This fall, music lovers in Chicago are in for a treat as the International Latino Cultural Center (ILCC) presents its highly anticipated fall season of their year-round Chicago Latino Music Series. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the rich, diverse soundscapes of Latin America and beyond.
The series kicks off on Saturday, September 14 at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago with the Chicago debut of Sidy Samb, a Senegalese artist based in Madrid who blends the soulful cadences of Flamenco with the vibrant rhythms of West Africa. Witness the mesmerizing fusion of Samb’s Afroflamenco project, which seamlessly weaves together griot heritage and Roma virtuosity in a true cross-cultural musical encounter.
On Monday, September 16, prepare to be swept away by the Argentina-influenced chamamé sounds of the Alejandro Brittes Trio. This performance will also be presented at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago. Led by the acclaimed composer, accordionist and researcher Alejandro Brittes, this ensemble explores the ancestral rhythms born from the encounter between Indigenous Guaraní and Baroque music.
The energy shifts on Tuesday, September 17 as the ILCC presents the Vinicius Cantuária Trio at City Winery. For over four decades, Vinicius Cantuária has been one of Brazil’s most acclaimed songwriters, and in this performance, he’ll reinvent the beloved sound of bossa nova with his signature intensity and power.
Can’t get enough of sizzling Latin rhythms? Mark your calendars for Friday, October 4, when Cuban-born singer-songwriter Luciane Dom and the 11-piece band Gafieira Rio Miami take the stage at the Logan Square Auditorium. Prepare to be swept away by their joyous fusion of samba, jazz and soul.
On Sunday, October 6, Cuban rapper Telmary and her band Habanasana will bring their cutting-edge hip-hop sounds to the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. Telmary’s distinctive flow and empowering lyrics have made her a leading voice in Cuba’s vibrant music scene.
The series also features the world-renowned Bachata Academy (Academia de Bachata) from the Dominican Republic on Thursday, October 10. This school for bachata music will showcase the virtuosity and mastery of Latin and Caribbean traditions through an eight-piece student ensemble at the 18th Street Casa de Cultura.
On Friday, October 11, the ILCC presents the Chicago debut of the legendary Chilean folk group Conjunto Cuncumén, who will be celebrating their 70th anniversary from the stage of the Instituto Cervantes. This iconic ensemble has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the traditional sounds of their homeland.
The series continues with a musical journey through South America, as Colombian soprano Wilma Rueda and Taiwanese pianist Ching-Fen Lee take the stage on Wednesday, October 30. Audiences can expect a captivating program of songs from Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, and Mexico. This classical music performance will be held at the Epiphany.
On Tuesday, November 12, the ILCC co-presents along with the City Winery, Sonia Franco’s flamenco dance spectacle SER.RANA, featuring the acclaimed choreographer and dancer joined by some of Spain’s most coveted musicians.
The series continues on Friday, November 15 with the return of the all-female flamenco fusion quartet Las Migas, who will perform tracks from their latest album, Rumberas, as well as some of their greatest hits.
The festivities conclude on Sunday, November 24 with a solo piano performance by the acclaimed Brazilian pianist André Mehmari, who will invite the audience to contribute suggestions for one-of-a-kind improvised suites.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Latin music or simply looking to discover new sounds, the Chicago Latino Music Series has something to captivate every music lover this Fall. Immerse yourself in the vibrant, ever-evolving rhythms of the Latino diaspora and let the music carry you away. Don’t miss your chance to experience these cultural treasures – get your tickets now!
The International Latino Cultural Center offers additional cultural experiences beyond music. Visit our site to learn about our culinary, film and dance events! LatinoCulturalCenter.org
