The Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble
Chicago has a lot of cool places to see live music but, without a doubt, one of the coolest is Millenium Park, which is right downtown. I meant RIGHT downtown, with the buildings rising all around you, except for the part that points toward the lake, of course. You can sit on the lawn and above you is a metal laticework that has speakers, so you can see the stars and the buildings and still hear the music. Then there is the pavillion, colored red, each with a great view of the stage. Meanwhile, the stage itself is a Frank Gehry designed masterpiece of non-linear design.
For a while, it seemed only classical music was being played there. Then it was a few pop acts, which was very cool. They now have an impressive lineup of jazz musicians as well and one coming up at th eend of the this week is the Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble put together by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.
From the website linked above, put together by the Jazz Institute, the concert details are:
“Caribbean music and jazz have had close connections from the beginning of the last century. Composers and soloists from Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington to Chick Corea have been inspired by Juan Tizol, Chano Pozo and Mongo Santamaria. Gillespie widened the scope in the 90s with his United Nations Orchestra and in Chicago, the Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble (CALJE) continues the multinational quest by incorporating Afro-Cuban Jazz, Brazilian Jazz, Flamenco, Central American and Peruvian folkloric rhythms into their compositions while staying true to Latin Jazz traditions. Founded by Mexican born trumpeter/composer, Victor Garcia and Nicaraguan born pianist/composer, Darwin Alejandro Noguera tonight’s concert features Chicago’s finest Latin jazz performers, with guests Steve Turre (trombone, shells); Paoli Mejias (percussion); Howard Levy (piano/harmonica) and Brian Lynch (trumpet).
Date
Thursday, July 31, 2008 – 6:30pm
Tickets: This is a Free event.
Venue: Millenium Park
Michigan & Washington
Chicago, IL”
Yes, folks, it’s another free event in this great town. You kinda have to like all of the free concerts and events this city puts on. So, if you happen to be in Chicago this Thursday, you may want to stop by and check this one out. They are saying the weather will be perfect.
2 Comments
Hey Bryan, thanks for pointing this one out. I’ve never heard the group before, but I’d love to know more. Do they have a recording? It’s great to see institutions focused upon Latin Jazz popping up around the country – I’d love to support them with a post on The Latin Jazz Corner. Any info you have would be great!
I heard them on Chicago Public Radio’s 848 back in November 2006. Rich robust sound and gorgeous music. Very talented musicians. I wish they’d record an album. I’d buy it!