Did you go to the Chicago Brazilian Music Festival that was held last June 2nd? Everybody was there! Certainly, it was a unique opportunity to see six of the most popular local Brazilian bands at the same time and those of us who love Brazilian music did not want to miss the chance to be part of it. The bands performing during that memorable night were A Cor do Brazil. Bossa Tres, Beaba do Samba, Sergio Pires, Chicago Samba, and Luciano Antonio and Planeta Azul. Congratulations to Ed Gerber for organizing this! Here are some pics, audio and video of that night (thanks to Todd Beauchamp for sharing his pictures with me).
This weekend: Chicago’s Blues Festival and more
The Chicago Blues Festival and CUBE: Chicago Underground Blues Experience
The Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world and the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals is in full swing right now. The local Blues dance community is organizing an event called CUBE: Chicago Underground Blues Experience 2011 in which they serve as guides to all the best our fine city has to offer in live music, local blues joints, evening dances and all-out fun. More information at http://chicagobluesdance.com/CUBE/2011/ andhttp://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_blues_festival.html.
GLOBE SONICO @ Cafe D’Noche
2710 N. Milwaukee Ave. 10pm-3am
Join Aguzate & Sound Culture on Fridays and Saturdays as they remix the world!
They’ll be hanging out and playing the best in Afro Latin, Tropical Bass, Global beats and International grooves in the heart of Logan Square.
D’Noche is an intimate lounge that serves up cocktails and pan-latin cuisine. (Kitchen is open until 11 pm). Patio is open.Free Parking in the Rear.
See menu and drink selection: dnochechicago.com
No Cover, Drink Specials, Friends, Family, and Global Grooves.
Sonic Diaspora at Butterfly Social Club
722 W Grand Chicago 9pm-3am
On the second Saturdays of each month, Brotha Onaci and guest selectahs play the best music of Africa and the African Diaspora, including Afrobeat, High Life, Soukous, Afro-House, Afro-Latin, and much more. This month DJs AfroQbano, Sherwin O and David Nallah Marques will be holding down rhythmic sets to keep you dancing all night long. No Cover
Red Rat (Jamaican Dance Hall Reggae)
Cubby Bear (1059 W Addison St. Chicago) $10-20
Also featuring Chicagos own “Kofi” & DJ Slacky J
Andersonville Midsommarfest
Clark St. betwen Foster and Balmoral)
Midsommarfest is one of Chicago’s most unique street fairs. Born out of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest retains its quaint, international flavor. Old-world Swedish traditions, including a festive dance around the Maypole, are incorporated into an unrivaled array of entertainment for families and adults. Click here for the list of world music performances at this fest, which include Funkadesi , Chicago Afrobeat Project, and Chicago Samba
Chiara Mangiamelli Ensemble
“A spectacular ensemble! Captivating and inspiring… With every move, Chiara Mangiameli brings vitality to the stage. Her performance was spectacular in every regard – from the circle of her wrist to her rhythmic footwork, Ms. Mangiameli captivated every member of our audience!”- Christina Salerno, Director for Salt Creek Ballet.
Uncommon Ground on Devon 9.30pm $15
1401 W. Devon Ave, Chicago
Balkan Sounds Party
DJ Romasoul(Balkan beats via Chicago house) and DJ MG (“Turkish remix master”), two of the most famous Deejays of Balkan origin in the Greater Chicago area are coming together at the Stone Lotus downstairs lounge for one of the most attractive summer kick-off parties of the year.
Stone Lotus 10pm password “balkan” $5 before 11, and $10 thereafter.
873 N. Orleans Street, Chicago
Latin and World music tonight at ñ
The people at ñ invite us to another wonderful musical evening with Mauro Frosio trio ( old world music and tango ) and DJ Charrua ( Electronic and Latin beats )They promise a great atmosphere, authentic Latin food and exotic cocktails along with great Latin music that includes salsa, bachata, merengue, mambo, cumbia and electronic music. No cover
Show starts at 9pm, party until 2am.
World music Agenda for today Sunday June 5: Peruvian Folk Guitar, Rock in Spanish, and Latin Music
Peruvian Guitar and Andean Folklore with Julio Humala
One of the greatest Peruvian guitarists of Andean Popular music is offering a concert this afternoon. Don’t miss the chance to see him perform: Julio Humala en concierto
5:30-8:30pm
Bar El Balcon
3466 N Pulaski Chicago
Donation: $15
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Spanglish Rock Every Sunday
Cobra Lounge 235 North Ashland
Sundays, 8pm – 2am.
DJ’s + Live Music every Sunday.
El Frozty, Resistol 5000 + Live Performances
Drink Specials: $3 Victoria or Corona · $3 Jameson shot / $4 cocktail · $3 Patron shot / $4 cocktail
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Latin and World music tonight at ñ
The people at ñ invite us to join them tonight for their Latin night with DJ Charrua. They promise a great atmosphere, authentic Latin food and exotic cocktails along with great Latin music that includes salsa, bachata, merengue, mambo, cumbia and electronic music.
