Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO – Sonoran sensation Carin León brought his Boca Chueca Tour to Chase Center on Friday. Known for his evocative voice and charismatic stage presence, the singer-songwriter delivered a show that showcased a wide range of styles from norteño music to country tunes, which has cemented his reputation as one of Latin music’s brightest stars.

The evening began with a burst of energy as León took the stage, and opened with “Frené mis pies” (I Stopped My Feet), from Boca Chueca, Vol. 1, an album he released in May. The song is a modern pop plea to let the ones we love go free.

The artist, whose name is Óscar Armando Díaz de León Huez, continued with the album’s title track, which means “crooked mouth,” an endearing characteristic of León’s singing when hitting high notes.

A bottle of tequila in hand and cheering on the crowd, he followed with “Cuando la vida sea trago” (When Life is a Drink), the slower-paced opening track from the new album. Then, sousaphone notes kicked off the first chords of “Si Tu Amor No Vuelve” (If Your Love Doesn’t Come Back), originally by Mazatlán’s Arrolladora Banda el Limón.

Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024.

Carin León has collaborated with a wide range of artists like Maluma and J Balvin, and he made sure to play some of those songs in San Francisco, from his and Hombres G’s nostalgic rendition of Mexican classic “Te Quiero” (I Want You) to salsa song “Una vida pasada” (A Past Life) with Camilo.

During “Te lo Agradezco” (I Appreciate It), a 2023 collab with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García, the heartfelt lyrics and catchy chorus had the crowd singing along.

You don’t need to know much about Mexican regional music to enjoy León’s set since he dives into multiple genres. Earlier in the day, he released a stirring rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Man In Black,” for example.

After a short break during which the stage was transformed into a cantina, the Hermosillo, Sonora native reappeared in a custom Warriors jersey and grabbed some beers from a cooler that he passed out to his band, setting up “Banqueteras,” a slang term used in Mexico for drinking beers on the sidewalk outside your house.

Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024.

Elsewhere in the set, Carin León seamlessly transitioned between upbeat cumbias and poignant rancheras, such as “Sonora y sus Ojos Negros” (Sonora and its Black Eyes), a 1994 ranchera by duo Miguel y Miguel that he dedicated to his hometown, followed by his hit with Grupo Frontera. “Que Vuelvas” (Come Back).

The production was stunning. The stage was adorned with screens that brought each song to life with colorful visuals. He was accompanied by a tight-playing 25-member band. The percussionists, in particular, were exceptional, driving the rhythms of the multiple genres played during the night.

“Long live rock and roll, and because we’re in San Francisco tonight, let’s celebrate Journey,” he said before kicking into a surprise rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.”

The encore included a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” again showing off his range and love for country music. The singer grabbed a microphone stand adorned with a faux lion head wearing a crown, a reference to his name, and closed out the show with hit “La primera cita” (The First Date).

Follow photographer Mariana García at Instagram.com/marianagphoto.