POP MUSIC REVIEW : Best of L.A. Fiesta Found on Small Stages

Musically speaking, L.A. Fiesta Broadway, the nation’s biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration, was really two festivals in one Sunday: a big-star, big-stage showcase and a smaller-name, more intimate affair. Both were rewarding, but the latter was ultimately more satisfying.

The celebration, which attracted an estimated 500,000 to a 36-block area of downtown Los Angeles, focused most on the music on two mammoth stages at opposite corners of the festival.

While the lineup was interesting, each act was on stage so briefly (often for just one or two songs) that there wasn’t much chance to really build any sense of musical character during the long, hot afternoon.

Despite a parade of performers, the audience was left most of the time waiting through long intermissions. For instance, Magneto, a Mexican vocal quintet in the manner of New Kids on the Block, left the crowd screaming for more after two songs, both of which employed backing tapes. One of the day’s most important artists, the L.A.-based Nicaraguan salsero Luis Enrique, sang just one song.

The five smaller stages spaced throughout the festival territory exhibited more consistent and entertaining shows. Talented musicians such as percussionist Poncho Sanchez and his eight-piece Latin jazz band played steady 30- to 40-minute sets. Los Reos, a Los Angeles quartet and the day’s only true rock group, also delighted the crowd with an extended selection of songs.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the L.A. Fiesta Broadway was the opportunity it offered to see and hear the wide variety of Latin music styles--from rancheras by Mexican singer Aida Cuevas, among others, to Tex-Mex music by Texas-based Selena & Los Dinos to tropical music by Cuban singer-composer Willy Chirino. It’s too bad that many of these artists were found in the short sets on the big stages.

Another suggestion to make the commendable festival even more enjoyable: Offer a program listing the times and stages where the artists are performing.