Today at 12:15 enjoy the magic voice of Shirley Johnson – an outstanding vocalist who finds herself in the vanguard of a remarkable revival of the Chicago female blues singer. FREE http://ow.ly/4QpFo
Today: Afro-Haitian Dance Class
AFRO_HAITIAN DANCE CLASS TODAY AT VISCERAL DANCE CENTER
2820 N ELSTON CHICAGO. $12/CLASS http://ow.ly/4RlHr
Tonight: Bosnian music with Amel Curic
Have you ever listened to Bosnian music? Tonight you have the chance to hear a sample of it from one of the most talented voices that this country has. Introducing Amel Curic, a charismatic and very talented Bosnian singer that is currently touring the United States. I met Amel last Tuesday at Barra Enye, where his impromptu rendering of the Gypsy Kings song “Un Amor” left me with my jaw dropping. This guy can sing with such power and passion that leaves you speechless.Amel Ćurić was eight years old when his love towards music started to show. He attended an elementary school for musicians and performed as a bass player and back vocals for several local bands. His first singing experience happened in 2000 when he performed as a lead vocal for the first time in two popular rock&roll bands from Tuzla, playing with famous guitar player Emir Hot. The first TV reality show Supernova Music Talents (Bosnian Idol) in Bosnia and Herzegovina starts in the year 2003, where out of 8.000 candidates he comes out as a winner and becomes very popular in his country. His professional singing career began soon after. He appears in numerous festivals in Bosnia (BH Radio festival, Music festival in Bihac, Mostar etc) and Montenegro (Festival of Budva). In 2005, with his single “Osmijeh Skriveni”, he becomes the absolute winner of the festival of Bihac. During that same year, he gets the relevant Radio M award for Hit of the year. This is an award given by the executives of the Bosnian radio stations. The following year, his first album called ” Urnebes” hits the stores. This album leads him to another very prestigious award, chosen by the best authors and composers from Bosnia, called “Davorin”, for Best debut album. He also got the award of Hit of the year in the pop-rock music category with his song “Stara ljubav” on Bosnian Music Oscar awards.
Amel is currently touring the United States and is performing in Chicago tonight May 6, tomorrow May 7 and also on May 13 and 14 at Belami Cafe (5530 N. Lincoln Ave). He will be singing Bosnian songs and songs from the rest of the Balkan region (Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia). In his shows, he also sings some famous covers in English. Show runs from 10pm to 2am. Cover is $10 and includes one drink of your choice. Here are some professional videos of Amel’s own material and some cover songs that he performs:
This video shows Amel’s guest appearance in the famous Bosnian TV reality show called Big Brother. He is singing a traditional song
And here is a video of Amel singing a cover of David Coverdale’s Sailing Ships song
DEAL OF THE WEEK: Unlimited Bhangra workout with Bollywood Groove for $35!
Attention dance lovers: Would you like to try a vibrant dance that has infectious music, colorful costumes a lots of fun moves? Then you should take some Bollywood or Bhangra dance lessons.
Bollywood dances emerged from India’s Hollywood equivalent movie industry. From folk and Indian classical to belly dance and hip hop, Bollywood captures it all. Bhangra is a folk dance from northern part of the country known for its energetic moves and is done to the rhythmic beats of Dhol.
June marks the completion of 1 year of Chicago-based studio Bollywood Groove owned by Ajanta Chakrabortyis. Ajanta has a Senior Diploma in classical Indian dance of BharatNatyam from Prayag Sangeet Samiti and has extensive dance performance experience, beginning at age 5 and continuing till date. To celebrate the studio’s 1st year anniversary,
Bollywood Grove is offering an amazing deal. For the entire month of June, take Unlimited classes for only $35! This deal is valid for everyone including current and new participants. Please note: This deal is only valid for the first 50 people who sign up. Click here to sign up now.
And here is a video of Ajanta explaining the origin of Bhangra dance as well as a mini-lesson.
