Opening night of the Viña del Mar International Song Festival: A sure bet, a risk, and a dose of nostalgia.

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VIÑA DEL MAR. - The time has come. Tonight marks the beginning of the 49th International Song Festival of Viña del Mar. The program, at a glance, seems a bit dull in comparison to the brilliance of past festivals.

It’s not that Miguel Bosé isn’t a star of the Spanish speaking world. Of course he is. But the fact that this will be his seventh performance at the venue, and that he will be singing songs from his new disc, Papito, may not be in his favor.

The group Six Pack, popular amongst pre-teens but less well known by the majority of the public, will have to struggle to win over what is certainly a less than enthusiastic crowd.

Earth, Wind & Fire, however, with solid hits that have transcended the decades, will undoubtedly delight with a musical repertoire that has never really left our national dance floors.