One of the most exciting up and coming city blogs – Chicago Urbanite – celebrates 1 year in the traditional Chicago style with music, dance, food and fun. And to top it all off, Chicago Latino TV will be covering the event, so be ready to smile for the camera! 🙂
Join us in positiveness so we can finally meet each other and form a stronger community bond.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012 | 9 pm to 1am
FEATURING:
9PM-10PM: Free delicious Peruvian food will be served, courtesy of our sponsor MACHU PICCHU RESTAURANT
10PM-11PM: Special performances and mini dance lessons by
Yaasha will also do a demonstration of Ethiopian Dance!
and
Directly from Laos via Chicago, Kid Jungle from THEE AUTHENTIC FEWSION (hip hop/breakdance)
Check him out here
11PM: Live performance by NU BAMBU, the hottest Urban Fusion band to hit Chicago. We sing in English and Spanish and mix Reggae and Latin rhythms in our music. The band members are from France/Venezuela, Peru, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the United States.
COST
$20 per workshop ($25 without RSVP)
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”) =======GET $10 OFF IF YOU TAKE BOTH WORKSHOPS========
PLEASE: -ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY
Everyone has to get here early because it’s a locked building so I have to let you in when you get here. We will start on time! 🙂
-Wear work out clothes
-If possible, don’t wear shoes in studio unless they are indoor shoes
QUESTIONS? CALL 630.207.3679
AFRO-PERUVIAN DANCE WORKSHOP
Feb 25th 2012
3pm -4pm
Cost: $20
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
Join Ruben Pachas for a hands-on workshop on the diversity of Afro-Peruvian folk dance. He will focus on the Festejo, a music and dance form developed in the plantation fields during the 18th century. The word Festejo, comes from the Spanish word festejar (to celebrate) . True to its name, the music and dance of the Afro-Peruvian genre is joyous and vibrant but its traditional lyrics usually narrate the hardships of enslaved life. Participation will be encouraged. The class will last about one hour and you will learn other Afro-Peruvian dances such as Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.
AFRO-PERUVIAN CAJON WORKSHOP
Feb 25th 2012
4pm-5pm
Cost: $20
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
Join us for another special workshop with Ruben Pachas and discover the Cajon (Box) drum. This class is an introduction to the Cajon drum & Afro-Peruvian rhythms – Festejo, Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.
Students will learn how to play basic patterns and explore different rhythms and stroke combinations on the cajon drum.
ALL LEVELS WELCOME
(Beginners always welcome/Advanced students learn new techniques and refresh your Cajon skills)
CAJON DRUMS
(We recommend that you bring your own)
The Cajon drum (pronounced cahon)is the Spanish word for “box”. The idea of using a simple wooden box as a drum is believed to have originated in colonial Peru where Africans displaced from their homeland substituted cod shipping crates for their native drums. As a result, Afro-Peruvian music is a unique blend of Spanish, Andean, and African traditions. Today, this versatile drum is steadily gaining popularity and recognition and can be heard in many different styles of music worldwide.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
RUBEN PACHAS has a solid background in artistic performance and as a dance teacher with a strong emphasis in field research and dance techniques. He is a graduate of the prestigious Escuela Nacional Superior de Folklore Jose Maria Arguedas and has an extensive experience as a professional Folk dance teacher. He is the Founder and Director of Peruvian Folk Dance Center, a Chicago dance group whose mission is to promote Peruvian culture through the teaching and performance of Peruvian folk dances.
Here is video with a sample of Afro-Peruvian dances performed by the Afro-Peruvian musical ensemble Peru Negro:
Tonight Chicagoans have more than one reason to be thankful for living in this wonderful city. We have four wonderful events going on tonight. These are:
BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL
We have three parties to choose from to celebrate Brazilian Carnival tonight. These are your options:
Also, if you are looking to learn or brush up your Samba skills before heading to these parties, then go to a free Samba workshop offered by Passistas Samba presents at Brazil in Chicago School. 2212 W Sunnyside Ave Chicago
CHICAGO SALSA CONGRESS
Salsa Congresses celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Latin and Afro-Caribbean music and dance. The Chicago International Salsa Congress is Chicago’s Premier Latin Music and Dance event of the year, bringing you total immersion with an array of workshops, dance productions and live entertainment. This event runs through tomorrow at the Westin O’Hare on 6100 West River Road in Rosemont. For more information go to http://www.chicagosalsacongress.com
CHICAGO FLAMENCO FESTIVAL
Currently celebrating its 10th year, the Festival’s opening reception was on February 9 and the final performance will take place on March 12th. More information at http://www.chicagoflamencofestival.com/. Here is a video of our own Chicago Flamenco Company, Ensemble Español:
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PERUVIAN WINTER CULTURAL PROGRAM
The Department of Modern Languages of DePaul University and the Peruvian Arts Society present their Winter Cultural Program today at 6pm at DePaul University Schmidt Academic Center Room 161 on the Lincoln ParkCampus, 2320 N. Kenmore Avenue (between W. Belden and Fullerton ). Visitors may park in the Sheffield parking facility, 2335 N. North Sheffield or the Clifton Parking Deck, 2330 North Clifton Avenue . The topic for this event is the life and literary work of Jose Maria Arguedas, one of the most notable figures of 20th century Peruvian literature. Arguedas is especially recognized for his intimate portrayals of indigenous Andean culture.This is a free event that will include a special performance by the group I dance with, Peruvian Folk Dance Center. Here is an adaptation in puppetry of one of Arguedas stories:
I hope you get to go to any of these fabulous events. And if you do, I would love to hear from you. Chicago is truly a global cultural destination. Take advantage of it and enjoy it!