Today: Fiesta Cultural and Femi Kuti
Fiesta Cultural
Today you have the chance to attend a cultural festival whose mission is to celebrate cultural and artistic diversity while raising much-needed funds for Inter-American Magnet School. Fiesta Cultural is a bilingual, family-friendly event that showcases Latin America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage with live music and dance performances, a savory food fair, children’s art displays, artisan bazaar and children’s art activities. The line-up for this year’s event includes performances from the Chicago Children’s Choir, Aztec Dance with Ms. Bravo, IAMS International Folkloric Dance Group, Old Town School Brazilian Ensemble, Nica Dance Group, Ngoma Alegre, Jarochicanos, Los Vicios de Papá, and Soul & Duende. The event will take place at Inter-American Magnet School (851 W. Waveland Ave) from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children. Family tickets for two adults and their children will be available for $25. Free parking is available at the Addison/Halsted public lot and at the Lakeview Lutheran Church lot at 835 West Addison.
Femi Kuti & the Positive Force
Later tonight, don’t miss the chance to see a legend of Afrobeat, internationally beloved recording artist and son of famous Nigerian musician, composer, and pioneer of Afrobeat music Fela Kuti. Femi never felt just satisfied with being the Afrobeat King’s heir. He freed himself from his father’s legacy in 1985 by putting together his own band, The Positive Force, and thereby working to find his own voice. His new album, “Africa For Africa” goes back to the roots of his music, and was recorded at Decca Studio, the premier studio in Afrobeat’s history. He will tour North America this spring in support of the album. More than just a simple musician, the 48-year old composer has become a true African Ambassador, in its most honorable sense. Femi was in Johannesburg to sing for Africa during the opening ceremony for the Football World Cup. There he sang one of his hits “Beng Beng Beng,” and took the opportunity to meet a few of the anti-Apartheid heroes. Here is a video clip of this song:
WBEZ91.5, in conjunction with Sound Culture Chicago are bringing Femi Kuti to Chicago for a show tonight at Chicago Metro (3730 N. Clark St. Chicago-two blocks North of Wrigley Field). Tickets cost $25. Doors open at 8PM and show starts at 9PM. You can buy your tickets here
Today is World Dance Day!
Since 1982, UNESCO has designated today, April 29, as International Dance Day (World Dance Day). This day was created to increase awareness of the importance of dance among the general public, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education. Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO declares that “Dance, being a central part of every culture, constitutes the ideal means for bringing together people from different countries….For vividly illustrating cultural diversity, for embodying rapprochement, there is no better means than dance”. I cannot agree with her more.
Dance has the power to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together. I see it every time I dance. My current Tango class, for example, has students from different countries and ages. Despite all of our apparent differences, we all have something in common: our love for dancing. To me, dancing is a way to express myself and to connect with others through music. It allows me to communicate beyond spoken languages. One word that describes the way I feel when I dance is JOY. I have also seen that joy in others, and many times I have felt compelled to learn from them. So, today, I would like to thank those who inspire me to keep dancing: Wendy Clinard , Edo Sie and Azucena Vega for Flamenco; Jenny Avellaneda, Pierr Padilla, Ruben Pachas, and Jessica Loyaga for Peruvian Folk Dance; Ariel Yanovsky, Shafqat Manzur, and Maria ArTango for Tango, and all the other impromptu teachers that I have encountered throughout my life. I also want to acknowledge my dear friend and fellow dancer Hector Bustamante for sharing his love and commitment to dancing with me and for encouraging me to keep improving my dance skills.
