Poncho Sanchez.

Few musical experiences are as energizing as seeing a hot Latin jazz band live in concert. The combination of infectious rhythms with a strong improvisational component puts both the head and feet in that happy place. Few groups have struck this balance as well and as long as Poncho Sanchez & his band. The veteran conguero is the consummate road warrior, having toured for nearly 40 years. Psychedelic Blues, the bandleader’s most recent studio release — his 24th — received a 2011 Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album, proving Sanchez’s artistic vitality.

“For years, I never looked back. I had my head down and was trying to get up that hill,” Sanchez told DCist during a recent interview. “Now that I’m older, I’m going to be 60 years old in October, I do look back on it now and say ‘Man, no wonder why I’m tired.'”

Sanchez & Co. will appear on Saturday at the Warner Theatre in a concert staged by the Washington Performing Arts Society. Sanchez visits the area regularly, performing at Blues Alley, the Kennedy Center and many of the area’s other venues. This will be his first show in the District since last year’s DC Jazz Festival.

“I remember we played once for the Vice President,” Sanchez recalled. “We went to the Vice President’s house after and had dinner with Al and Tipper [Gore].”