Doors open at: 7:30, party until 2am.
World music agenda for tonight
Nomadic Fridays with Ode and Eyes Manouche
Nomadic Fridays is a monthly event on the first Friday of every month at Morseland. It features Ode, and indie band that just released their new album “Peephole” and Eyes Manouche, a gypsy dance band that has its own take on music from the Balkans. If you haven’t been to one of these parties you are missing out. It’s a night of great music, energy, friends, and dancing.
With: DJ RomaSoul Balkan Beats-World House Electro
Morseland 10pm $7
1218 W.Morse, Chicago
Tonight and tomorrow: Latin Rock Weekend in Chicago
Have one or two evenings of Latin Rock at Congress Theater (2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago) with US State Department Cultural Ambassadors from Los Angeles Ozomatli (their music takes you around the world by taking you around L.A.) and Mexican Ska group Panteon Rococo. For only $20.00 you get entrance to both dates. Or if you would only like to attend 1 concert each ticket is $10. Proceeds from ticket sales will be going to Immaculate Conception Elementary School. Click here for more information about the event.
Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm
Globe Sonico at Cafe D’Noche
2710 N. Milwaukee Ave.
World music DJs from Aguzate and Soundculture will be hanging out and playing the best in Afro Latin, Tropical Bass, Global beats and International grooves in the heart of Logan Square.
D’Noche is an intimate lounge that serves up fantastic cocktails and pan-latin cuisine.
(Kitchen is open until 11 pm).
Patio is open! Free Parking in the Rear!
Global Fridays & Bombay Wraps presents MagMahal w/ DJ Kuki at NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W Hubbard Chicago 9pm
DJ Kuki fuses Indian Beats with Hip-Hop and Top 40! Hookahs for rent on the Outdoor Patio! Wristband and Bottle Packages too!
No cover
Deep Rooted : “Sounds from the Underground”
Every 1st and 3rd Friday, resident DJs SEAN HALEY and SEANO play deep house, afro beath, broken beat and disco. Organic drinks, awesome beer list, and weekly drink specials will be available.
Butterfly Social Club (722 W. Grand Ave Chicago)
No cover. 9PM-2AM
Flamenco with a Chicagoan flavor: An Open Heart conversation with singer and composer Patricia Ortega’s from Las Guitarras de Espana
A few days ago I had the pleasure to have an open-heart conversation with Chicagoan singer and composer Patricia Ortega from Las Guitarras de Espana. I met Patty during my flamenco studies at Wendy Clinard’s Studio. I had the chance to dance to her beautiful singing during Wendy’s open houses, but I had no idea that she was also a composer. I was greatly impressed when she told me she is about to release a CD that is featuring her work in collaboration with Las Guitarras de Espana. The album is titled “Tantas Cosas” (So Many Things), and as the title indicates, this CD has many musical styles that reflect Chicago’s rich cultural diversity. Patty took the forefront on this CD, and taking Spanish guitar as the foundation, the compositions are spiced up with touches borrowed from African, Brazilian, Arab, Indian, Funk, and Rap genres. Patty herself is the product of cultural fusion: She was born and raised in Chicago, but her mom is from Mexico and her dad from Cuba, and as a child, the family parties were infused with Mexican Folk music, Cuban Son, and Flamenco. She mentions that pop, rock, R&B, Mexican ranchera, and artists such as Cafeta Cuba, Ojos de Brujo, Chambuco, Concha Buika, Lila Downs, and Michael Jackson are the inspiration for her compositions.
Patty also borrowed excerpts from her own personal journey during the last two years to write the songs for this album. She has lived “tantas cosas” so intensely during this time that she had plenty of inspiration to create. The CD is a journal in which love is the main protagonist. Patty has poured her heart in these compositions and writes about the joy of being in love, of the sadness of unrequited love, of the pain felt when a relationship ends, of the tender love that a mother feels for her daughter, and also about learning to love unconditionally and live in the present moment. Here are some songs from the CD for your enjoyment:
You can buy the CD at www.the guitarsofspain.com. Also, if you would like to be part of the CD release party, then go to Mayne Stage this Saturday June 4 at 7:30 pm. The show promises to be amazing. There will be 25 performers on stage, including Las Guitarras de Espana large ensemble, dancers and guest artists such as Satya, Silvia Manrique from Beaba do Samba, and New-York based Alfonso Cid and his flamenco rock band Dientes de Caramelo. You can get tickets to the show here.
Wanna win a Free CD of TANTAS COSAS? Then visit my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chicagourbanite), post “I LIKE CHICAGO URBANITE” on my wall, and have your friends comment on your post saying that they were referred by you. Winner is the one getting the most comments. Contest ends tomorrow June 2nd at 10 am. Good luck!