Congratulations to Tinariwen for their well-deserved Grammy award! Tinariwen took home the Best World Music Album Grammy for ‘Tassili”.’To celebrate, I made this video of their last hypnotizing performance in Chicago (November 2011).
This is a sweet victory that comes during times of war in their country. Our thoughts go to Tinariwen’s families and friends in the North of Mali and to the Tuareg refugees in Niger, Mauritanie, Algeria, and Burkina Faso. Here is a video of Tinariwen singing during a Tuareg tea ceremony in the Sahara Desert.
Queen of Samba contest was a festive celebration of Brazilian culture in Chicago
Who would’ve thought a Chicago’s cold Winter night could transform into a hot Brazilian summer evening? That is how it felt like at Logan Square Auditorium during the Chicago Samba’s Queen of Samba contest. Chicago Samba is a Midwest-based music ensemble that has been performing the authentic sounds of Brazil mixed with the flavor of “Carnaval” for more than 21 years. They are also the organizers of the only Queen of Samba contest in Chicago, an event that brings Brazilians and non-Brazilians together.
Some of the band members also come from non-Brazilian backgrounds. The keyboard player, for example, is from Uzbekistan, and the trumpet player is from the South Side of Chicago. His name is Ben Lamar and he grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Bossa Nova and Tom Jobim. Here he is giving us his best smile:
Ben moved to Rio de Janeiro for three years. When he first got there he could not speak any Portuguese and was afraid, but he was able to connect with people through his music. He naturally felt at ease in a culture that was attractive to him because it reminded him of old traditions that were common in America before capitalism took over. For example, Brazilians fix things if they break instead of getting rid of them; they also go to small Mom and Pops neighborhood stores instead of big and impersonal supermarket chains, and they have musical instruments at home, the way it used to be here before the advent of the Television era. This allowed room for creativity, connection, and for sharing one’s family musical heritage. He suggests that when going to Brazil or any country in Latin America “forget about speaking languages, that just causes confusion, but connect with the soul, language is the last thing you worry about” he says. “I can transfer my good energy without even talking to you”. And certainly, his good energy and of the Chicago Samba ensemble was felt the whole night.
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Edilson Lima was an enthusiastic cheerleader throughout the event. His energetic dance lead from the stage and from the dance floor, along with Chicago’s samba festive music, had everybody dancing non-stop. It definitely felt as if we were in the middle of a Carnival celebration. But the queen of the night was undoubtedly the Queen of Samba contest. A group of beautiful ladies faced the judges and the crowd to show their love for Samba. The winner of the contest was Panamanian Karlies Kelley, who was crowned Queen of Samba and given the grand prize of $250. The second place was awarded to a Brazilian, Ludgy Cunha, who was named Princess of Samba and given a second price of $150. Our friends from Chicagoano, a website that covers all things Brazilian in Chicago, were also present at this event and shared their videos for this post. In this one you can see the current Queen of Samba Karlies Kelly performing (she is the first one appearing on the video):
After the contest, the party continued with a grand finale performed by dancers dressed in spectacular Carnival costumes. Chicago Samba’s Edilson Lima called Christina Trumbauch and Pierre Cameron from Folia Tropicalia Dance Group, to share the stage and dance with them:
This was an evening that definitely had an enthusiastic atmosphere, and it was a great way to start the Carnival festivities in Chicago. If you want to experience this by yourself, then go to one of the two Carnival celebrations that will take place on February 18, or why not go to both? Click on the links below for more information about these events:
Chicago has given me the opportunity to experience art in so many different ways. One of them has been becoming a member of a Peruvian folk dance group led by a very talented artist and dance teacher. His name is Ruben Pachas. I first met him at a dance workshop and was very impressed by the quality of his work. His classes are fun, energetic, and enriching. He knows how to deconstruct dance steps and makes them easy to learn. I want to share this experience with you and invite you to a couple of Afro Peruvian Music and Dance Workshops that he will be offering. These workshops cover the history of the arrival of African culture to Peru, musical samples of three traditional Afro-Peruvian instruments, sample popular dances, and full-class participation in a percussion session and dance routine. The goal is to actively involve the participants in learning Afro-Peruvian instruments, rhythms, and dances. Below are the details for this event:
