The Domino Dialogues: Jugando con las Memorias

A Holiday at Centro Musical is a warm, reflective conversation set inside one of Philadelphia’s most treasured Puerto Rican small businesses. A cultural cornerstone that has served the community for nearly 50 years.
During the holidays, places like Centro Musical feel especially meaningful. The music, the instruments, the familiar sounds and symbols of home all come together to remind us where we come from. From vinyl records, tapes, and CDs to parranda kits, congas, timbales, trumpets, pasteles machines, domino tables, pava hats, Puerto Rican flags, and everyday items filled with cultural pride, Centro Musical carries the spirit of the season year-round.
In this episode of Domino Dialogues, artists Danny Torres and Johnny Irizarry reflect on their journeys to Philadelphia; Danny’s move from Puerto Rico and Johnny’s move from West Harlem, and how art, migration, and community spaces shaped their lives. They share personal memories, their experiences as artists, and what Centro Musical represents as a place of connection, tradition, and continuity.
As the holidays approach, this episode is a reminder that small businesses like Centro Musical are more than stores, they are gathering places, memory keepers, and living archives that help keep our culture alive. Centro Musical is located at 464 W Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133 and are open Monday through Saturday from 10AM until 7PM.

Danny Torres brings the laughter, Johnny Irizarry brings the recipe, and Edwin Desamour honors the legacy: Year 4 of the 4th Annual Johnny Irizarry Coquito Fest

Pat's or Geno's? Neither. In our neighborhood we had the BEST cheesesteaks right on 6th and Indiana, Santos Cheesesteaks. Kids would walk from Potter Thomas during lunch to eat there. Santos was a real one for us. What are your memories of Santos? How do you like to order your cheesesteak? Ours is #SPKFOTR. Watch: IYKYK: Santos Cheesesteaks

Episode 3, The Flavor of Home, celebrates Puerto Rican flavor and memory. Chef Ana honors her father, “The Pastelillo Man,” while Priscilla shares how she became the baker of her family. Together they revisit El Bloque de Oro, holiday dishes, and the traditions that keep our culture alive across generations.

It's pasteles season and we have a serious question. Ketchup or Pique? Full episode coming on 11/15.

If 9 out of 10 people around you aren’t doing anything… guess who’s next?

Being the first comes with a cost. In this episode, former Philadelphia City Councilman Angel Ortiz and community leader Luz Colón reflect on Puerto Rican representation, political power, and the weight of serving a community that does not always stand with you. This is a conversation about legacy, mentorship, and resilience. Additional historical context is provided in the episode notes.

Puerto Rican voices behind the mic and lens: retired WPVI Chief Photojournalist Luis Lozada and longtime WDAS radio personality Ray Collazo join host Edwin Desamour for dominoes, memories, and laughs. From malta surprises 🥤 to NYC vs. Philly culture shock, this is where stories hit home. 

Luis Lozada recalls his 1969 move from New York City to Philadelphia and the cultural differences he faced. A bonus teaser from Episode 1 of The Domino Dialogues, airing September 15, 2025.

What happens when someone mentions ponche de malta, malta with raw egg yolk, at the domino table? Our host Edwin can’t believe it’s real! Listen to this cultural flashback and join the conversation as we laugh, remember, and share stories from Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community.