The Chicago White Sox celebrate Cinco de Mayo…on Thursday

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Evan Moore

Thursday night the Chicago White Sox, a team known for its outrageous promotions (singles’ night and mullet night) had a Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Cinco de Mayo celebration took place at U.S. Cellular Field.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.

Each one of the team’s employees’ was wearing sombreros. Before the game, there were several musical acts such as Mariachi Zapopan, Quebradita Dancers, and Joe Rendon Salsa Con Soul.

Carlos Tortolero, the president of the National Museum of Mexican Art threw out the first pitch.

The on field performance was given by Mariachi Zapopan who were accompanied by traditional folkloric Dancers. A folkloric dance ensemble was performed.

Here are some of the sites from the event:

Pre-game warm ups

White Sox Manager Robin Ventura

Right fielder Alex Rios

First baseman Paul Konerko

Mariachi Zapopan

Quebradita Dancers

Grab a sombrero!

Mariachi Zapopan accompanied by traditional folkloric Dancers

Orale!!

I guess people are still tailgating

showing sox fans how its done

Jumbotron

Oh yeah about the game! The game started out with a 19-minute rain delay despite the fact that it had not rained at that point. An estimated crowd of 17,314(that’s less than half, look at the pics) was on hand to watch the White Sox lose to the Cleveland Indians 7-5.

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Chicago Weekend Events (April 27, 28, 29)

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Sandra Treviño

Here’s a small selection of events you might want to check out this weekend in Chicago. We know there’s plenty more so let us know. We love adventures! What will you be doing? Tell us in your comments!

Friday, April 27

LUZBEL at MultiKulti

Mexico City heavy metal band, Luzbel, performs at MultiKulti located at 1000 N. Milwaukee. If you’ve never been to MultiKulti, you should! It’s a great environment if you’re looking for artistic inspiration, positive energy and great music of all kinds. This event, hosted by Rockotitlan Chicago, features metal (black death metal) and punk with performances by Conciencia Total, Sh*thammer and Luciferum. Doors open at 8PM.

LOS VICIOS DE PAPA, NAHUALES UNDERGROUND at Bar 10 Doors

Chicago bands take the stage at Bar 10 Doors in the Little Italy/UIC neighborhood while DJ Resistol plays the best in lat/alt/rock tunes between sets. Fridays turn out great crowds so make sure to get there early especially with these two show stoppers. Both bands are excellent at what they do, especially those ska horns in Los Vicios de Papa… pure delight!!! Plus, the taking off of pants to jump around in underwear, hardcore hip hop style, is highly encouraged by Nahuales Underground. Sassy! The venue is located at 1259 W. Taylor Street and the show gets started at 10PM.

GRUPO CUMBE at Old Town School of Folk Music

Szold Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music hosts the Global Dance Party featuring a performance by Chicago Colombian cumbia band Grupo Cumbe. There’s a dance class that starts off the show so make sure to get there by 8:30PM. Cover is $10.

BODY2BODY at Zhou B Cafe

Timeless tracks from many of the artists and labels that moved more than one generation (Wax Trax, Mute, Netwerk, Front 242, Erasure, Skinny Puppy, etc) will be honored tonight by DJs Victor Lua, Oskar Alkantar, Carlos Feliciano and Victor Salazar with special guests Rafaleux and Rigoboto. This debut event takes place in Bridgeport at Zhou B Cafe located at 1029 W. 35th Street. No cover at this one and the party gets started at 9PM.

Saturday, April 28th

URBAN INDIGENOUS – A COMEDIC REVOLUTION

This is a one-woman comedy, written and performed by Josie Dykas. The one night only fundraising performance takes place at American Indian Center of Chicago located at 1630 W. Wilson Ave and 50% of all proceeds help the AIC. Doors open at 7:30PM and it’s only $10 to see this amazing funny lady. Plus, it’s for a great organization.

