City offers salsa, contemporary jazz for Cinco de Mayo

Suzie Harrison

On May 5th, Laguna Beach, Music in the Park, Inc. and the Festival of

Arts will sponsor the first Cinco de Mayo concert at the Festival of Arts

grounds.

Chico will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. The band has performed at various

functions for 29 years throughout the Southern California area.

Chico performs an array of traditional and contemporary jazz and

salsa. KSBR public radio will be interviewing the band on May 4, on its

weekly jazz spot.

Well known in the area, Chico has its own style of Latin music in both

English and Spanish. The exciting ensemble consists of eight musicians,

Joe Espinosa, guitarist and vocalist, Manuel Fernandez, drummer, Adolfo

Martinez, saxophone and flute, Gilbert Avila, trumpet and congas, Jose

Arellano, trombone, Danny Diaz, guitar, Willie Mandragon, guitar and

Bertha Oropeza, vocals.

“We are thrilled to bring back the band Chico to recognize Cinco de

mayo. It is exciting to be collaborating with both Music in the Park,

Inc. and the Festival of Arts, offering the opportunity for residents to

enjoy free concerts in our public parks.” said arts coordinator Sian

Poeschl.