The Chicago Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition that promotes all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming. The festival showcases Chicago’s local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms.
Daniel Díaz
Puerto Rican artist Daniel Díaz was born with rhythm in his hands. It is his rhythm and his hands that have made him a one-of-a-kind artist—just like his musical invention known as El Tripandero. This ingenious creation, conceived by Daniel in 2010, combines the rhythm of the three hand drums (panderos) that produce the sound of traditional Puerto Rican plena into a single instrument.
Alongside René Pérez “Residente,” Daniel has performed on stages in over 57 countries, showcasing to the world both his creativity and the musical power of his Tripandero. This young percussionist, arranger, and composer has also collaborated with a wide range of musical stars, including Calle 13, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Ricardo Montaner, Mon Laferte, Bad Bunny, Giovanni Hidalgo, Diego El Cigala, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Ismael Miranda… and has performed on global platforms such as the 2017 Latin Grammys, hundreds of festivals around the world—including Austin City Limits—and Cirque du Soleil by Lionel Messi.
La Cantera
Under the direction of pianist Adrian Ruiz, La Cantera is SRBCC’s Afro-Caribbean Jazz performance ensemble for young adults aged 19-24.
Founded in 2018 at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), the ensemble brings together talented musicians who have completed SRBCC’s Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Afro-Latin Percussion apprenticeships. These young veterans collaborate with renowned Latin music artists, both local and touring.
Participants engage in a dynamic performance schedule designed to refine their musical abilities while gaining industry exposure. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, they learn how to effectively leverage their talents and build a sustainable career in music.
La Cantera musicians have performed at some of Chicago and Puerto Rico’s most prestigious music festivals and venues, including:
Chicago, IL
- Chicago Latin Jazz Festival
- Sueños Latin Music Festival
- Chicago Salsa Congress
- World Music Festival
- Millennium Park Holiday Market
- The California Clipper Monthly Residency
Puerto Rico
- Ventana al Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico
- Foro de Jazz del Conservatorio de Música de PR