Tonight, I am planning on spending the night away dancing some Bhangra. I hope you can also feel the beauty and joy of dancing tonight. And remember:
Bossa Nova for Lunch and Bhangra-Celtic Fusion for Dinner
Friday is here and I have a couple of options for you to start your weekend on a high note. Here they are:
BOSSA NOVA with BOSSA TRES
If you happen to be in the Loop today at around noon, then get some summer hotness during your lunch break with Brazilian Bossa Nova trio BOSSA TRES at the MUSIC WITHOUT BORDERS series at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Randolph Cafe). The members are talented Brazilian musicians Luciano Antonio, Dill Costa & Marcos Oliveira. They have created a wonderful new groove that has influences from Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Morais, Jorge Ben Jor, Chico Buarque, Djavan, Ivan Lins, Elis Regina, Guinga, Joao Bosco, Joao Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and Zeca Pagodinh. The event is free and starts at 12:15pm. You can hear a sample of their fabulous music here
BHANGRA CELTIC with DELHI2DUBLIN
The people at Bhangratheque are bringing Vancouver’s hottest bhangra celtic band ‘DEHLI 2DUBLIN’. This is a group of musicians who mash up electronica and world music, keeping it heavy on the bhangra, celtic and dub flavours. Fusing tabla, fiddle, dhol, punjabi vocals, and electric sitar with scorching electronic beats, the crew takes listeners on a wild ride through global sounds and synchronicities. The band is peforming live tonight at DARKROOM (2210 W Chicago Ave) in the Ukranian Village neighborhood. Along with them, DJ Jimmy Singh and DJ Krush will be on the turntable and dancer Ajanta will be offering a Bhangra dance lesson. Show starts at 9pm. $15 limited advance tickets available here
Tonight: Radio M Celebrates 5 Years of World Music
If you are a Chicago Public Radio listener, you must have heard of Radio M, the World Music radio show hosted by Tony Sarabia every Friday night at 9pm. The show has been exploring world cultures and people through music for 5 years, and as a way to thank all the fans, a celebration party will be held at Martyrs (3855 N Lincoln Ave Chicago) tonight from 6 to 8:30pm. Tony will spin his favorite tunes and special guests and friends Mas Trueno will close out the evening with live music. Get there early for free food and drink specials and giveaway prizes. Meet Tony and support world music in Chicago! Admission is $5
This weekend is all about Latin America and good intentions
The weekend is approaching and is dominated by great options for excellent live Latin American music and for good intentions. Here is my itinerary for your weekend:
FRIDAY
Los Guitarristas – Free Lunchtime Concert
If you work downtown, plan on coming tomorrow by the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington) at your lunch hour for a free concert with Los Guitarristas! This is a quartet of guitarists formed by maestro Alfonso Chacon who wish to bring the traditionaof Latin American guitar esembles to a new generation in Chicago. A teacher as well as performer, Mr. Chacón enjoyed a long career in music in South America, performing with some of the greatest artists of the 20th Century, including Lucho Gatica, Chabuca Granda, Cholo Aguirre, Raúl Shaw and el Dúo Rey-Silva. Los Guitarristas is more than a concert group, it is an organization dedicated to teaching these styles and all guitarists are welcome to study with Alfonso. The show runs from 12 to 1pm and is part of the Friday Music Without Borders series.
Earth Wine & Fire Festival
In honor of tomorrow’s Earth Day, the Collective Consciousness Movement and Earth, Wine & Fire are hosting an Earth Day Benefit Festival to benefit The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (one of my favorite places in Chicago because of its beautiful Butterfly Haven). This is a family-friendly festival that intends to enlighten consciousness through music, food, wine and green conversation. Headlining the night is The Collective Consciousness Movement (CCM), a group that uses music and performance to bring awareness of reality, individuality, and spirituality. The group breaks the mold of musical genres by letting their concept drive their musical direction and distinct style. Entertainment will also include fire breathers, fire spinners and dancers, belly dancers, live musicians, capoeira dancing, massage therapists, live painters, photography galleries, wellness and meditation therapists, readers, Reiki practitioners and vendors. For $25 an attendee will receive appetizers, dinner, drinks, full access to museum, music and lots of entertainment. Children 12 and under are free.
