Talking about what it means to be Latino growing up in Los Angeles, Gabriel Rowland, writer and creator of the Chicano vintage soul group Los Yesterdays, made it clear that performing at the Fool in Love Festival on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, was more than just another gig for both him and lead singer Victor Benavides — it's a homecoming.
"Being here today for something that feels so massive for the soul community, it's everything that we are. It means everything to us; it's who I am," Rowland shared.
Los Yesterdays were asked to join Fool In Love more than a year ago, but for Rowland, having grown up just a 7-minute drive away on Grevillea Avenue, the connection to Inglewood runs much deeper.
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Expand"I passed by my old street, and everything was still there," he reflected, with a sense of nostalgia. "I'm still humbled by the entire experience."
With an early set at 11:15 a.m. on the Bounce stage, Los Yesterdays drew a lively crowd that was bumping and singing along to hits like "Nobody's Clown" and "Tell Me I'm Dreaming," as well as tracks from the band's newest record, "Frozen In Time," released in August.
The inaugural Fool in Love Festival was a whirlwind of soulful R&B acts, ranging from oldies to new school. Spanning four different stages at Hollywood Park — Fool, Love, Cruisin, and Bounce — fans could wander between stages to catch performances that served their tastes for the day.
Among the activities at the inaugural event was a car show showcasing classic lowriders and custom vehicles. For many Chicanos, car culture is more than just a hobby, it's a deeply ingrained part of their identity and history. The cars, brought by Dead Sleds Car Club from Ontario, had a slew of fans lining up to grab a picture or two with their favorite car of choice.
The true highlight of the day came with Santana's jaw-dropping performance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Fool stage became the epicenter of rock, drawing a massive crowd that spilled over into the adjacent Love stage. Thousands of fans gathered to witness the legendary Mexican guitarist command the stage.
Even though Santana sat on a chair for more than half of the set, his signature riffs and undeniable energy captivated the audience. Santana played with the same intensity and passion as ever, proving that his talent and charisma are undeniable, no matter how he performs.
For more than an hour, the "Oye Como Va" shredder took fans on a journey that spanned almost his entire discography of early hits, fan favorites and collaborations. As he came out on stage, videos on the screen shared memories of fans at Woodstock in 1969. It was clear that the night wasn't just honoring where he is now, but where he's come from. Santana also looked casual than ever, sporting a black beanie, a black long sleeve from his merchandise line, and his classic PRS Santana Retro guitar.
Santana didn't speak much during his set, but every word he shared carried a profound message that resonated deeply with the audience.
"We're grateful to be in your presence," Santana told the crowd. "We are in a time and place where we need to stop acting like animals and start acting as spiritual beings. We need to bring kindness, love, unity, and peace to this planet, because we are worthy of it. If you learned anything from this set today, it's that you are worthy. We can manifest blessings and miracles. Be prosperous. And make somebody happy."
Santana's set featured hits like "Maria Maria" with The Product G&B, "The Game of Love" with Michelle Branch, "Black Magic Woman," and "Corazon Espinado," each played with intense passion. The band members showcased their skills, especially Santana's wife, Cindy Blackman, on drums. At one point, the band stepped offstage, leaving Blackman alone for an electrifying 10-minute drum solo that had the crowd roaring for more. Her performance was a testament to her extraordinary abilities as a jazz drummer and bandleader.
"It takes a lot of passion, devotion, and dedication to do that; otherwise, you'd pass out," Santana said of Blackman's solo.
He added with a grin, "I bet your wife can't do that, just saying."
The set wrapped up with a rousing performance of "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas, with the audience singing and dancing along. As Santana left the stage, the screen displayed an image of the world covered with hands, guitars sprawled out on each side, and big red letters spelling out "oneness." In the end, that's what Santana's music and performance are all about.
Another notable set came from headliner Diana Ross, whose performance awas a display of glamour and talent, truly embodying her classic rags-to-riches story. Taking the stage in a princess-like red gown, Ross immediately captivated the audience with her iconic presence and timeless hits.
Opening with "I'm Coming Out," she set the tone for a set filled with nostalgia and energy. The crowd was electrified as Ross transitioned into "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love," delivering each song with the same passion that made her a superstar in the early '60s. Her first outfit change into a vibrant lime green gown only added to the excitement, as she playfully remarked, "I'm shaking my body like I'm 47. You know I'm 80, right?"
Ross continued to charm the audience with classics like "Upside Down" and "You Turn Me," proving that her voice and charisma remain as powerful as ever. Each outfit change — first into another glamorous red dress, then into a sparkling silver gown — was a testament to her ability to still transform the stage into her own runway after all these years.
The performance culminated with a rendition of "I Will Survive," a fitting anthem that underscores Ross's legacy.
Other sets throughout the day came from co-headliner Lionel Richie, flipping through tracks like "Brick House/Fire," "Lady," "Zoom," and "All Night Long (All Night)." Other acts that took the stage were Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Durand Jones and The Indications, Chaka Khan, among others.
Los Yesterdays, founded in Altadena by Rowland and Benavides, is a four-piece that has carved out a unique space within the Los Angeles music scene with their nostalgic yet fresh take on vintage soul – a genre fans have affectionately dubbed "souldies." Drawing inspiration from the classic sounds of the '60s and '70s, while also paying homage to a range of Latin genres, their music seamlessly blends with their heritage, transporting listeners to a bygone era.
"We don't just listen to soul. We listen to cumbias, rancheras, hip-hop, rock, and psychedelic rock too. Our influence is everywhere, just like our people," Rowland explained. "You go to a Smokey Robinson or Iron Maiden concert, and there are 20,000 people-but so many of them are Chicanos. We live and breathe so many genres, and I think that's what makes our culture so beautiful."
Sharing the stage with Thee Sinseers and Thee Sacred Souls at Fool in Love Fest felt like a momentous occasion for Los Yesterdays. "To share the day with them-and get paid for it? We just got a Chicano gold medal at the Olympics," Gabriel said with a laugh. But beyond the accolades, Gabriel hopes that the audience takes away the pride that Los Yesterdays holds so dear. "We hold on to the music that the African American community allows us to hold dear in our hearts," he said.
Fool In Love FestivalWhen: Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Hollywood Park, Inglewood
Originally Published: September 1, 2024 at 12:13 p.m.
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