There is truly no better way to spend a Saturday night in the Alamo City than soaking in some live Latin music. One of Mexico’s most legendary rock bands, Maná, came through town for a two-night run to open their Vivir Sin Aire Tour. I was at the second show at Frost Bank Center, and the atmosphere I witnessed for the whole two and a half hour set was through the roof.
As a Puerto Rican, I didn’t grow up listening to Mexican music at all, so I had never heard Maná’s music until just about a few years back when “Labios Compartidos” played on a radio station here. Up until that point, I hadn’t really heard much of that alternative rock sound in Spanish-speaking music, and I was instantly hooked from there.
Little by little, I recognized their sound from other songs I had grown up listening to, such as “Bendita La Luz” with Puerto Rico’s own Juan Luis Guerra, “Corazon Espinado” with the great Santana, and even “El Verdadero Amor Perdona” with Prince Royce. They unfortunately didn’t include this one in their setlist, but it’s still such a good song.
The setlist they went with this night was still full of hits. All of those other songs I mentioned were included, as well as “Mariposa Traicionera,” another personal favorite. Throughout every song, the band had the absolute best energy.
Fher Olvera is such a fantastic frontman. His vocals still sound strong, and he was equally as strong talking to the crowd and having great banter with them. He really appreciated San Antonio and showed why the band chose our city as the first stop of their new tour.
He had an interestingly funny thing going on with this massive spotlight he was holding, literally the entire night. He used it to highlight fans holding up signs, and calling out people sitting to get them to get off their butts and dance. He was having so much fun.
Guitarist Sergio Vallín was killing it as well, and Alex González really got his love during this insane drum solo in the middle of the show—although, I have to admit, it did run a little long.
For a concert as long as this one, I did feel it drag at certain points, such as when the band moved to the B-stage. I loved how this stage allowed them to get personal and up close with the crowd; these moments are so meaningful to their most passionate fans. However, I did feel the energy was much more alive when they were on the main stage.
The production on the main stage had its highs and lows; the background images looked suspiciously AI-generated to me, but they also featured impressive effects such as rain pouring down on Fehr during “No Ha Parado De Llover.” And seeing how the room shook during “Oye Me Amor” to close the night out was such an exciting thing to witness.
Moments like that made it clear to me why Maná always keeps San Antonio close to their hearts, time and time again, whenever they go on tour. And for a band like them that has been so active and still touring for many years, they showed everyone here that they’ve really still got it.
All Photos by Lauren Hernandez 📸
