Long Beach Jazz Search Competition named Long John Oliva “Latin Jazz Artist of the Year” and the AC (Afro-Cuban) Project “Latin Jazz Artists of the Year” (2003, 2004). Lucumi 20th Anniversary Collector’s Box Set” is in the works. Set to be released in 2023 (date to be announced), “Lucumi” will expose Long John Oliva’s music to a new generation of listeners and hopefully, lead to a renewed interest and appreciation of Oliva’s body of work.

WBEZ is the Chicago region's premier public media service. Our award-winning team covers local news and specializes in project-based reporting on issues ranging from education to criminal justice, from politics to the arts. 

Dan Pokorni is a Chicago-based guitarist, songwriter, producer, and music educator recognized for his acoustic guitar releases and as the creative force behind the rock band Men Who Listen.  Dan's current musical venture, the Dan P Project, creates music in styles varying from rock and pop to New Age music.

Ramah D Jihan Malebranche, who is the only permanent member and principal writer of the Chicago based singer songwriter project. With a revolving door of members and contributors, the Wooden Rings discography is currently in transition from an entirely acoustic chamber quartet to a larger, more amplified format.

Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. In collaboration with the best conductors and guest artists on the international music scene, the CSO performs well over one hundred concerts each year at its downtown home, Symphony Center, and at the Ravinia Festival on Chicago’s North Shore, where it is in residency each summer. Music lovers outside Chicago enjoy the sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through best-selling recordings and frequent sold-out tour performances in the United States and around the globe.

Visit cso.org for tickets and information.

Melena - Afro Cuban Percussionist, Performer and educator fronts her own Cuban Salsa and Afro Cuban Jazz Band. Having performed and recorded with legendary artists such as: Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Chucho Valdes and Irakere, Septeto Nacional de Ignacio PIneiro. 

Drummer/percussionist in Chicago specializing in Afro-Cuban, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Rock, Funk, Classical, and more. Email eric.pancer@pobox.com or (312)373-0037.

Cordoba is a Chicago-based future soul / jazz fusion septet. They play meticulously arranged tunes that combine intricate grooves, soulful vocals and explosive improvisation with a commitment to radical social change.

The interesting, off-beat, and thought provoking stories from Chicago’s neighborhoods, told by the reporters who wrote them or the sources they wrote about. 

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