Weekender: Santana, Poncho, Diez y Seis fests

Coming up:
Yolanda Del Rio Pt II: songs that strike a chord

Liberacion reunites Virgil Canales and Juan Tavares

Weekend kicks of with Latin rock by Carlos Santana, pioneer guitarist who blazed a trail more than four decades ago.

Opening the show Friday night at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is Salvador Santana. Santana's latest CD is "Multi-Dimensional Warrior."

Percussionists will likely check out Poncho Sanchez, another pioneer who plays Saturday at the free Jazz'SAlive concert at Travis Park downtown.

The rain-delayed Fiestas Patrias unfolds tonight downtown.

Fiestas Patrias Market Square 2008 Schedule 250.jpg

The annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre shindig celebrates Mexican independence day with live bands on multiple stages Two Tight, Rocky Hernandez & OBG and more. CHECK poster on left for updated scheduled Market Square, 514 W. Commerce. Sept.19-21.

Elsewhere, check out Artie V y Grupo Suave Friday at the Cadillac Bar, 212 S. Flores. And Eddie Gonzalez brings it on at Cool Arrows. Friday night.

Frio Saloon hosts Customer Appreciation night with Roger Velasquez & Latin Legends. Friday at Frio Saloon, 801 S. Frio.

Saturday, Oscar Cruz y Escape, solid band that mixes cumbias, merengues, disco, oldies, Tex-Mex plays Latin Night at Sam Houston Club, Fort Sam Houston. Saturday, Sept. 20. Led by the talented singer/keyboardist Oscar Cruz, the band also includes Alvaro Mendoza, vocals/percussion; Bert Ybarra, guitars; Abraham Humpries, bass; and Joe Gonzalez, drums.