As if Remezcla needed a prompt to fill our calendar with more Latino pride events…but it is our joy and duty to you, our loyal readers, to weed through the boring and highlight the really cool events happening this month. We did a in-depth search and gathered some amazing food deals, a little mandatory Frida, musica for the soul and a special Kleenex-worthy surprise for you.
BUEN PROVECHO PILSEN!
Imagine a 6-block walking buffet in Pilsen. For the price of one good meal you get to sample over 10 restaurants (such as Los Comales, Fogata, The Bean, La Cebollita) in and around 18th Street. This pretty much has to be one of the best ideas ever for foodies like us, who sit in one restaurant and dream of another in a never-ending quest to taste it all!
Where: 18th Street and Co.
When: Wednesday, Sept 16
Price: $25 in advance, $30 day of
Why it makes us proud: Even though times are tough, the Pilsen restaurant community is playing nice and offering a great deal designed to treat all of us to some of their best dishes. Sharing is caring.
FRIDA, NATURALEZA VIVA
La Kahlo se cuela en anything tagged Latino, no? She never gets old or less interesting, this is a rare chance to see director Paul Leduc’s 1986 on-screen rendition of Frida Kahlo’s life. If you thought only Salma Hayek could get down with Frida, you have to see Ofelia Medina’s version to our queen of Mexican art.
Where: Claudia Cassidy Theater
When: Wednesday, Sept 16
Price: GRATIS!
Why it makes us proud: Frida minus the Hollywood = less cheese and more substance.
MARIACHI VARGAS
Its not because they wear awesome sombreros and the whole typical gear; Mariachi Vargas are the real deal in Mariachi music from Mexico. They are well deserving of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra stage and their perfect acoustics and fancy ceilings. They bring out all the tricks for this one night only concert event.
Where: Chicago Symphony Orchestra
When: Sunday, Oct 4
Price: $26-$86
Why it makes us proud: Its a sure sold-out event every time they hit the stage whether its downtown Chi or Guadalajara.
LATINO WEEKEND AT THE PIER
Its hard to believe it but Mi Musica 106.7fm put together a decent weekend (free of Camila, Wisin y Yandel, et al), full of diverse local Latino music at Navy Pier to celebrate Latino Heritage. The Beer Garden is the back drop to most of these concerts which promise tons of baile.
Where: Navy Pier
When: Friday, Sep 25-Sunday Sep 27
Price: Gratis!
Why it makes us proud: Local music is finally recognized by local (prime time) radio.
LATINO KLEENEX LOVE
How about a Latino tissue box to go with your Mexican Swine flu? We have a rare celebration on hand this Latino Heritage month in Chicago. Our homeboy Jaime Maldonado from Humboldt Park, beat out 620 artists across the nation in the “Expresa Tu Hispanidad” contest sponsored by the Kleenex tissue company. His vibrant design, Celebración was one of only three chosen to adorn the Hispanic Heritage Month edition of the tissue box. So leave you you seat right now and run to your nearest Walgreens to support his box.