Pérez, proved that talent runs deep in the family, delivering powerful renditions of "No Te Olvides and "Yo No Te Olvido."
But the most spellbinding moment was when Artificial Intelligence brought Rubby's voice back to life. His vocals filled the theater for a breathtaking version of "O Sole Mio," paired with trumpet player Rodhen Santos. A full 30-piece orchestra led by maestro Manuel Tejada followed, and a merengue beat, featuring güira and tambora, sealed the tribute with Rubby's unmistakable flair.
Rubby Pérez may have left the stage, but his music lives on, in the voices of his family, the hands of his fellow musicians, and the hearts of every fan who danced to his rhythm. "Rubby Pérez Infinito" was a declaration that legends never truly leave us.
The Jet Set Nightclub Tragedy
The collapse of the Jet Set nightclub's roof during the early hours of April 8 claimed 236 individuals, including Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martínez, the governor of Montecristi and sister to MLB star Nelson Cruz, and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. There were over 180 injuries. The club had approximately 515 people at the time of the collapse.
The incident occurred during a concert celebrating the club's 50th anniversary. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.