Free Chicago Latin Music Festival – August 29-30

Come out and feel the heat as the  free Chicago Latin Music Festival burns it up in Grant Park on Aug 29 & 30.  Considered one of the most spirited and lively festivals produced by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the free festival celebrates 21 years and features Lila Downs, Aterciopelados -presented by Amnesty International, La Excelencia, La India Canela, Banda Manzanera, dj –Aguzate, El Caobo, and more. Admission is free or GRATIS!
The free festival will feature two musical performance stages, a Salon de Baile, where all are welcome to come and dance to live music as well as stay for the evening DJ’s playing music of all genres. There will also be a Mercado, or marketplace that will feature all types of goods from fine art to folk art. Para los ninos (kids), don’t miss the ComEd Kid’s Zone, complete with a giant inflatable for jumping and a special guest appearance by the Chicago Fire mascot, Sparky.
Historically viva has featured many legends of Latin music and this year there will be a grand celebration to memorialize Manny Oquendo who performed at the first ¡Viva! Chicago and who recently passed. Manny Oquendo was a self-taught musician, and a master percussionist. He founded and co-directed the critically acclaimed Latin band, Conjunto Libre, for more than 35 years. Join performers, Andy Gonzalez, Jimmy Bosch, Frankie Vazquez and Herman Olivera as they pay tribute on Saturday at 6:25 –Petrillo stage.
For more information visit the web: www.vivachicago.us or call 312-744-3370 TTY: 312—744-2964. The ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival is presented by Best Buy and sponsored in part by: ComEd, 106.7 Mi Musica, Amnesty International, AT&T, Bud Light, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, CLTV – Chicagoland’s Television, Comcast, Communications Direct, FlashCash, Hinckley Springs, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, La Que Buena 105.1 FM, La Tremenda 1200 AM, LaGrou Distribution System, Malibu Rum, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Pepsi-Cola, Recuerdo 93.5 -103.1 FM, Telemundo Chicago
and WGN-Television.