Fans of Latin sounds will have plenty of reasons to mambo, samba and smile this week and beyond, as a season of music festivities gets under way with two noteworthy events.
In Grant Park this weekend, the Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival kicks off its 18th year, with 14 hours of live entertainment ready to go Saturday and Sunday at the Petrillo Music Shell--and more music slated for a side stage.
Alacranes Musical (the Musical Scorpions) closes Viva! Chicago Sunday. Hailing from the Mexican state of Durango, the members ply a frenetic style known as Duranguense--which, despite its name, has roots right here. Think polka gone mad with synthesized tubas, techno beats and electronically altered vocals, and you'll get an idea what's in store.
- Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival, 2:15 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Grant Park (Petrillo Band Shell), 300 S. Columbus Drive. Charanga America is 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Alacranes Musical is 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Free; 312-744-3370.
The series kicks off Wednesday with Havana, the Latin jazz group founded by Chicago bassist Richard Pillot. On Sept. 6, the wildly popular Chicago Samba takes over; the city's most sought-after Brazilian dance band will be joined by Shirley Vieira's Samba 1, which features Old Town Brazilian dance instructor Dill Costa.
La Pena starts at 8:30 p.m., but it's smart to arrive early, as it often draws capacity crowds.
- La Pena, 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 1, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Free (suggested donation $5); 773-728-6000.