LOCATION:
BA Studio
2846 W North Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60647
(Meet at side entrance on FRANCISCO AVE)
COST
$20 per workshop ($25 without RSVP)
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
=======GET $10 OFF IF YOU TAKE BOTH WORKSHOPS========
PLEASE:
-ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY
Everyone has to get here early because it’s a locked building so I have to let you in when you get here. We will start on time! 🙂
-Wear work out clothes
-If possible, don’t wear shoes in studio unless they are indoor shoes
AFRO-PERUVIAN DANCE WORKSHOP
Feb 25th 2012
3pm -4pm
Cost: $20 ($25 without RSVP)
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
Join Ruben Pachas for a hands-on workshop on the diversity of Afro-Peruvian folk dance. He will focus on the Festejo, a music and dance form developed in the plantation fields during the 18th century. The word Festejo, comes from the Spanish word festejar (to celebrate) . True to its name, the music and dance of the Afro-Peruvian genre is joyous and vibrant but its traditional lyrics usually narrate the hardships of enslaved life. Participation will be encouraged. The class will last about one hour and you will learn other Afro-Peruvian dances such as Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.
AFRO-PERUVIAN CAJON WORKSHOP
Feb 25th 2012
4pm-5pm
Cost: $20 ($25 without RSVP)
Please RSVP via Facebook as attending
Or via chicagourbanite@hotmail.com (Subject: “Workshop”)
Join us for another special workshop with Ruben Pachas and discover the Cajon (Box) drum. This class is an introduction to the Cajon drum & Afro-Peruvian rhythms – Festejo, Zamacueca, Lando, Marinera & Vals.
Students will learn how to play basic patterns and explore different rhythms and stroke combinations on the cajon drum.
ALL LEVELS WELCOME
(Beginners always welcome/Advanced students learn new techniques and refresh your Cajon skills)
CAJON DRUMS
(We recommend that you bring your own)
The Cajon drum (pronounced cahon)is the Spanish word for “box”. The idea of using a simple wooden box as a drum is believed to have originated in colonial Peru where Africans displaced from their homeland substituted cod shipping crates for their native drums. As a result, Afro-Peruvian music is a unique blend of Spanish, Andean, and African traditions. Today, this versatile drum is steadily gaining popularity and recognition and can be heard in many different styles of music worldwide.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
RUBEN PACHAS has a solid background in artistic performance and as a dance teacher with a strong emphasis in field research and dance techniques. He is a graduate of the prestigious Escuela Nacional Superior de Folklore Jose Maria Arguedas and has an extensive experience as a professional Folk dance teacher. He is the Founder and Director of Peruvian Folk Dance Center, a Chicago dance group whose mission is to promote Peruvian culture through the teaching and performance of Peruvian folk dances.
Here is video with a sample of Afro-Peruvian dances performed by the Afro-Peruvian musical ensemble Peru Negro:
If you can, please go to www.ILpams.com today and give a little something. Even just $5 will help, you can give as little or as much as you’d like.i
You can use a credit/debit card or even Paypal. Please know it is a secure transaction with Paypal servers. IL PAMS is a registered non-profit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible.
The medical missions are going to Cuzco and Huaytara.
Please spread the word as well! And for those who attended the fundraising event for Huaytara Mission 2012 and have already donated, thank you!
Thank you on behalf of the Illinois Peruvian American Medical Society www.ILpams.com
Hola a todos,
Ya pueden donar por internet para las misiones al Peru este verano.
Medicos peruanos y de los Estados Unidos junto con otros voluntarios daran servicio medico a los pobladores del Peru que no tienen acceso a servicios de salud.
Puedes donar por internet a www.ILpams.com. Hazlo hoy si puedes. Puedes ayudar con mucho o poco, dona 5$ si deseas.
Aceptamos tarjetas de credito/debito y Paypal. Esta es una transaccion segura con servidores de Paypal. La PAMS (Peruvian American Society) es una organizacion sin fines de lucro, asi que tu donacion es deducible de impuestos.
Las misiones este año iran a Cuzco y Huaytara.
Por favor pasa la voz. Y a los que estuvieron presentes en el evento pro-fondos Mision de Huaytara, muchas gracias por su colaboracion.
Chicago Urbanite 