When thinking of Mumbo Gumbo's gig this Friday, the word "regulars" comes to mind. This year marks the 16th year in a row the band will play at Concerts in the Park.

As the name suggests, the New-Orleans-flavored septet blends many genres to create its sound. From soul to Zydeco and from ballad to boogie, the band has covered the gamut in its nearly 20-year history, during which the members have produced eight albums.

They have been a big part of the Northern California concert scene. Many of the band members have even formed successful side projects over the years.

Guitar player Jon Wood, sax player Reggy Marks and bass player Lynn Michael Palmer recently formed The Nibblers. The seven-piece funk/soul band has been playing clubs around town and will open for Mumbo Gumbo on Friday.

Drummer Rick Lotter is part of Capitol Jazz Project, and lead singer Chris Webster has a solo career - well, had a solo career.

That was until a little over a year ago, when a paralyzed vocal cord forced her to stop singing. Luckily the band had another great singer, Tracy Walton.

"We were in a strange time," Palmer said. "We floundered around, not quite sure when and if she would come back."

Eventually the band decided it would be silly to stop playing, and members discovered they could be strong even without Webster. Walton fronted the band, alone, for a year. But after that year had passed, Webster had healed. She is back for every gig now, and this will be her return to Cesar Chavez.

"She's singing as well as she ever did," Palmer said. "This spring has been an exciting time for us."

On Friday, the band will be playing a lot of songs from its latest album, a compilation called "Fun Pack." It's filled with danceable, "party-flavored" tunes, said former keyboardist Bill Fairfield, who now helps the band with booking.

Fairfield's keyboard work is featured on much of the album, which includes tunes spanning the band's 19-year career. The album also includes three new originals and a re-recorded song.

"Businesspeople, families - a whole cross section of the Sacramento community seems to be out there," said Fairfield of Concerts in the Park. "We look forward to that show because it's always a great vibe."

Added Palmer: "I'm just excited about this season coming up and getting to play with the full band again."

Friday Night Concerts in the Park take place at Cesar Chavez Plaza on 10th and J Streets from 5-9 p.m. every Friday until August 14.

Don't forget that your Friday night festivities continue if you show your wristband to one of the following businesses:

Brew it Up! $4 drafts, Bacardi, Jack Daniels and 3 Olives cocktails, plus half-price appetizers

Fuzio Universal Bistro $3 drafts, $5 martinis, plus a selection of $3 appetizers

Marilyn's on K $1 off well drinks, $3 draft Bud Light

Parlare Euro Lounge $3 domestic beers, $5 wine, $4 assorted appetizers

Pyramid Alehouse $2 pints of Curveball

Sofia on 11th $3 drafts, $4 wines, $4 wells and and half-price appetizers

Table 260 Half off appetizer menu, 10 percent off dinner, $5 drink special on Sac Soul

Toppingz Pizza inside Image Lounge $2.50 Bud and Bud Light, $4 Jack Daniels, appetizers starting at $1

Sheraton Grand Hotel's PMB Bar $3.50 Bud and Bud Light (bottle or draft), $5 nachos or artichoke dip

Amourath Lounge at Hyatt $1 off Bud, Bud Light and all appetizers

Citizen Hotel $99/night weekend rate for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in a deluxe king, queen or dual-double-bed room. This deal is exclusively for the Concerts in the Park, and for information on how to book the room, call 916-447-2700.