A collage of photos. Top left: A Poncho Sanchez with President Contreras and SBVC Admin. Top center: President Contreras and Poncho Sanchez embracing. Top right: People waiting in line for a food truck. Bottom left: People seated at the Greek Theatre waiting for the Poncho Sanchez concert. Bottom center: Poncho Sanchez on stage playing bongos with people dancing below. Bottom right: A wide shot of everyone dancing in front of the Greek Theatre.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) hosted Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz artist Poncho Sanchez in concert on October 12 as part of the college’s Centennial Celebration and Hispanic Heritage Month programming. The event drew more than 700 attendees to the college’s historic Greek Theatre for an evening of live music, community, and cultural pride.

Sanchez, who has spent over 30 years blending jazz, soul, and Latin American rhythms, thrilled the crowd with his signature conga-led sound. Concertgoers brought lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the performance under the stars, while food vendors such as (909) Tacolandia served up local favorites.

This community concert was completely free to attend, made possible through the generous support of San Bernardino Valley College, the SBVC Foundation, and the SBVC Arts, Lecture, and Diversity Committee. While admission was free, concertgoers were encouraged to bring canned and nonperishable food donations to support the SBVC Student Food Pantry, helping students in need right here on campus.

Ahead of the concert, the SBVC Foundation hosted an exclusive VIP reception for friends and supporters of the Foundation. Guests had the opportunity to meet Poncho Sanchez and members of his band. The evening celebrated the college’s 100-year legacy and ongoing commitment to the community.