PATAFUNK and NUESTRO TAMBO at Taxim

In celebration of Soulphonetics‘ Dance Syndrome night, they’ve invited Venezuelan DJ/Producer Patafunk all the way from New York. He’ll be joined by bomba y plena group, Nuestro Tambo and the groovy sounds of DJ collective Soulphonetics who have the magical ability to make everyone shake their booty. Let’s dance! Taxim is in the Wicker Park neighborhood at 1558 N. Milwaukee and things get hot, hot, hot at 9PM.

SONORAMA at Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar

If you’re a craft beer lover than this is the place to go. With over 300 selections, Maria’s is one of this writer’s bar of choice for more than just its heavenly drink choices but also because of the ambience that the handsome (((SONORAMA))) gentlemen bring to it. With an exciting and eccentric selection of vintage Latin tunes, you’re sure to fall in love as well. Their Discoteca Tropical residency takes place the last weekend of each month. Maria’s is located at 960 W. 31st Street in Bridgeport.

Sunday, April 29th

LOCOS POR JUANA at Reggie’s

The Grammy-nominated Miami band, Locos Por Juana, visits Chicago this weekend! They perform Sunday evening at Reggie’s on State Street. They’ll be joined by Sound Culture and (((SONORAMA))). This is one band you don’t want to miss as they’ll be sharing new music from their Somos De La Calle album. Reggie’s is located at 2105 S. State Street near Cermak. The band goes on at 9PM.

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Record Store Saturday in Chicago

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Sandra Treviño

Music lovers have been celebrating all week in anticipation of today, April 21st, also known as Record Store Day. This is the day marked for independently owned record stores to come together with artists and celebrate the art of music. (But hey, if you can do this every day, which some of us do, then by all means go forth and celebrate!) It’s especially great when you live in a city like Chicago, where related activities abound.

Below are a few options we’ve put together for today’s festivities, all with a sassy Latino twist. Let us know where you’re headed!

FAVORITE RECORDS ftg. (((SONORAMA))), BRYAN MARTIN, SONIDO TRITON

The record shop located at 1535 W. Division will feature 100% vinyl rhythms from Jamaica, Latin America and the Caribbean with invited DJs (((SONORAMA))), Bryan Martin and Sonido Triton. There will also be a poster and record show display (with some cool items for sale) by Chema Skandal. 6PM, FREE.

CONGRESS THEATER ftg. BELANOVA, PERFECT KISS, TRANCID and more…

Mexican pop band Belanova, known for their candy-coated synth sounds, performs at the Congress Theater located at 2135 N. Milwaukee. The concert includes popular Chicago electro/dance/rock band, Perfect Kiss. You can also catch DJs Trancid, Enrique Tobias, Rude Gentleman and Verde Paris warming up the show in the lobby. 8PM, $30-$50.

JAPANESE CULTURE CENTER – RECYCLED & INTERACTIVE ART SHOW

Julieta Alvarez, of soaringbird studios, has curated the evening’s art exhibit, which is their second installation at the Center in the Lakeview neighborhood located at 1016 W. Belmont. The exhibit features work by artists Jose Calvo, Larry Auld, Jacinto Ariza, Dan Rangel, Tim Peters, Jarett Rudar and Julieta Alvarez. The evening’s featured artists are Karina Calvo, Noemi Gonzalez and Marissa Macias. 6PM. Free. All ages.

Have fun today!

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Review: Vetusta Morla at Chicago’s Instituto Cervantes

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Sandra Treviño

It is one of the most beautiful nights Chicago has ever seen and those of us gathered at Instituto Cervantes have just been told by the music hall’s master of ceremonies, that we are about to embark on a very “emotional experience.” Pause. Say what? The audience responds with giggles and soon everyone is wearing bright smiles as it is quickly proven that the MC was right. Spain’s Vetusta Morla performed in stellar fashion, full on rock mode from the very first song, surprising and immediately engaging those who were expecting an acoustic performance. It seemed the band was still reeling from weekend performances at Austin’s South by S outhwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW).

