¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival: A sizzling summer fiesta
Published: Jul 29, 2009
August 29 and 30 mark the 21st anniversary of the ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, one of the liveliest festivals of the summer season. Held along the lakefront in Grant Park, the festival features an exciting line-up of local and international Latin music talents, including several Grammy winners.
Sponsored by Best Buy and featuring two music stages, festival highlights include performances from Lila Downs, Aterciopelados and El Caobo. Saturday will see performances from Chicago Cuatro Orchestra School, Marcos Oliveira and Swing Brasileiro, as well as artisan demonstrations from the Old Town School of Folk Music and the National Museum of Mexican Fine Art.
A special memorial to Manny Oquendo, master percussionist and founder of critically acclaimed Latin band Conjunto Libre is also planned, with tribute performances by Andy Gonzalez, Jimmy Bosch, Frankie Vazquez and Herman Olivera.
Sunday highlight performances will include La India Canela and Banda Manzanera. All visitors are welcome to dance to the live music, or shop in the Mercado (marketplace) offering goods like fine and folk art. Kids will enjoy the ComEd Kid’s Zone, with a giant inflatable and an appearance by Chicago Fire Mascot, Sparky.
With so many Latin music genres covered, from salsa to mariachi, norteña to Spanish pop, the ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival proves a big draw year after year. It’s a wonderful collection of culture, art and music, and best of all, admission is free for every visitor. It’s a summer festival that really can’t be beat.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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