Kumbia Kings will perform at Sports Park

Latin hip-hop tunes by former members of the Kumbia Kings, fireworks, food and kiddy rides are just part of the entertainment that awaits those attending the Fourth of July Salute to Freedom Celebration at the Brownsville Sports Park.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. today at 1000 Sports Park Blvd. off the Merryman exit on Expressway 77/83.

Parks and Recreation Director Chris Patterson, said the event is a way for the residents of Brownsville to enjoy a safe family environment with music, entertainment, food and fireworks as well as to celebrate freedom.

Even though the doors will open at 4 p.m., event planners designated an area for tailgate parties where those who arrive early can enjoy beverages and refreshments they may have brought, Patterson said.

The evenings festivities will be headlined by Kingz-One (K-1), a Latin band made up of former members of the Grammy award winning band Kumbia Kings that performs a mixture of rap, hip-hop and Latin music, according to the group's Web site.

During the first part of the event, crowds will be treated to music by one of the top military bands in the nation, the 36Th Infantry Division's Band and Color Guard from Camp Mabry in Austin, Patterson said.

K-1 is a replacement act for Boyz II Men. Boyz II Men, who was originally scheduled to play at the event, but cancelled their performance on Thursday, citing "unforeseen circumstances," Patterson said.

According to the group's Web site, Boyz II Men will instead be spending the Fourth of July at a performance in Dublin, Ohio.

The military band will start off their performance with a 15-piece Latin band to be followed by a seven-piece jazz combo, and a 17-piece jazz ensemble that will play big band music.

After the sun goes down, those in attendance will be treated to a 25-minute long fireworks display that will begin right after a patriotic music performance by the entire 36Th Infantry Division Band, Patterson said.

Visitors will also enjoy a performance by local conjunto band Los Potrillos, Patterson said.

There will be food and events for the whole family as well.