The six band members of Vetusta Morla, who are currently on tour and heading to Mexico for a performance at the acclaimed Vive Latino music festival, had us entranced as soon as they set foot on stage. Curiously, the drummer and his kit were situated behind a large see-through sound structure while a second smaller drum/percussion set, together with a second keyboard and several electronic devices, was to his right. It was a small space for so many musicians and instruments, but it didn’t matter one bit as the band declared they were there to rock Chicago. They performed over 12 songs, re-exploring singles from most of their albums including Un Dia En El Mundo and their most recent release, Mapas.

Video: Vetusta Morla – Lo Que Te Hace Grande

It’s endearing to watch Vetusta Morla create their alternative rock, pop, fairy tale sounds before us. They are keen on details, eager to quench our high expectations. You can feel how important it was that the rhythm guitarist was on bent knee during the song Baldosas Amarillas, creating mini-passages of sound with the continuous twist of guitar pedals. The song’s romantic lyrical poetry alone induces sighs of disbelief. It was like imagining the sound track to a sound track.

The band also provoked dancing in the aisles as soon as Copenhague was uttered, eluding to the song’s idea of letting go. They were eager to play their best and proved this time and again, for example, during El Hombre Del Saco when three of them improvised the opening drum sounds by tapping together large wooden sticks in effortless rhythm. They played into the most perfect of endings ever seen at Instituto Cervantes.

Vetusta Morla continues its tour with several dates in Mexico, returning to perform in Los Angeles in early April, then heading home to Spain for several headlining performances. Their album Mapas is available on iTunes as well as the band’s website. As an added bonus, Mapas includes a postcard for each of their songs. Perfection!

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Canteca de Macao close out another successful Flamenco Festival

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Christina Rodriguez

After a great month-long Flamenco Festival, Canteca de Macao closed it out with a bang for the second time ever. Dancing, singing and world music brought the Double Door alive in a performance brought to you by RatioNation.com in collaboration with Arte y Vida Chicago and the Instituto Cervantes.

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: Photo by Amor Montes de Oca

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Amor Montes de Oca

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Amor Montes de Oca

: Photo by Angelica Robles

: Photo by Angelica Robles

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Canteca de Macao shake up the Double Door

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Deysi Cuevas

Last night, Canteca de Macao made their highly anticipated appearance at the Double Door. I researched the band a few days before in order to get a better idea of what their music was about. I liked their mix of multiple styles and rhythms and could see myself getting into their music but I’ll admit, it didn’t have much of an impact on me. Last night’s concert, however, left me wondering who these guys (and girl) were and why I had never heard of them. Like with any other band, Canteca de Macao is something that must be experienced live. Their onstage energy is contagious and their elaborate wardrobe and eclectic fusion of ska, reggae and flamenco was enough to make even the most timid dancers move their feet.

Canteca de Macao, whose name is a result of switching the two letters in “manteca de cacao,” is comprised of: Alvaro Melgar (2nd Guitar), Ana Saboya (Lead voice), Guillermo Martinez (Drums), Isidoro Lora Tamayo (guitar & voice), Javier Rodriguez de Zuloaga (Jugglings), Juan Tomas Martinez (Percussion), Rodrigo Díaz (Percussion), Manuel Sanz Martinez (bajo) and Enrique Rodriguez Paredes (trompeta).

Be sure to look out for next week’s issue of Extra Newspaper for a longer review of the show and my interview with Anita. If you missed it, here’s a video from Monday night’s show. Enjoy!

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A Palo Seco: Rebeca Tomás leaves the audience spellbound

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Deysi Cuevas

Yesterday was International Women’s Day so it seemed appropriate for the Flamenco Festival and Instituto Cervantes to host an event that showcased some of the talented women in the flamenco scene for this performance titled A Palo Seco: “Rasgos Flamencos.” A Palo Seco refers to a category of flamenco; a festive and improvisational style in which people sing and dance spontaneously. The event featured talented musicians and dancers including: Alí Bello (violin), David M. Castellano (voice), Pedro Cortés (guitar & Musical Director), Oscar Valero (percussion & voice), Sol “La Argentinita” (dance), Marina Elana Scannell (dance) and Rebeca Tomás (dance, choreography, artistic direction).

