Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — To kick off a weekend of nonstop salsa and Latin entertainment, the Oxnard Salsa Festival will present a free general admission concert on Friday July 26 featuring legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo.
Escovedo is known worldwide for his live performances, session work and solo albums. For more than 50 years he has been breaking down the barriers between smooth jazz, salsa, Latin jazz and contemporary music.
Sponsored by Estrella Jalisco and LP, the concert is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Plaza Park in Oxnard. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Concertgoers can bring their own chairs for lawn seating. No lawn umbrellas are allowed. Food can be purchased from food trucks (or bring your own). Beer and wine margaritas will be available (no outside alcohol is permitted). Table seating for six is $120 per table and can be purchased in advance online.
Concert goers may pick up free tickets prior to the concert from one of seven Oxnard Downtown Merchants listed on the festival website–American Cleaners, Heritage Square Visitor Center, BG’s Café, La Dolce Vita, Fresh and Fabulous, Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market and Raul’s Liquor. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Concert parking is in the 4th and B Streets garage.
The Friday night concert is the official start to the Oxnard Salsa Festival, taking place Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28 also at Plaza Park. The two?day event draws an estimated 35,000 salsa lovers. In addition to non-stop live music, entertainment and dancing, highlights include a salsa-tasting tent, a fundraising salsa dancing contest, a craft vendor marketplace, international foods and a kids’ play zone. Admission and parking are free. Main stage open seating is $5.
The 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival is presented by the Oxnard Downtowners. For a listing of nearby hotels and visitor attractions, visit www.visitoxnard.com or call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1?800?2?Oxnard.
For festival information, call 805-535-4060 or visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com