The event brought fans from across the region and beyond. Some audience members traveled from Northwood, Iowa; Fargo, North Dakota; Albert Lea and Willmar to attend.

Richard Navarro, who came specifically for the concert, said he had been following the band since 1975. He cited “Dreamin’ Blues” from the Kiko album as a personal favorite.

Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound opened the evening with a 30-minute set. The Milwaukee-based group performed songs from its self-titled album and incorporated musical influences from New Orleans, western Louisiana and the Caribbean.

“We’re very happy to be a part of this. Actually, we’re very happy to see Los Lobos at any point,” Paul Cebar told the audience.

Los Lobos lights up State Street Theater during Thursday’s benefit concert for The Grand.

The band features Paul Cebar on vocals and guitar, Reggie Bordeaux on drums, Bob Jennings on saxophone and keyboards, Mike Fredrickson on bass and Mac Perkins on percussion.

John Kellen, director of the Grand Center for Arts & Culture, introduced the concert and explained its purpose.

“This event is a tribute to the work that we do,” he said. Kellen said the concert was made possible by Phil Gross, brother of Grand Center founder Anne Makepeace, who proposed bringing national talent to New Ulm rather than making a direct donation.

The partnership between the Grand Center and State Street Theater follows last year’s benefit concert featuring Emmylou Harris. Kellen announced that Trampled by Turtles, a Minnesota band scheduled to perform at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, will headline next year’s benefit.

Los Lobos, celebrating more than five decades together as a band, performed as a six-piece ensemble and incorporated guitar, saxophone, flute, accordion and other instruments. The current lineup includes David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano, Steve Berlin and touring member Enrique “Bugs” Gonzalez.

During the concert, Los Lobos performed “Misery,” by Bear Strong, a song recommended by Paul Cebar. They also played their chart-topping hit “La Bamba,” which many attendees said they were eager to hear.

The band acknowledged Paul Cebar during its set and credited him for suggesting the opening number, “Misery” by Barrett Strong. Strong was known for his 1960 hit “Money (That’s What I Want)” and for co-writing Motown songs including “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”

Throughout the evening, Los Lobos blended blues, rock and traditional Mexican influences, performing tracks like “Wicked Rain,” “Flat Top,” “Valley,” “Rosalee” and “Don’t Worry.” They also included fan favorites such as “Kiko,” “Maricela” and “Volver,” and closed with an encore featuring Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl” and a medley of “La Bamba” and “Good Lovin’.”

The group paid tribute to the late Flaco Jiménez, referring to him as “the King of Tex-Mex.”

Victoria Ruiz, attending her first Los Lobos concert, said she was “simply excited to see the legendary band perform live.”

Scott Peterson, who attended with his wife, Maricela, said he preferred the theater setting to the Minnesota State Fair.

“You’re not guaranteed a seat if you go up there,” he said. “There’s just so many crowds.”

The benefit concert raised funds for the Grand Center for Arts & Culture’s programs and demonstrated New Ulm’s capacity to host nationally recognized performers.

Concert sponsors included Frandsen Bank and Trust at the premier level, with additional support from State Farm Bob Webb Agency and Klassen Plumbing and Heating. Johnny Fodrick of Johnny F Productions managed the technical production.

State Street Theater served as the venue for the event, which featured a nationally touring act and regional audience turnout.