When the 15-member Latin Giants of Jazz finished their last song, a Tito Puente cover, the Harbor Pointe crowd gave them a well-deserved standing ovation.

It was the first standing ovation I've seen at one of the festival's free shows. The Giants brought their south-of-the-border sound for more than an hour, complete with splashy brass, layered percussion and Spanish lyrics.

Kenny Liner, beatboxer for the Bridge (the next act today), was digging the Giants. He clapped his hands and bobbed his head from the side of the stage where he stood.

"These guys are amazing," he said. "It's great to have music available in Baltimore for free. It was a great idea. I hope they do it again next year."