Jimi Hendrix’s last performance was a London club gig with WAR, and the band that adopted its name to wage battle against “racism, hunger, gangs, crimes and turf wars” is just as relevant as ever in today’s .

 

A San José favorite who has played Music in the Park before, WAR brings a message that embraces “all people with hope and the spirit of brotherhood” to Plaza de César Chávez on July 15. Their hits include “Spill the Wine,” “The World Is a Ghetto,” “The Cisco Kid,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” “Low Rider” and “Summer”

 

Opening will be Los Rakas, who are pioneers in a new Latin urban sound fusing hip-hop, plena, reggaetón and dancehall music. Bay Area cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun represent the cutting edge of Pan-American music. The Grammy-nominated Panamanians took their name from the word “rakataka,” a slur for someone from the ghetto. Los Rakas set out to inspire fellow “rakas” by empowering them to become successful. 

 

In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. Their debut album on Universal Music Latino, El Negrito Dun Dun y Ricardo, released in 2014. In 2016, Los Rakas released their self-titled, second album earning them a Grammy nomination for “Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.”

 

Bay Area DJ Chuy Gomez will host.