By Steven Sanchez
It’s in the name, Party in the Park most definitely brought the Party to Fresno at Woodward Park on Sunday, September 14. The star-studded hip hop lineup brought the house down with a variety of music, food, drinks, and a good time.
Activated Events continues to step up its game every time it comes to the Central Valley, bringing live entertainment. They’ve established themselves facilitating top names in the country genre to Fresno with Boots in the Park. And now they’ve added Party in the Park to the mix, bringing together a collection of renowned rap and hip hop artists.
Blake Shelton and company headlined on September 13. The next day, it felt like being in a 2000s nightclub, all outdoors. Thousands of people showed up. Fans came dressed as Pitbull. There was dancing all over. There were more options when it came to food vendors and drink selections. There was not one bad seat in the entire area.
The festivities got started with DJ Luwiss Lux, Neon Union, and Mims.
Things got turnt up when the Ying Yang Twins took the stage. Comprising Kaine and D-Roc, they brought the energy and the noise. It got real when they performed “Get Low” from their collaboration with Lil Jon. They tacked it on with ‘Salt Shaker,” “Wait (The Whisper Song),” “Shake,” and “Badd.”
Fat Joe brought his East Coast swag to the stage. With his chill vibe, he performed his classics like “What’s Luv?” “Lean Back,” “Make It Rain,” and “All the Way Up,” to name a few. It became a party when he took off his jacket when the heat got to him. He’s got an extensive discography, so whatever you were bumping to back in the day, he played it.
What? That’s right…Lil Jon was next. Known for shouting “Yeah,” “What,” and “Okay,” the former frontman of the East Side Boys was decked out in chains and reppin’ a shirt dedicated to the late rapper Tupac Shakur. He performed hits like “Salt Shaker,” “Low,” “Shots,” and “Let’s Go.” The one that got the crowd really hyped was “Turn Down For What.” Then there was “Yeah,” where the crowd erupted in screaming. He was full of energy and was everywhere on stage.
The man of the hour. “Mr. Worldwide” himself, Pitbull graced the stage. He’s established a name for himself dabbling in all kinds of musical styles, ranging from hip hop, Latin, reggaeton, rap, and pop. This artist has collaborated with the most artists on the bill. The band surprised the crowd before the set by playing Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” With his dancers beside him, he played his staples like “Rain Over Me,” “I Feel Good,” “On the Floor,” “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” “The Anthem,” and “Timber.” And then they played a snippet “Sweet Child o’ Mine” from Guns N’ Roses. He was jumping up and down, and not a single space on stage was left unoccupied.
He’s a hit maker, and he shuffled through all his career-defining singles and left it all on that stage. He’s been to the Central Valley several times, and he brings it every time, showing he’s still a great performer, and each time the fans continue to turn out for him.
Chalk this up as another successful year for Activated Events for hosting this weekend of great music and fun. It was an indicator showing that the best will be brought to Fresno in the future.
