Humboldt Park · Chicago, IL
The Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Park District present: Latin Jazz Festival Featuring Latin Jazz Quintet Raíces (Roots) pays homage to the originators of Latin Jazz while pushing the genre forward with original compositions and a modern, Chicago-influenced stamp. Originally modeled after the iconic Cal Tjader Quintet by the late Chicago percussionist Rubén Alvarez, the ensemble is now led by vibraphonist Joe Sonnefeldt. Following the well-received release of their self-titled debut album and a standing-room-only performance at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase in 2025, Raíces continues to thrill audiences with their rousing interpretations of classics by Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, and Paquito D’Rivera. The group features a powerhouse lineup of Chicago stalwarts, including pianist Stuart Seale, Cuban-born bassist Eric Ferrer, timbalero Bobby Delgado, and conguero Jorge Leal. Together, they blend traditional Afro-Cuban and Caribbean styles with the diverse musical energy of the city, ensuring a high-energy performance that honors the roots of Latin Jazz while celebrating its vibrant future. Featuring Trabuco Trabuco is a testament to the enduring legacy of Chicago Salsa and the deep musical ties between the "Windy City" and Puerto Rico. The group’s history dates back to 1969, when Jose E. Reyes Sr. first gathered the finest local talent to jam in the barrios of Humboldt Park. Decades later, his son, Jose E. Reyes Jr.—a veteran of the RMM Sony salsa tours and a protégé of the Escuela Libre de Música—has picked up the mantle. After years of recording and touring globally, Jose Jr. reformed the ensemble in 2022 to carry the salsa torch to new generations. Featuring a lineup of premier salsa musicians and led by Jose Jr.’s expert direction on the pailas (timbales), Trabuco blends the raw energy of Chicago’s historic block parties with the sophisticated arrangements of modern tropical music. With the recent release of their single “Tu Victima,” the band continues to honor the Reyes family legacy, delivering a high-octane performance that is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the future of Salsa. 5:00PM - Raíces Latin Jazz Quintet 6:30PM - Trabuco Jazz City, a free, family-friendly, public concert series, was initiated in 1997 by the Jazz Institute of Chicago in collaboration with the Chicago Park District to bring people together from across the city to listen to Chicago's top jazz musicians.
