An enthralling night with Mana in Sacramento, CA
Gallery of the show can be found here.
Amidst a balmy Saturday evening, the illustrious Latin rock sensation, Mana, graced the stage at Sacramento's Golden 1 Center, delivering a scintillating performance that left the audience beaming with delight and marvel. With a career spanning more than three decades, Mana has undeniably cemented their reputation as one of the most influential and cherished bands in the Latin music universe, and their concert on September 23rd was a testament to their enduring allure.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as eager fans queued up for the sold-out extravaganza outside the arena. Dressed in an eclectic array of attire, from elegant dresses and form-fitting pants to stylish cowboy hats and sleek black jackets, each attendee had adorned themselves with utmost care and creativity to pay homage to the musical legends. At the merchandise lines, throngs of fans eagerly awaited their turn, eager to secure souvenirs and mementos that would forever commemorate their night with Mana.
The stage itself was a captivating spectacle, shaped like a grand T, with an open area inviting anyone to venture towards the heart of the arena. Opposite the main stage stood a smaller platform reminiscent of a WWE wrestling ring, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. Dominating the stage was a colossal rectangular screen, boldly displaying "Mexico Lindo Y Querido," the tour's name, alongside the date, "23 De Septiembre." Fans seized the moment, their excitement palpable as they snapped selfies and took their seats in eager anticipation.
At precisely 9:15 pm, the colossal screen dimmed, sparking ecstatic screams from the audience. The arena reverberated with jubilant cheers as Fher's unmistakable vocals permeated the airwaves. Right from the first chords of "Hechicera," it became apparent that Mana was operating at the zenith of their talents, delivering their signature fusion of rock, pop, and Latin rhythms with unparalleled vigor and precision. The electrifying journey continued with more chart-toppers, including "Corazón Espinado," "Manda una Señal," and "Bendita tu Luz."
One of the evening's most riveting moments was Alex González's extraordinary drum solo, which lasted a breathtaking eight minutes. His performance was a tour de force, with seamless transitions between standing and sitting, and a mesmerizing array of rhythms emanating from every part of his drum kit, earning him a resounding standing ovation.
Midway through the show, Mana relocated to the smaller stage and extended a heartfelt invitation to a lucky fan from Guanajuato. Placed in the center of the band, the fan exuded sheer delight, sharing hugs and camaraderie with the musicians. Mana paid homage to Jose Alfredo Jiménez with soulful renditions of "Te Solté la Rienda" and "El Rey."
Fher established an endearing rapport with the audience, playfully welcoming the "gringos" and proclaiming, "This is a genuine Mexican party!" before seamlessly transitioning back to his native Spanish. He playfully quizzed the crowd, asking, "Should the gringos learn Spanish?" eliciting a thunderous chorus of approval.
Armed with a flashlight, Fher cast its beam over the crowd, revealing a sea of Mexican flags proudly held aloft by enthusiastic fans. Counting each flag aloud, he tallied a total of 24, much to the crowd's delight.
Returning to the main stage, Mana brought the night to a triumphant close with fan favorites "En el Muelle de San Blas" and "Rayando el Sol." As the performance reached its zenith, a male fan passed a note to Fher at the front of the stage. Reading the note aloud, Fher revealed it was a proposal request. In a heartwarming moment, the man knelt before his girlfriend, proposing amidst the cheers and support of the crowd.
In the end, Mana's concert was not merely a musical performance; it was a jubilant celebration of their enduring legacy and a profound testament to the unifying and inspiring power of music. As the final notes gracefully faded away, the audience was left with a deep sense of gratitude for the privilege of witnessing one of Latin music's most illustrious bands in action. Mana's concert was more than an event; it was an indelible experience that will be cherished by fans for years to come.