Smooth Sounds of Santana, the Santana Tribute band, performs San Gabriel’s free concert in Vincent Lugo Park June 25 (Photo – smoothsos.com)
The City of San Gabriel is gearing up for a lively summer season, and the first celebration arrives Thursday, June 25, from 7:00–10:00 pm.
By Melanie Hooks
The evening blends a free outdoor concert with a family‑friendly Disney film, all set beneath the warm glow of a June night.
Music to Start the Night
The festivities open at 7:00 pm in Vincent Lugo Park with a performance by Smooth Sounds of Santana, a tribute band dedicated to recreating the unmistakable artistry of Carlos Santana.
According to the band’s own description, they draw inspiration from Santana as “the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries.”
Their shows span more than 30 years of Santana’s music, from the 1969 classic Evil Ways to the Grammy‑winning hit Smooth from Supernatural, and even tracks from All That I Am. The group prides itself on meticulous musical recreation, using the same instrumentation—guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, timbales, and congas—and even the Paul Reed Smith guitars favored by Santana himself.
Based in Southern California but performing across the U.S. and Canada, the band promises a setlist that appeals to Santana fans of every generation.
A Disney Favorite Under the Stars
Once dusk settles, around 8:30 pm, the park transforms into an open‑air theater for a screening of Disney’s live‑action Lilo & Stitch (2025).
The beloved story follows a lonely Hawaiian girl who adopts what she believes is a dog, unaware that her new companion is actually a runaway alien experiment. The film is known for its heart, humor, and iconic soundtrack filled with Elvis Presley hits and Hawaiian melodies. Last year’s live‑action adaptation refreshed the original animated classic for a new audience.
A Park With Character
Vincent Lugo Park, located at Prospect Ave. & Wells St., is home to the famed La Laguna de San Gabriel, also known as Dinosaur Park.
Designed by Mexican‑American artist Benjamin Dominguez, the playground features 14 whimsical concrete play structures and has been recognized as one of America’s coolest playgrounds. The adjacent picnic area includes eight tables and a barbecue space that can host up to 100 people—perfect for families planning to make an evening of it.
A Summer Evening Done Right
Pack a picnic, stretch out on the grass, and enjoy a night filled with music, movies, and the unmistakable charm of Elvis‑infused island vibes.
For more upcoming seasonal activities, explore the summer events planned by the City of San Gabriel.
Smooth Sounds of Santana 7:00 pm Disney's Lilo & Stitch (2025) 8:30 pm Location Vincent Lugo Park 1305 Prospect Ave. San Gabriel, CA 91776 Free.
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