DESDE MI BARRIO : Rhythms of Latin Jazz with Jonathan Suazo

Rhythms of Latin Jazz: Exploring Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration with Jonathan Suazo

RICANO is an original Afro-Caribbean experience that presents themes of exploration, integration, community, education and self-acceptance, available to audiences through live shows, immersive classes and recorded assets. The word RICANO was conceived by J. Suazo and is a play/fusion of the words “Puertorriqueño” and “Dominicano,” symbolizing self-discovery and connections to Puertorican and Dominican roots.

RICANO will showcase the rhythms of Latin Jazz to bring that past, present, and future of this cultural heritage to a wide array of audiences.

RICANO es una experiencia afrocaribeña original que presenta temas de exploración, integración, comunidad, educación y autoaceptación, disponibles para el público a través de espectáculos en vivo, clases inmersivas y material grabado. La palabra RICANO fue concebida por J. Suazo y es un juego/fusión de las palabras “Puertorriqueño” y “Dominicano”, que simbolizan el autodescubrimiento y las conexiones con las raíces puertorriqueñas y dominicanas.
 
RICANO exhibirá los ritmos del jazz latino para acercarnos a ese pasado, presente y futuro de este patrimonio cultural.
24th Annual National Cuatro Festival!

24th Annual National Cuatro Festival!

The Cuatro is regarded as the national instrument of Puerto Rico and is revered by the Puerto Rican community as an important part of our history. It is recognized and acknowledged as “our guitar” and holds important traditional and historical value. The Emmy Award-winning Annual National Cuatro Festival (NCF) is a unique music event that brings the best Cuatro musicians “Cuatristas” from Puerto Rico and the mainland to Chicago for a one-of-a-kind concert experience. This cultural event highlights the national instrument of Puerto Rico as an important part of our heritage and history.

Each year there is a special dedication and one of the highlights of the concert is an opening performance showcasing students from the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s Latin Music Project Ensemble. It is more than a concert, it as a gathering of Chicago’s most long time Latino residents, the Puerto Rican community, and an opportunity to join together with pride to celebrate the beauty of the Chicago’s diversity. Preserving Puerto Rican traditions is at the heart of PRAA’s work and the National Cuatro Festival is a key part of our cultural and educational initiatives.

Over the years the National Cuatro Festival has presented great cuatristas like Yomo Toro, Pedro Guzman, Alvin Medina, Luis Sanz, Prodijio Claudio, Christina Nieves, Manny Trinidad, Emma Colon Zayas, Madibel Delgado, Juradito, Quique Domenech, Javier Mendez, among others. Additionally, great iconic popular and folk music singers/groups such as Victoria Sanabria, Tavin Pumarejo, Odilo Gonzalez, Felito Felix, Andy Montañez, Yolandita Monge, Charlie Aponte, Ismael Miranda, Jose Nogueras, Los Cantores de Bayamon, Mapeye, La Rondalla de Humacao, Puerto Rico Philharmonic, Angel Cucco Peña, Jose Luis Ortiz, Los Hermanos Olvarria, Andres Jimenez, Modesto Nieves, Angel Luis Torruellas, Los Hermanos Sanz and Danny Rivera have graced our stage.

This year due to the pandemic COVI9 19, the Harris Theater has instituted some audience safety protocols.

Viva Latinoamerica

Viva Latinoamerica

Join Us for an evening of music by Gustavo Cortiñas’ Desafío Candente, Roy McGrath’s Menjunje and Radio Free Honduras celebrating the music of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Honduras! Bring your lawn chair, beverages and snacks while you enjoy this cultural experience. Please no pets.

Free parking available across the street at the US Bank Employee Lot

Baila Conmigo!

Baila Conmigo!

Baila Conmigo, supporting local music artists while bringing artistic excellence and enjoyment to our community!

This outdoor event is held at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Terraza and FREE to the public. Audience is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Due to limited space you should arrive early and no pets. Doors open 6pm

Schedule:

Angel Melendez, Saturday, August 27, 2022 @ 6:30pm Doors open 6pm

Alberto Álvarez, Sunday, September 17, 2022 @ 6:30pm Doors Open 6pm

Cecilio Negrón, Thursday, October 6, 2022 @6:30pm Doors Open 6pm

Baila Conmigo!

Baila Conmigo!

Baila Conmigo, supporting local music artists while bringing artistic excellence and enjoyment to our community!

This outdoor event is held at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Terraza and FREE to the public. Audience is encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Due to limited space you should arrive early and no pets. Doors open 6pm

Schedule:

Angel Melendez, Saturday, August 27, 2022 @ 6:30pm Doors open 6pm

Alberto Álvarez, Sunday, September 17, 2022 @ 6:30pm Doors Open 6pm

Cecilio Negrón, Thursday, October 6, 2022 @6:30pm Doors Open 6pm