Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Fiesta en la Calle made its much anticipated return to Cesar Chavez Plaza on June 9. The weekly event continues every Saturday until August 11, 2012.

Scheduled for the Saturday, June 16 event was Celso Piña, El Sonido Callejero and Latin Touch.

Piña had to cancel because of health issues and was a favorite performer that many in the audience came to see.

DJ Ricardo “El Niño” Rayas provides music before and in between acts allowing guests to warm up and enjoy his delectable mixes.

DJ El Niño Rayas at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

MC for Fiesta en la Calle is Vince Vicari who brings a likeable presence to the stage. Vicari’s humor (or attempt at humor) and confidence behind the mic keeps the audience entertained. At every opportunity Vicari also introduced vendors and organizations who attend and announced the various sponsors of the event.

Vince Vicari enjoying a dance with fans (Image by: David Alvarez)

The 2nd Annual Summer Concert Series has grown in attendance and many new vendors, food trucks and non profit organizations are on site for guests to enjoy.

Unlike Friday night’s Concerts in the Park a screened off beer garden still exists for the Fiesta en la Calle concerts.

Two non-profit organizations were on hand to hand out information about their community services.

Christy Correa and Greg Pond of Arte por Vida at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Greg Pond, Art Director and Christy Correa, President of Arte Por Vida were on hand to answer questions about their foundation. A main goal of the organization is to share and promote the local artistic movement started more than 50 years ago. Several works of artist and RCAF member Ed Rivera were displayed at tent near J Street.

Roberto López representing La Raza Galería Posada also answered questions about the gallery that will be holding a Grand Opening on Saturday, June 23 for its new facility. The new gallery will be located at 2700 Front Street.

Latin Touch at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Latin Touch needed most of the stage to accommodate the large group and instruments. They played an assortment of Latin music, R & B, 70’s, Funk, Oldies and rock.

Latin Touch played tunes such as “Nena”, “Oye Como Va” and other Malo and Santana tunes.

Enjoying the sounds of Latin Touch at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Perhaps in singing about the weather Latin Touch played Santana’s “Smooth.” With lyrics such as “Man it’s a hot one. Like seven inches from the midday sun.” It summed up the weather and music on Saturday night.

To show their versatility Latin Touch moved from old school sounds to newer tunes such as Pitbull’s “Bon, Bon.”

Latin Touch’s forte is dance music whether singing in Spanish or English their music will make you move. Many in the crowd forgot about the heat and moved to the Latin Touch sound.

Latin Touch at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Dressed in military fatigue the Los Angeles based band El Sonido Callejero (Street Sounds) came to the stage to play music that can be described as a combination of cumbia, rock, norteño, reggae and rap.

El Sonido Callejero at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

After their first song I became and instant fan. Their lyrics, mostly in Spanish, were whimsical, thought provoking and fun.

Their mix of music was full of energy and as they came to the stage sound bytes from world leaders from the 1930s going forward played in the background. Sonido Callejero’s drummer and bassist picked up a beat and were followed by a guitar and accordion.

El Sonido Callejero at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Lead singer Sargento Susej moved to the front stage saying “How are you feeling Sacramento?” The crowd cheered in approval as their rhythmic beat continued.

Sargento Susej from El Sonido Callejero at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

Following their initial song they played “Brujo” (shaman) another upbeat song showcasing the group’s musical talents and their lyrics full of hidden or multiple meanings.

Sonido Callejero then Introduced a cumbia song which turned out to be the classic “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.” Sonido Callejero played an exquisite rendition of the song and more people began to dance in front of the stage.

Fans at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

El Sonido Callejero continued to play upbeat, danceable songs such as “Una Noche” and one of their best known releases “Oye Mami."

Sargento Susej announced the last song of the evening while introducing the other band members who took time to perform short solos. As the evening was coming to a close the number of dancers in front of the stage increased. 

Their energetic set left the audience wanting more. El Sonido Callejero returned for an encore making them the first band that I’ve seen actually returned to perform more songs after their set. Up to now I have not seen a band from CIP or Fiesta en la Calle return to perform an encore.

Sonido Callejero at Fiesta en la Calle (Image by: David Alvarez)

To top it off Sonido Callejero continued to play several more tunes including “Cumbia Callejera” and a couple of more songs. At the end dancers and performers were exhausted and ready to cool off for the evening. The performances brought a great ending to another great fiesta.

The next Fiesta en la Calle features Inspector, Locos por Juana and Rocio y su Sonora.