Usually, during performances like these, I like to take notes (not an easy thing to do in a darkened auditorium) and look at the crowd’s reaction. This time, I found myself transfixed on the performers, their movements and improvisational style. I realize now why the venue does not allow photography during the performances. Perhaps it is because the flash disrupts the artists. I think it is because these performances are not meant to be seen through camera lenses, they are meant to be experienced along with those on stage.

If you have still not been to an event, don’t fret, you still have time to attend. Tonight’s performance at Instituto Cervantes features musical director, composer and interpreter Caroline Planté and tickets for the highly anticipated Canteca de Macao (Monday, March 12. Double Door) are still available but quickly selling out. For more information on tickets and dates, visit arteyvidachicago.com or www.chicago.cervantes.es

Look for next week’s issue of Extra newspaper for a longer review of the event as well as interviews with some of the performers.

Sol "La Argentinita" (left) and Marina Elana Scannell.

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Lila gets Down

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Abel Arciniega

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Lila Downs gets down++Lila Downs performs to a full house at the Congress Theater.

Sones de México opened up the night playing to a very diverse crowd gathered to see Lila Downs at the Congress Theater on March 3. Paintings from local artists hung on the walls of the venue. People of all ages, from elders to young children, were present to see the colorful Downs perform to a full house. She sang some old classics while performing songs from her new CD “Pecados y Milagros.”

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Outernational rocks Chicago

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Sandra Treviño

New York rock band Outernational, created quite the frenzy with a stellar performance at MultiKulti, a Chicago multicultural community center located near the Bucktown neighborhood. Gathered in an atmosphere dedicated to the arts and social activism and surrounded by colorful pieces created by Jasso, one of the city’s most sought after artists, the five-piece multi-instrumentalists enthusiastically began and ended a rebellious musical salute to all things rock and roll. Casting a wide net across multiple genres of music, the band performs with a contagious joie de vivre, showcasing a nearly flawless execution of their quirky collection of instruments which includes a harmonium. Outernational successfully shared the excitement they feel for music, for self-expression, for life.

The band performed in Chicago in celebration of their newest release, Todos Somos Ilegales, a “name your price” 18 track album. Their current single by the same name features Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman, Street Sweeper Social Club), Calle 13 and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Other artists contributing to the record include Ceci Bastida and Bob Avakian. The band’s impetuous nature has resulted in a continuous stream of positive feedback from the music industry as well as support from fellow musicians, like Tom Morello who has taken a special interest in them including that of producer.

Outernational is formed by Miles Solay, Leo Mintek, Jesse Williams and Dr. Blum. They are currently on tour and will be heading to Austin, TX for a confirmed second performance at a musician’s festival of festivals, SXSW. They have been featured in The New Yorker, LA Times, MTV, BBC Radio and The Village Voice, among others.

Their Chicago concert at MultiKulti highlighted the band’s stance on the nation’s current state of events, boldly defying anything and anyone that stands in the way of freedom. They induced the audience to move, to shout, to pump a fist in the air as the front man’s bilingual lyrics, suggested to you with sexy and in-your-face moves, took us back and forth on a musical journey reliving images of Mick Jagger, The Clash and even The Pogues. It was a tremendous feat, gratefully received by a variety of Chicago music enthusiasts who now eagerly await the band’s next visit.

Outernational’s showcase was presented by Rockotitlan Chicago, multicultural event producers. Photography by Alonzo Alcaraz. Outernational’s ‘Todos Somos Ilegales is available for purchase at Band Camp.

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Los Amigos Invisibles pack the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Abel Arciniega

Los Amigos Invisibles are taking out this year with a bang. Celebrating the end of the world as we know it, the band brought out the party in people and Latinos from all around the city. Jumping, singing and dancing, the packed house and intimate setting made for a great Thursday night.

Sound quality aside, the band brought out its best and most popular songs like Mentiras, Vivire Para Ti, La Vecina and Cuchi Cuchi. We were lucky enough to capture the night through still photos by Abel Arciniega that you can find below.

Did you attend the event? What did you think?

-Christina E. Rodriguez

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