Tag: Chicago

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Look who I found….

….at the Andersonville Midsommarfest. This is an annual Summer festival located in the Andersonville neighborhood on Clark Street , between Foster and Catalpa, in which vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going. There is a significant number of Middle-Eastern businesses in this neighborhood, as well as a new influx of families with children, and a large lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender population. I came to the Festival to see the local Brazilian band  Chicago Samba perform. They gave a very entertaining show thanks to the dancers dressed in colorful and flashy outfits, but they paled in comparison to the outfit of this passer-by:

I took this picture during the performance of the 80s music band 16 Candles (who were a great discovery for me. Except for a few songs, their music selection and rendition was very engaging). Andersonville Midsommarfest is a definitely a good option to see great local bands perform and for seeing interesting outfits and beautiful men (who, unfortunately for me, happen to be gay. My friend said that she had never seen so many beautiful men in one place). By the way, this reminds me that I have to mark my calendar for the Chicago Gay Pride Parade on Sunday June 26 . I attended this parade a few years ago and had a great time. Let the fun begin: Summer in Chicago is just starting!

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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.

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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


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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:

Tantas Cosas

Dos Besos

No Me Queda Mas

Cada Dia

Alegria de las Ninas

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!

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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


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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

DJ Rekha

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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.

–

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!

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Tonight: Free concert of Argentinian Tango and Latin Music with Mauro Frosio

Mauro Frosio is a virtuoso pianist from Argentina that plays with famous local Spanish Rumba band Bandoleros. You may have seen him perform with them during the weekends at Pasha. Tonight, he will present the premier of his own show at RUMBA (351 W. Hubbard in Chicago) . It will be a night of Tango and Latin music. This is a free concert and it goes from  7 to  9 pm .Call 312.222.1442, if dining at Rumba or just walk in.

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TONIGHT: GYPSY, FLAMENCO, AND TANGO

Today is Friday May 13, and some people may be afraid to go out tonight. If you are not, and are actually looking for some options to spend your Friday evening, let me suggest the following shows:

Flamenco and Gypsy Jazz with Alfonso  Ponticelli and dancer Cristina Gutierrez at Katerina’s

1920 W Irving Park Rd Chicago

$10 cover

Ponticelli has played gypsy-jazz music for more than a decade, having traveled several times to the annual Django Reinardt Festival in France. He introduced gypsy-jazz to Chicago in the 1990s. A multi-intrumentalist, he won the 1994 U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship and plays both banjo and guitar with the Illinois Philarmonic Orchestra. He’s also a gypsy flamenco guitarist, and went  to Cordoba, Spain, to study with the great flamenco guitarist Rafael Riqueni. I saw this show last month and had a great time. I loved the energy of the place and the people working there, and  the connection between the performers and the audience. Here is a sample of what I saw that night:

__________________________

Las Guitarras de Espana presents an Intimate Evening of Flamenco Music at Uncommon Ground on Devon

1401 West Devon Avenue Chicago

Las Guitarras 2011

In its incarnation as a small ensemble, Las Guitarras de Espana features the gorgeous vocal melodies of composer Patricia Ortega, the Indian vocalist, Satya and the rhythmic footwork of flamenco dancer Wendy Clinard. The intensity and beauty on display at the front of the stage is anchored by Afro-Cuban percussion, the melancholy cello work of the Syrian artist, Kinan Abou-afach and the studied Spanish guitar of composer Carlo Basile. Las Guitarras de Espana will release its 5th CD, “Tantas Cosas” in 2011. 10pm, $15. Advance tickets only, purchase HERE  or call 773-465-9801 for reservations.

ARTango Gala Opening Night Party

4203 N Ravenswood Ave

ARTango Center is a studio that offers group and private tango classes and milongas. Tonight, the studio is proud to present a NEW TANGO HOME in Chicago, a place where you can enjoy tango as well as experience authentic Argentinean culture. With its interior designed and built by Argentineans, who put much effort into creating a vibrant modern space that, at the same time, would have an authentic feel of an Argentinean home, the NEW ARTango home is like a little Buenos Aires in Chicago where everyone can come and dance tango, and feel the heat of the passionate milonga nights.
ARTango wants you to fall in love with tango and become friends with the wonderful people of the ever growing tango-community in Chicago. The studio has FREE Parking and the Gala Opening Night Party is scheduled  from 10:00 pm until 5:00 am.Have you ever try Argentinian Asado (BBQ)? Here is your chance to try it because this party will have authentic Argentinian asado. This event is BYOB

Cost: $15 (asado included in the price)

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East meets West in Tony Talwar’s music

Tony Talwar is one of my recent discoveries in the local world music and dance scene in Chicago. I found his music very pleasant to listen to, so I decided to share it with you. Tony is a local cross-cultural DJ that likes to mix electronic dance music with classical Indian instruments such as sitar, sarangi, waja, tumbi, dhol and tabla. Vocals come from a variety of musical styles, including Qawwali, Bhangra, Bollywood and Raag. You can hear a sample of his music in the following link:http://ow.ly/4TZRL. The name of this song is Tabla Raaga Project and comes from his latest CD titled Bhangra Communication.  If you would like to hear more of his music or buy music for this CD, you can do it here.

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