Armando Rivera of the band Son del Barrio. (Photo Provided)

A local Latin-influenced band prepares to shake things up with salsa and merengue music this weekend at Andrews Park.

Son del Barrio will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the park's amphitheater. The concert is presented as part of the Performing Arts Studio's Summer Breeze concert series.

The group has been one of the series' most popular acts, said Mark Levy, Performing Arts Studio board president.

"It's not unusual to see hundreds of people forming conga lines," Levy said. "Fans are always excited to see this show."

Son del Barrio's foundation is Armando Rivera of Guadalajara, Mexico. Rivera is considered as one of the best Latin percussionist in the state, according to a Summer Breeze press release.

The band also includes Robert Ruiz on trumpet, Wilmari Ruiz on flute and Osmay Gutierrez Danger on trumpet and lead vocals.

Craig Jones, history junior, said he has seen Son del Barrio perform, and would be interested in watching the group play again.

"I caught them a few years ago and they were way entertaining," Jones said. "Talk about a band that makes you want to get up and dance — that's what these guys are."

Since forming in 2002, Son del Barrio — which translates as Sound of the Neighborhood — has introduced Oklahomans to the salsa and merengue genres.

Salsa is a genre that incorporates multiple variations of pop, jazz, rock and R&B music, according to the release. It was made famous by Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians who immigrated to New York City in the 1960s and ’70s.

Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic. Its name is taken from the Spanish name of the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar, and may trace its meaning from the movement on the dance floor that could remind one of an egg beater in action, according to the press release.

The Summer Breeze concert series is free and open to the public. It is supported by grants from the Norman Arts Council, Oklahoma Arts Council and donations.

For more information about the event, visit thepas.org or call 405-307-9320.

For more information about Son del Barrio, visit its official website.