Thursday, March 28, 2024

EUR on the Scene: Poncho Sanchez Heats Up LACMA’s Latin Sounds Concert Series

Poncho Sanchez
Poncho Sanchez: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

*Los Angeles – Latin Sounds is a free weekly outdoor concert series, held each Saturday through September. The concerts take place at LACMA on the grassy lawn area behind the Hammer Building, Hancock Park, from 5-7PM.

I can’t think of a better setting to listen and dance to the contagious Latin rhythms provided each Saturday by a stellar line-up of great musicians.

Salseros and lovers of the Latin Sounds of Salsa and Latin jazz were thrilled to kick-off the Summer season with a fiery set of Latin jazz and Salsa served up generously by Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band. This opening concert was held on Saturday, May 23rd.
Legendary conquero Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band is a popular L.A. based band with a huge following. Sanchez has received the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and has recorded more than 24 records. A veteran of the Cal Tjader band, he has toured the world, performing with Mongo Santamaria, Terrence Blanchard, Oscar D’Leon, Carlos Santana and Giovanni Hildago.

A capacity crowd was in attendance to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with family and friends and to dance on the two recently installed dance floors provided for this popular concert series.

The band came out swinging (musically speaking) on the tune “The Feeling of Jazz” by Duke Ellington and John Coltrane with arrangements by Francisco Torres. Poncho stated “they were there to have a good time” as they segued into “Promenade” by musical director Francisco Torres. They slowed the tempo down for the “Willie Bobo Medley”- Hurt So Band, Fried Neck bones and Some Home fries and Guajira. The band concluded their first set with a scorching tune “Guaripumpe.”

Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

After a short intermission, Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band increased the Fahrenheit of Hancock Park with additional tunes to the delight of the novice, intermediate and professional salseros who made used of the two dance floors.

Salseros on the dance floor: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson
Salseros on the dance floor: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

I’m sure that you want to get in on the fun this Summer at LACMA for Latin Sounds, with a diverse crowd (multi-ethnic, multi-cultural) that makes Los Angeles so great. This is a free family friendly laid back event. You can bring a picnic basket of your favorite foods and drinks, or purchase said items on site. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chairs, a light jacket for the cool summer nights, and of course, your dancing shoes.

Latin Sounds presents world-renowned artists playing the latest sounds from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, and Los Angeles. The series highlights a wide range of music from indigenous work to contemporary blends and salsa, featuring such artists as Chuchito Valdez, Mongorama, Dori Caymi, Afro-Cuban Jazz Project, and Costazul. Latin Sounds is programmed under the direction of Music Programs Director Mitch Glickman.

More information for Latin Sounds at LACMA: https://www.lacma.org/programs/music/latin-sounds.

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]

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