Inclusive Revolucion Tour Alive With Rock en Espanol

Everything about the 17-city Revolucion 2000 tour, which reached Los Angeles on Wednesday at a sold-out Universal Amphitheatre, made it clear that this celebration of Latin rock was assembled with care and attention to detail, from the hundreds of candles burning on stage to create a Dia de los Muertos ambience to the Led Zeppelin chestnuts blaring between the sets.

The lineup, from headliners Jaguares to young Los Angeles band Frequency, was eclectic and intriguing. Unlike the rival Watcha Tour, which brought its sonic chaos to the Amphitheatre last August, this five-hour show painted a sunny picture of rock en espanol, hinting at a pluralistic future filled with artists who have something to say.

Extensive touring has given Chicana singer-songwriter Lysa Flores an extra measure of focus. Her band, a classic guitar-bass-drums combo, functions almost like a jazz trio, peppering her confessional poetry with tasty touches of fluid improvisation.

Two Mexican groups proved that you can crank up the amps and toy with the more primal conventions of rock ‘n’ roll without compromising the quality of your material. A quartet that flirts with the fuzzy soundscapes of alternative rock, La Gusana Ciega bases much of its appeal on the charismatic persona of lead singer Daniel Gutierrez. Power-pop quintet Jumbo relies on its goofy lyrics and evocative hooks to create an indelible impression of sweet nostalgia.

Perhaps the most gifted performer on the bill, Julieta Venegas was limited by a set that was just too short to showcase the vision of her material. She responded by unleashing the more furious side of her musical persona, delivering an anguished version of the Jose Jose classic “El Triste,” as well as a riveting “Amores Perros,” a superb songwriting collaboration with Cafe Tacuba.

The headlining Jaguares--also the creators of the tour--performed their full, dark-hued mood-rock ritual, driving the crowd wild with classics such as “Dime Jaguar” and “La Celula Que Explota.” The show was also an opportunity to present the band’s revamped lineup, which includes virtuoso bassist Stu Hamm and Puerto Rican conguero Cachete Maldonado.

Hernandez invited performers from the other bands to join him on various songs, culminating on a joyous “La Negra Tomasa” with all the participants. Then he ushered in a mariachi ensemble for a handful of classic rancheras, reminding the predominantly young audience that a connection with tradition is essential to igniting the sparks of creativity and innovation.

* Revolucion 2000, Thursday at the Ventura Theatre, 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, 7:30 p.m. $40. (805) 639-3965. Also next Friday at the Sun Theatre, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 8 p.m. $40. (714) 712-2700.