The Voices of Classic Rock rock-the-house in San Salvador

The Voices of Classic Rock returned to Latin America this past Saturday evening for a special charity concert in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador. The show, which benefited the Foundation for Children with Cancer, was played at the Feria International Ampitheater before 5,000 enthusiastic patrons.

Voices of Classic Rock members Bobby Kimball of Toto, Joe Lynn Turner of Rainbow and Deep Purple, Peter Rivera formerly of Rare Earth, Pat Travers of the Pat Travers Band, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Larry Hoppen of Orleans made the five hour trip to El Salvador. Special Guest Alex Ligertwood of Santana joined the group and closed the show with a Latin flavor, including his classic "I'm Winning," which he sang and co-wrote, as well as inspired versions of "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and (an encore version of) "Oye Como Va."

Glenn Hughes does Deep Purple

"This show was originally scheduled to be part of a multi-city tour in Latin America that is now in the works for late June and early July," noted bass player and vocalist Glenn Hughes. "But when we heard that it was a kids charity and the building wasn't available at any other time, we all decided it was worth the trip. And the crowd reinforced that with their appreciation. There are no better audiences than those in Latin America."

Despite the band's vigorous travel schedule to play the show, magic permeated the outdoor stage in San Salvador. From the first strains of Larry Hoppen with "Still The One" the audience was on their feet. "It was cool," noted Hoppen, "while they recognized 'Still The One,' it was 'Love Takes Time' that was a big hit here and really got the audience recognition."

Pat Travers -- WITHOUT his fan

Pete Rivera brought a Motown flavor to the show with his Rare Earth hits "Get Ready" and "I Just Want To Celebrate." He electrified the crowd with drummer Chuck Burgi (ex of Meatloaf and Blue Oyster Cult) traded drum solos on the dual kits. Don't let anyone tell you that Motown wasn't huge south of the border.

Senor Bobby Kimball took to his keyboard and raised the temperature with his Toto classics, including the Number One "Africa" and the Grammy winner "Rosanna."

Alex Ligertwood Right 'at home' in the Voices' Encore

Pat Travers provided his signature and edgy rock and roll guitar riffs. "I don't think they knew what to expect of Pat," said promoter Howard Pollack, "but I know he'll be on all of our Latin American dates after that performance."

Joe Lynn Turner and Glenn Hughes raised the volume with a Deep Purple mini-set, that included for the first time in a "Voices of Classic Rock" concert the rockers "Highway Star" and "Space Truckin'."

Of course, special guest Alex Ligertwood -- who spent 14 years as Santana's lead vocalist -- closed the show with a signature Latin-Rock flavor and hits recognized the world over. "I really enjoyed this show. Between the Voices, the band, and the crowd it felt like family . . . the only thing missing was a round of golf."