Location: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.Chicago) 6:30pm-11:00pm
Pre-Sale – $25 www.earthwineandfire.com Door – $35
Globe Sonico at D’Noche
If after going to the Earth Wine and Fire Festival you feel like you still want to groove the night out, then head to D’Noche in the Logan Square neighborhood (2710 N. Milwaukee). Agúzate and Sound Culture present a new DJ night with the best in global beats and international grooves.
D’Noche is an intimate lounge that serves up fantastic cocktails and pan american cuisine with a late night menu. No Cover.
Gozamos 1 Year Anniv. Party w/ ZZK + Sonorama
ZZK (Chancha via Circuito & El G) with SONORAMA will perform tomorrow as part April 22 as part of the Gozamos 1-Year Anniversary celebration.ZZK is a record company from Buenos Aires, Argentina dedicated to the experimentation withdifferent latin rhythms like cumbia, reggaeton and folklore sounds from the Andes. ZZK is born out of a Buenos Aires club called Zizek, where genres clash and cross over, making you dance, while still providing fresh and innovative sounds rarely heard before.
Location: 8fifty8, 858 W. Lake. 9pm- 2am
$5 in advance with code “gozamos” and $15 at the door.
Ticket link: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/157764
SATURDAY
Unieros Fundraiser event for Japan
The people from Unieros is asking for your help to make 1,000 origami cranes to symbolize their wish for Japan’s recovery after the devastating earthquake and tsunami.They are asking for Ladies to wear shades of pink or red; and for men to wear green to symbolize colors of hope that comes from sakura – the blooming of Japanese cherry blossoms in Spring.You will also get a mini Japanese language lesson with Kazumi.
Location: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite C, Chicago. 7pm-11pm
Admission: $5 or more donation at door. They will have computers so you can make your donation online to the American Red Cross.
100% of proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.Light refreshments served. BYOB.RSVP: Emailevents@unieros.com
SUNDAY
Traditional Peruvian Music with JORGE PARDO
Finish the weekend by joining me in this wonderful cultural event of Traditional Peruvian Music that I am organizing. The star of this event is Jorge Pardo, a young Peruvian singer who won the 2005 Viña del Mar International Song Festival and was nominated to the Latin Grammy Awards. Jorge is on a U.S. Tour promoting his latest CD titled MUSICA TRADICIONAL PERUANA, a tribute to Arturo Zambo Cavero & Oscar Aviles. Cavero and Aviles are two of the most emblematic and beloved figures of the Peruvian criolla music genre, and Jorge has collected their most popular songs in this CD, giving a fresh sound to these songs without diverting from the classic style to sing criolla music. The show will also have the participation of Peruvian Folk Dance Center (performing Afro-Peruvian rhythms), Dayan Aldan(next generation musica criolla singer) and best guitarists from Peru Ales Vela (from Elenco Nacional del Folclore) and Yuri Juarez (from Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet and elected 2009 Latin Jazz Guitarist of the Year by Latin Jazz Corner).
Location: Rios D’Sudamerica, the finest Peruvian restaurant in the Midwest, located in the Bucktown neighborhood (2010 W Armitage Chicago) Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 7:30pm.
Admission: $15 donation
Tickets will be available at the door but is highly recommended to buy them in advance.
Those who buy tickets online will be automatically entered to a raffle to win two tickets for NOVALIMA concert in Chicago on July 12 (must be present to win prize).
Visit https://chicagourbanite.wordpress.com/featured-concert-traditional-peruvian-music-with-jorge-pardo/ to get your tickets online
Tonight, Bossa 3 at Webster Wine Bar
Heads up people! Tonight, Bossa 3 (Dill Costa, Ed Gerber & Marcos Oliveira)
is playing Brazilian music at Webster Wine Bar(1480 W. Webster Chicago) from 9 to 11:30pm.
Chicago Urbanite 