Fridays at 5 Concert Series Back by Popular Demand

Trio Caliente, a D.C.-based Latin pop, rock and jazz band, will open this year’s Fridays at 5 Concert season with a performance at the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza on May 5.

“It’s going to be a fun night on Cinco de Mayo,” Michael Bard, Trio Caliente’s guitar player, percussionist and backup vocalist, said of the free show at 5 p.m. at the plaza behind McCoart Government Center at 1 County Complex Court.

The band, which has performed locally at Strathmore in Bethesda, The Birchmere in Alexandria, the Kennedy Center and the Blues Alley Club in Washington, D.C., will bring music from Brazil, Argentina, Cuba and Mexico when they come to perform in Prince William County.  

“We try to bring the nostalgia of the best of blended cultures, and Cinco de Mayo is a fun day to get together and celebrate,” said Deborah Benner, lead singer for the band and Bard’s wife.

Benner promised a concert with “fiery guitar pyrotechnics with a lot of percussion and a lot of spice” and a lot of three-part harmonies.

Some of the band’s selections will include songs people will know, including Ricky Valenz’s “La Bamba” and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” along with Gypsy Kings and Carlos Santana standards to round out other Latin favorites.

“We all like the Latin vibe — anything from flamenco to salsa to merengue,” Bard said of the band members, including guitarist and vocalist Benjamin Schnake-Galgez.

“There’s something in it for everybody,” said Benner, who promised that people will get up and move. “That’s what our music is all about. It’s pure joy. It’s fun and uplifting. All the places we play just love it.”  

“It’s going to be a family-friendly event on a Friday night. It’s always a good time,” Bard said.

The concert series, sponsored by the Prince William Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, VA StrEATS and Luxe Entertainment, will include food for purchase with beer and wine sales for patrons over 21 with identification.

No dogs — except service dogs — will be permitted at the concert. Restrooms will be available inside the McCoart Government Center. Parking is free onsite.