There are so many choices in music today. With cultures crossing more than ever, and the US being the ultimate melting pot that it is, it is no wonder that Latin music is hitting an all time high. It is not easy hitting the charts with Latin music though. Critics are tough and you have to be able to cross cultural boundaries now more than ever to be heard and kept. These top 5 latin music bands and artists have proven they have a sound worth hearing and rhythms guaranteed to lift you off your seat.

Spanish Harlem Orquestra

Since their arrival in 2000, Spanish Harlem Orquestra (SHO) has established itself at a standard bearer of comtemporary Latin music. Directed by world-renowned pianist, arranger and producer Oscar Hernandez, the thirteen-member all-star ensemble has reintroduced the Classic sounds of New York City Salsa to music lovers worldwide. Their performances are filled with energy rhythmic fire and passion. Simply impossible to remain seated during one of their shows.

Son De Cali

Son De Cali, is regarded as one of the most promising and dynamic music groups on the music scene. Consisting of ex-Grupo Niche singers Javier Vazques and Willie Garcia.

Son De Cali delivers an explosive mix of tropical music rooted in traditional Colombian sounds.

Tiempo Libre:

Two-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre is one the hottest young Latin bands today. Equally at home in concert halls, jazz clubs and dance venues, the members of the Miami-based band are true modern heirs to the rich tradition of the music of their native Cuba.

Tiempo Libre's members were all classically trained in Cuba's premiere conservatories at a time when it was illegal to listen to American songs on the radio. Now, the group is a hit in the U.S. and abroad, celebrated for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba, an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son.

Charlie Cruz:

Charlie Cruz, who today divides his time between Puerto Rico and Tampa, grew up in the small town of Naguabo. His love of salsa began as a 10 year old, when he became a backup singer in the orchestra of his father, Fonzy Cruz. The more he was exposed to music, the more he loved it. As he gained stage experience and worked with established salsa hit makers, Cruz realized how much he truly loved the genre. His life changed drastically when he was invited to perform at a concert and share the stage with top acts like Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Manuelle and Tito Nieves. As a result of this performance, he was signed by Sir George Records. Under this label, he produced such hits as "Bombon de Azucar" and "Amarte es un problema." "Dejala que Baile," the first single off Mas de mi, features an upbeat, catchy flavor that will have every salsa fan swinging their hips on the dance floor.

Aventura (bachata)

Aventura is one of the most unique and innovative artists on the scene today. After more than ten years of sparring in the music business, these four young, dynamic guys with a seldom-seen chemistry continue to auto-produce soulful, original music that gleams with excellence. They are the first "Bachata-boy band," the first band to fuse the essence of bachata with R & B, hip hop and other American pop styles; the first Bachata band to perform in English, Spanish and "Spanglish." When Aventura performs its songs, Dominican/Caribbean culture fuses with the vivid tapestry of New York's dynamic melting pot.