Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him – imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, his music. No doubt, every time Tito Jr. walks on stage – he walks in his father’s footsteps. Now, on Saturday, May 11, Tito takes the stage of the Historic Green Room in Newburgh’s Ritz Theater.

The Tito Puente Jr. Latin Jazz Ensemble, with special guests the Mexican Dance Band Mariachi Aquila y Plata along with dancers from Beacon’s Dojo Dance Company, will be performing at a special benefit Dance Party/Concert on Saturday, May 11 at 8 p.m. in the Historic Green Room at Newburgh’s Ritz Theater (107 Broadway). Proceeds benefit Safe Harbors Of The Hudson.

Puente plans to shake up the audience with all the excitement of a night at the New York Palladium. The Puente name is synonymous with Latin music, especially in the dance-oriented sub-genres of mambo, cha-cha, and salsa, but also in the jazz world.

“My father’s big band arrangements from the 1940s and 1950s brought the horn sections and combined them with the Afro-Cuban sounds of the conga, timbale and the bongo. For many listeners, the gateway into the musical world of Puente was through the song “Oye Como Va.” Originally released in 1963, it was picked up and recorded by guitarist Carlos Santana in 1970. The popularity of the song helped boost both his and Santana’s careers.

Now, the 45-year-old son is on a mission to bring his father’s music to the world, music that vibrates at the intersection of big-band jazz and Latin rhythms. To do this music justice, you can’t skimp on the horns: Puente’s orchestra includes baritone, tenor and alto sax, one or two trombones and two trumpets. “That’s something that’s lacking today,” he notes. “They don’t have that power of the brass section.” A five-piece rhythm section, with conga, timbales, bass, piano and trap set, completes the ensemble.

The Mexican Dance band Mariach Aquila y Plata is a crowd favorite, performing Mexican classics as well as dance favorites, while dancers from the Dojo Dance Company will be giving a pre-concert dance lesson in Mambo and Salsa and dancing during the concert as well with willing audience members.

Tickets are $50 that include early admission at 6:30 to the Lobby at the Ritz for a pre-concert dance lesson, meet and greet, food and beverage reception PLUS reserved table seating in the Historic Green Room.vVIP tickets are $100. They include all of the above PLUS preferred reserved table seating with special refreshments.

General admission tickets are $35. Box Office opens at 7:30 Beverages and desserts will be available during the music and dancing.

To order tickets call 1-800-838-3006, visit brownpapertickets.com/event/3913865 or visit DMU Music at 86 Broadway, Newburgh.