Concerts in the Park (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Friday night summer concerts series returned to Cesar Chavez Plaza. Concerts in the Park returned for the first time without promoter Jerry Perry hosting the event.

The music played on Friday, May 4 continues to be as entertaining as ever.

Just like Fiesta en la Calle did last year this year’s CIP includes a DJ on site.

DJ Shaun Slaughter supplied great music for those in attendance. Slaughter, writes and produces music under D.A.M.B., and also performed at the Sacramento Electronic Music Festival Saturday night.

Shaun Slaughter (Image by: David Alvarez)

Concerts in the Park began on May 4 and runs every Friday until July 27. Many of last year’s bands return to the venue.

Another noticeable difference this year is that the beer garden has disappeared. Customers, at least for the time being, are allowed to take their drinks and enjoy them within the park.

Concerts in the Park (Image by: David Alvarez)

The first band to take the stage was the Storytellers. The Sacramento based band has entertained audiences for several years. Their brand of reggae, jazz, soul and ska was shared with new and old fans.

Storytellers (Image by: David Alvarez)

Like true storytellers they told great tales with their musical and lyrical interpretations. Dynamic sounds of reggae, jazz and ska were delivered with much enthusiasm.

The audience was hypnotized by their wide arrangement and the way it was delivered. Vocals where also particularly striking as Rachelonia’s presence and delivery on stage were quite compelling.

Storytellers (Image by: David Alvarez)

Each musician complimented each other and carried jams with their soulful beats and vocals. Not having heard the band before I was happily surprised at their performance and enjoyed their collaboration. This was a great start to Concerts in the Park.

Danny Secretion was the host for the evening and he’s also a great addition to the concert series. His enthusiasm, musical knowledge, humor and delivery fit well with the new format.

Danny Secretion (Image by: David Alvarez)

Attendance at CIP was beyond what I expected to see and Danny Secretion noted that it was a record crowd for CIP.

Concerts in the Park (Image by: David Alvarez)

Island of Black and White routinely delivers great performances and Friday was no exception. Chris Haislet and Nawal Al Wareeth continue their partnership playing in front of Sacramento audiences. Brandon Dickinson and Tim Picchi complete Island of Black and White.

Haislet can also be seen gracing the stage as a member of Walking Spanish.

Island of Black and White (Image by: David Alvarez)

Island of Black and White’s live performances are always great to watch. Their combination of soul, blues, and reggae music along with their enthusiastic delivery results in a great performance.

Arden Park Roots closed out the show and their energetic set had much of the crowd dancing and moving throughout their performance.

The local band has developed a large following and once you watch them play live there’s a good chance you’ll end up being one of their fans.

Arden Park Roots (Image by: David Alvarez)

Lead singer Tyler Campbell’s energy can not be contained and as he uses every part of the stage his energy becomes contagious as fans become part of the performance.

Arden Park Roots’ reggae, rock and at times punk sounds were a hit with the crowd.

The first CIP of the year was well attended, organized and the performers were very entertaining.

The May 11 CIP will feature Middle Class Rut, Lite Brite, Horseneck and features DJ Whores. This is a show you won’t want to miss.