Mumbled conversations are broken with the roaring sounds of trumpets and drums in Marc Anthony’s opening song “Valio La Pena” (“It Was Worth It”). Anthony, the world’s top-selling tropical salsa artist, introduced himself to a Latino-filled audience with a series of dance moves and with two requests. 1. Everyone had to get up and dance 2. Everyone had to behave after the concert to set a good example.
It didn’t matter if you were Latino, gringo, young or old, everyone was dancing and everyone was singing. That night, dance moves and lyrics were not of concern. Attempting to connect with as many fans as he could, Anthony willingly accepted gifts, incorporating them into his performance. The most notable gifts of the night: flags. Mexicans, Colombians, Peruvians, among others, waved their flags proudly and offered them to Anthony as a sign of community. His response: “Que viva la raza Latina!” (“Long live the Latino race!”). And we couldn’t agree more.
Although Anthony remained connected to his fans, he occasionally turned his back to double as a conductor. Shaking his shoulders to the beat, or sitting at the drums for a solo, Anthony proved to be one with his band. His audience, infected by his high-energy, couldn’t help but scream and extend their arms towards the salsa icon. Although many unsuccessfully caught his attention, a lucky five-year-old boy proved to be worthy of some time on stage. The boy, who earned the nickname “mini Marc Anthony” mimicked Anthony’s salsa moves, leaving Anthony stunned with an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness. “This is the future of Latin music,” he said in response to the mini Marc.
The night included Anthony’s most acclaimed hits, “Parece Viernes,” “Tu Amor Me Hace Bien,” and “Vivir Mi Vida” to name a few and did not end until Anthony sang an encore. As the first Latino to perform at the Chase Center, Anthony set the bar high for other Latino artists but fortified them by reminding San Francisco that diversity should be celebrated and that life is one massive party.
Article and Photos by Sara Florez