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Special Events
Palabra Pura Reading Series
Be inspired by stunning verbal imagery and bold performances at Palabra Pura. This monthly bilingual poetry reading by Chicano and Latino poets is held at various venues around the city. Upcoming performers include Naomi Ayala, Diana Pando, Emanuel Xavier, and Irasema González.
Esperanza Rising presented by Chicago Children's Theatre
The kids will appreciate more about the Mexican experience after they see Esperanza Rising. This story of a wealthy young Mexican girl’s triumph over unexpected adversity is presented by Chicago Children’s Theatre as part of the Goodman Theatre Latino Theatre Festival.
20th Annual ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
The 20th Annual ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival (August 23–24) offers a wide range of Latin music and culture. Among the many performances, be sure to catch Yamil El Orgullo de Mexico (Puebla, Mexico) & Mariachi Gamil with Danza Folklórica Mexicana Liceniatura presenting the dance and music of several Mexican states, from the Aztec era to today. A thoroughly contemporary low-rider show featuring customized classic cars accompanied by the sounds of Malo is another must-see.
Dance and Music Events
Weekly and bi-weekly dance and music events occur throughout the summer.
Celebrating Mexican, Mexican-American, and other Latin cultures, the Old Town School of Folk Music’s Wednesday Night Concert Series: La Peña presents family friendly music and dance performances.
Every second Thursday, Live Latin Rock presented by Latin Street Dancing features some of the best groups from Chicago and around the world, with a DJ spinning between sets. Arrive by 8:30 pm for the salsa lesson on the second floor, and you’ll be doing the cumbia and cha-cha into the wee hours.
Or, for another side of Latin life, head over to the El Gato Negro Bar for its lively variety show, the Sunday night Latin Drag Show.
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Key Information
Palabra Pura
Naomi Ayala and Diana Pando
Wednesday, June 18,
opens 8 pm, reading 8:30 pm
California Clipper
1002 N. California Avenue
21+ w/ID
Emanuel Xavier and Irasema González
Tuesday, July 15,
opens 8 pm, reading 8:30 pm
Center on Halsted
3656 N. Halsted Street
Esperanza Rising
adapted by Lynne Alvarez and directed by Henry Godinez
Saturday, July 12–Sunday, August 10
Times vary
Goodman Theatre in the Owen
170 N. Dearborn Street
312.443.3800
Ages 8+
$ varies
Goodman Theatre
Latino Theatre Festival
Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 24
Locations vary
312.443.3800
www.goodmantheatre.org
$ vary
Wednesday Night Concert Series: La Peña
Wednesdays, August 27 – October 22, 8:30–10:30 pm
Old Town School of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Avenue
773.728.6000
www.oldtownschool.org
20th Annual ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival
Yamil El Orgullo de Mexico (Puebla, Mexico) & Mariachi Gamil with Danza Folklórica Mexicana Liceniatura Low-rider Show with Malo
Saturday, August 23 – Sunday, August 24 subject to change,
Saturday 10:30 am –
9:30 pm (Sunday 8 pm)
Grant Park, Jackson Boulevard at Columbus Drive
312.744.3315
www.vivachicago.us
Live Latin Rock presented by Latin Street Dancing
2nd Thursdays [each month] 10 pm
The Dome Room at Excalibur
632 N. Dearborn Street
312.427.2572
21+ w/ID
$ vary (includes access to 2nd floor dance lesson and dancing)
El Gato Negro Bar
Latin Drag Show
Sundays, Midnight–2 am; and Live music: Jazz Thursdays 10 pm– 2 am Latin combo Fridays and Sundays 10 pm–2 am (Saturdays 3 am)
1461 W. Irving Park Road
773.472.9353
on-site parking lot
(1 drink minimum)
