Carlos Reyes’ big talent anchors Sonoma City Party

The Paraguay-born string virtuoso headlines the Sonoma City Party in the Plaza on Thursday.|

Harps and violins are not the usual instruments one sees in a rock band.

Then again, it’s not just a rock band that Carlos Reyes brings to the Sonoma City Party on Thursday, July 28, when he headlines a quadruple bill for the popular annual civic celebration.

The energetic Reyes comes to life when he plugs in – as he did at the Sonoma Music Festival last year, when he opened for the show for Chicago on Oct. 2 at Field of Dreams. There he was joined on stage by Tony Lindsay, former lead vocalist with Santana – and they launched into a lengthy and memorable “Black Magic Woman,” anchored by Reyes’ blistering electric violin action.

Paraguay was where Reyes learned to play the 36-string harp characteristic of that nation’s music – his father was a legendary musician there before him – but he proved too big a talent for the South American republic. By the time he reached Oakland he was an accomplished musician, playing harp with the Oakland Symphony when he was just 10 years old and backing it up with a violin debut four years later with the same orchestra.

Since then his musical journey has taken him all over the U.S., to Europe and throughout South America – including Cuba, where his global “latinoamericando” style was a particular success – and onto many other stages to play with Roy Rogers, Steve Miller and the Zac Brown Band, among others.

Recently, he designed the world’s first electric Paraguayan harp, to add to his more usual assortment of instruments. But he won’t be bringing it to Sonoma this week – he’s flying in for the show between other gigs, and it’s too big for carry-on.

“We’ll just make it in time, but I always love being in Sonoma and checking things out,” said the East Bay musician. “Music is a great way to reach the people of Sonoma and they always treat us with a great response and love.”

Those who have seen him before won’t be surprised if his set at the City Party pulls out all the stops: from Santana to Chicago blues, psychedelic rock to conjuto, played on just about anything with strings.

The City Party, which starts at 5:30 p.m. on the north side of City Hall, also includes stage time for funk and soul band ConTigo, swing tunes from Halsey Varady and the Hi-Hats, and CSN-style harmonies from THC. Of course there are many food and drink options, making this popular annual event – free, presented by the City of Sonoma – our own little Sonoma County Fair, for one night only.

For more info, check the web at sonomacityparty.com.

Christian Kallen

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