Latin Jazz Festival

Humboldt Park Boathouse, Chicago,IL
July 11, 2008

Nythia Rivera Group

Humboldt Park Boathouse

Story by Brad Walseth
Photos by Brad Walseth & Foster Garvin

The Latin Jazz Festival at the Humboldt Park Boathouse is becoming one of the must attend functions of summer here in Chicago. The beautiful location, wonderful food in an up and coming neighborhood, the friendly crowd, the marvelous weather and the excellent Latin sounds combine for a truly delightful experience. I had such a great time last year, that there was no way I was going to miss it this year, and it did not disappoint.

This year's fest opened with Cuatrisimo, with Carlos Garcia on percussion and vocals, Nathaniel Jaime on bass and Jose "Papo" Santiago on vocals, guitar and winds. Fabian "El Nino" Saldana played the 10-string Puerto Rican guitar - the "cuatro" of the name with abandon and gave the group its distinctive sound. The appreciative crowd enjoyed this act.

Singer Nythia Rivera's group was next. Rivera is an exceptional singer who had the audience enchanted. Her highly talented group included keyboardist Darwin Noguera, trumpeter Victor Garcia, reedman Greg Ward, bassist Victor Miranda and drummer Juan Pastor. A highlight came when members of the Chicago Puerto Rico Community Chorus joined this group on stage.

Vocalist "Papo" Santiago returned to the stage with then popular "Infraverde" group. With Garcia, reedman Steve Eisen, trombonist Craig Sunken, bassist Mael Jaime, Joe Frau on bongos and more, this exciting ensemble whipped the crowd into a frenzy that filled the dancefloor with bodies moving to the rhythm. A hot ending to a hot night in the city!