The sound of music

The Friday Night Concerts in the Park series kicks off tonight at Cesar Chavez Plaza, and that means free music every Friday through Aug. 15.

TGIF, indeed.

The series, now in its 17th season, is expected to draw more than 60,000 this year for its lineup of local bands, people-watching and the knocking back of beverages. That's to say a lot of us truly love two things: anything that's free and a beer garden. Put the two together, and you've got a slam dunk.

But hey, it's OK to take a break from that plastic cup and soak in some tunes. The music in the park features a cross section of Sacramento's homegrown sounds, be they rock, folk, country or a bit of rap.

"I think it's one of the best shows in town," says Sam Miranda of Sol Peligro, the Latin-funk band that performs tonight. "Anyone can come out, it's all-ages, the weather's great. The kind of music we do is very dance party- oriented, and with the beer garden, it mixes well with that kind of vibe.

"A lot of people are just there for drinking and hanging out, but we've definitely made some new fans out there."

More than 50 acts are scheduled to play this season, including series veterans Mumbo Gumbo and the Brodys. But some of the musicians are first- timers for these concerts in the park, including Sal Valentino, Middle Class Rut and Ricky Berger. Also look for a few more opening acts to be added soon.

"To some degree, it feels like a more youthful array of bands this year," says Jerry Perry, the local promoter who books the park series' musical acts. "But one of the things I tried to do was introduce new acts that were relevant to what's going on overall in Sacramento."

So get ready to grab a good spot in the park, and don't forget that concession money. Here's a look at the 2008 edition of Friday Night Concerts in the Park.

Tonight: Bucho, Righteous Movement, Sol Peligro, Crazy Ballhead

The season kicks off with Latin, funk and hip-hop flavors. In other words, it's music to move that junk in your trunk. Note that Sol Peligro is taking the rest of the year off from performing following this gig. Get your cumbia on while you can.

May 9: Kepi the Band, Kevin Seconds & the Altruistics, Kepi & Friends, Ghetto Moments

Kepi is the former front man for pop-punkers the Groovie Ghoulies, and Kevin Seconds helped pioneer hard-core punk with 7 Seconds. This tag-team show features the two switching off with their latest projects, including Seconds' pop-influenced Ghetto Moments.

May 16: Bright Light Fever, Self Against City, Middle Class Rut, Breva

What's that buzz? It's not just these bands' guitar amps turned to full blast. Bright Light Fever, Middle Class Rut and Self Against City are all creating a buzz nationally in alternative-rock circles. Featuring them all on one bill, along with the chunky modern-rock sound of Breva, is quite the catch.

May 23: An Angle, Knock Knock, Jay Shaner & the Cowboy Killers, the Definite Articles

It's indie-rock till you drop with An Angle and Knock Knock, two of Sacramento's most beloved bands. But we're especially looking forward to the Definite Articles, which mixes a cool string section with its indie-pop.

May 30: Rowdy Kate, the Golden Cadillacs, the Tip Top Trio, Hard Clumpin' Litter

Cesar Chavez Plaza is going to sound like a big ol' honky-tonk when Rowdy Kate takes the stage. And this hootenanny keeps on trucking with country, rockabilly and Americana from the opening bands. Yee-haw!

June 6: Mick Martin & the Blues Rockers, Sal Valentino, the Bathtub Gins

If it feels a little breezy in the plaza, that may be due to Mick Martin's harmonica blowouts. This bill is extra- special with Sal Valentino, the former singer of the Beau Brummels who lives in Sacramento and is enjoying a career renewed. Valentino's got the kind of vocals that'll give you goosebumps or warm fuzzies.

June 13: Secretions, Final Summation, Baby!, No Goodniks

It's time for some punk in the park, and even though slam dancing will probably be frowned on by security, pogo dancing in place should be just fine. At least we hope so. Note that this show doubles as a CD release party for Final Summation.

About the writer:

• Call Bee pop music critic Chris Macias, (916) 321-1253. Read his blog at www.sacbee.com/beatnonstop.