The rising Latin-fusion artist 54 Ultra blends Latin soul, indie pop, R&B, and synth pop with a nostalgic, retro vibe, often incorporating Spanish influences. Originally from New Jersey with Dominican roots, he’s built a reputation for high-energy performances and a sound that jumps effortlessly between cultures and genres.
The 54 Ultra show in Houston felt like one giant hangout that just happened to have a stage and a few thousand people. One by one, the band members came out to set up their instruments, casually getting everything ready in front of the crowd. Then Johnny stepped out last to big cheers, and that’s when it all clicked. The band launched straight into a high-energy jam, instantly setting the tone leading into “No Tengo Valor.“
Early in the set, the band decided to test out an unreleased song on the crowd. After playing it, he joked, “If you like it, we played it. If you don’t, we never did.” He laughed and added that it might come out in a few months – and if it doesn’t, “it’s because Houston didn’t like it. We don’t make the rules, you do.” The crowd cheered saying “Release it!”
Moments later they surprised everyone with a cover of Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” turning the whole venue into one massive Houston sing-along. Only right cover and more like the band just having fun with the city.
One of the coolest parts of the night was how inclusive the whole atmosphere felt. He shouted out different nationalities. He followed it up by talking about his Jersey upbringing and Puerto Rico and Dominican roots before smoothly switching the band into bachata grooves even some cumbias and bachata that had the crowd dancing!
The energy in the room was electric from start to finish, with hands waving, couples dancing, and friends singing along everywhere you looked. The band fed off the crowd all night, especially during “Find Your Love,” when the audience completely took over, shouting every word as the song turned into an extended, feel-good jam session.
Houston had clearly won them over. He told the audience that this crowd had officially made his top three of all time – then corrected himself: “Not three, and it’s not two… so where does that put you? Nunber one!”
Another standout moment came when Johnny paused to connect with fans, asking, “Who came here with a special someone?” He spotted a couple near the front and helped the boyfriend dedicate “Upside Down” to his girlfriend of three years, a heartfelt gesture that had the entire venue cheering. It was one of those shows where the music and the crowd felt perfectly in sync.
Closing out the night, the opening strings of “Heaven Knows” echoed through the venue as the crowd lit up with excitement to hear their favorite song. The lights dimmed, phone flashes filled the room, and fans sang along a cappella, turning the moment into something intimate and unforgettable. Just when it seemed like the night was over, the band returned for an encore, launching into “Sierra” and sending the crowd into one final burst of energy to end the show on a high note.
About Author