Tonight: Afro-Cuban folkloric music with Toquechicago
On Monday, May 30, 2011, 8:00pm at Martyrs
Address: 3855 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL | Cost: $8
Toquechicago is an ensemble dedicated to the exposure of Afro-Cuban folkloric music. The core members of the ensemble are strongly rooted in Afro-Cuban music, having studied with renown Afro-Cuban masters such as the late Jesus Alphonso from Matanzas and Regino Jimenez from Havana. All of the members of Toquechicago are all well known percussionists and musicians that come from a variety of musical styles and genres.
Today: musical journey from Peru to Pavarotti with Tenor Luis Galvez
Would you like to experience something different this afternoon? Then come and celebrate Memorial Day with Tenor Luis Antonio Galvez and the Canchis Canchis Girls Tina Pappademos and Cynthia Zimmermanat at Taste of Peru restaurant (6545 N. Clark Chicago). They will interpreting a varied array of songs that go from Peruvian traditional songs to musical theater and operatic Pavarotti songs. Contrary to what some may think about opera singing performances, this show is not formal or stiff, all the contrary, Galvez says, it is very relaxed and fun. The show starts at 5pm. For more information call the restaurant at 773 381 4540
Bhangra on Memorial day
Do you want to get infused with high energy and feel like you are working out while having fun? Then try a Bhangra party. The highly aerobic steps of this Indian dance from the Punjabi region will put your heart to work and feel joy while doing it. If you want to try it tonight, go to Bhangratheque’s party. Here is the information:
DJ REKHA- Memorial Day Sunday
DJ Rekha is an eclectic DJ, producer, curator and founder of Basement Bhangra. She was named “Ambassador of Bhangra” by the New York Times as well as “one of the most influential South Asians in the United States” by Newsweek.
Sunday, May 29th, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend | Everyone off the next day
DARKROOM
2210 W Chicago Avenue
Doors 9pm | 21+ only
$10 advance tickets (www.bhangratheque.com)| $15 at the door
(Advance ticket holders get priority entry)
Also on turntables:
DJ Jimmy Singh
Rice The Sound Transmitter
Special bhangra dance performance by “Hareepa! Chicago” at 9.30pm
Events for tonight
Hello everyone!
Are you enjoying the weekend so far? In case you need ideas, here are some world music options for tonight:
Rockotitlán Chicago presents Benjamin Anaya Gonzalez y Los Extranos Unidos at LA TABERNA TAPAS on Halsted
Festive Fandango with Jarochicanos and the Socialists at Colibri Gallery.Fandangos are community celebrations that feature Son Jarocho music and dance, a genre from Southern Veracruz, Mexico, which combines Afro-Caribbean, Spanish and indigenous traditions.
Soul, Jazz & Afro-Latin rhythms with SOULPHONETICS‘s monthly Dance Syndrome event at Butterfly Social Club. I attended this event last month and I had a blast. Couldn’t stop dancing. Special guest for this Saturday: Afro-Puerto Rican group Nuestro Tambo. No cover
The guys from Bandoleros are inviting us to pashachicago this Saturday, May 28th to celebrate the release of their new album. Everyone in attendance will get a free copy of the new CD.
Tango showcase and wine tasting at Ukranian Cultural Center
5-Time Winner of The Chicago Music Awards: Funkadesi at Mayne Stage
Happy Saturday!
Agenda for tonight
We are lucky to be living in Chicago. We have many good options to explore tonight. Here they are:
GLOBAL Fridays presents GYPSY NIGHT w/ Eyes Manouche & DJ Romasoul! at NV Penthouse spinning Balkan-Electro beats. COVER: $5 from 9p-11:30p and $10 thereafter. Check this awesome video about European band Eyes Manouche. I love their message of appreciation for Chicago’s cultural diversity.
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Brazilian music with Bossa Tres At Siboney Cuban Restaurant
Chicago’s World music DJ Mwelwa Musambacine is celebrating his birthday spinning pan african grooves atGlobe Sonico – Groove Lounge with Aguzate & Sound Culture Birthday Style! Mwelwa will be joined by resident DJ David Chavez fromwww.SoundCultureChicago.com.
Fareed Haque‘s Flat Earth Ensemble will be at The Green Mill incorporating the charismatic dance and folk music of his Punjabi roots in India and Pakistan with the traditions of American jazz and funk. More information about this band at Fareed Haque and the Flat Earth Ensemble
Ukranian folk dance at HOP CUP! FOLK ZABAVA w Janosiku!
Last but not least, for those of you who are fond of Latin pop music, Mexican pop star Luis Miguel is performing in Chicago tonight http://ow.ly/54KHN
You can also go to my facebook page at www.facebook.com/chicagourbanite for more detailed information of these events and artists. Click on the “like” page to receive automatic notifications. Thanks and have a Happy Friday!
Chicago Urbanite 
