Published: July 03, 2009 11:10 am      

Summerfest ’09: Hot sounds, cool celebration Saturday

San Marcos — Live music on the San Marcos River is a traditional element of San Marcos' 4th of July Summerfest celebration, and Saturday’s event will be no exception.

The free communitywide Independence Day celebration is scheduled Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. at Plaza Park.

It will open with the annual Children's Parade and Costume Contest, followed immediately by the patriotic program.

Live music will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the band Zydeco Blanco opening the three-band musical entertainment segment.

At 7:45 p.m., David Ybarra and the LA Blues Band will take the stage, leading up to the 9:30 p.m. fireworks exhibition. The choreographed fireworks exhibition will be bigger than ever this year, fest officials said.

San Marcos' own Trio-Faze will close out the day at the park with a show from 10 to 11 p.m.

The 2009 musical line up features two popular returning home-grown groups – David Ybarra and the L.A. Blues Band and Trio-Faze – and one newcomer, Zydeco Blanco.

Zydeco Blanco promises a new twist on Summerfest entertainment when it opens the musical portion of the day's schedule.

Originally formed in 1997, Zydeco Blanco features accordion player Leif Oines and wash board player Harvey Trahan.

As the new partners began playing shows in their Hill Country community, they met other area musicians and incorporated them into the band. First, a rhythm section was added, consisting of Steve Lamphier on bass and Brandon Aly on drums. Rounding out the group are Larry Woods on guitar and saxophone player Brad Houser.

Zydeco Blanco's song list consists of original songs such as "Even Cowboys Like Zydeco" and "Emu Escape," blending the influences of Louisiana music with the feel of life in the Texas Hill Country, as well as a mix of popular zydeco covers.

San Marcos native David Ybarra and his LA Blues Band have played at Summerfest with one band or another since the early 1980s. He plays saxophone to lead his group in a crowd-pleasing array of mostly classic rock and pop favorites.

Jazz, pop, blues, rock, even a smidgen of country – Ybarra and the LA Blues Band can play it all. In addition to Ybarra, the band includes lead vocalist Bruce Banks, Doug Anthony on bass guitar, Todd Frenzel on keyboards and vocals, Rick Gallegos on trombone, Kevin Coleman on guitar, Charles Reyna on trumpet and Bruce Wayne on drums.

Banks will come early to sing during the patriotic program.

Ybarra's group moved into the headlining spot this year leading up to Summerfest's expanded fireworks exhibition.

Closing the day for Summerfest with a performance immediately after the fireworks is the local band Trio-Faze, which plays a mix of original rock, soul and blues.

Trio-Faze, which formed in 2004, is composed of David G. Prado on vocals and lead guitar, Charlie Rodriguez on bass guitar and Phil Avila on drums.

The communitywide Independence Day festival capitalizes on its scenic San Marcos River setting. There is no charge for admission.

Summerfest is made possible by a partnership between the city of San Marcos, the San Marcos Lions Club, H-E-B and a host of corporations, organizations and individuals. Serving their second year as co-chairs for Summerfest are San Marcos Parks and Recreation Manager Lisa Morris and San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau Director Rebecca Ybarra-Ramirez.

Parking for Summerfest will be available at Texas State's Bobcat Stadium and Coliseum parking lots. The Lions Club's tube rental at City Park will be open for business all day.

For general information on Summerfest, contact San Marcos Parks and Recreation at 393-8400 or the San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau at 393-5900.