Plena
Plena is a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music genre that originated in the late 19th century in Ponce, a town in the southern part of the island. This vibrant musical style serves both as a means of celebration and as a powerful form of protest against local and federal government actions on pressing issues facing one of the world’s oldest colonies.
Los Pleneros de Don Segundo
Born at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), Los Pleneros de Don Segundo have been playing original plena in Chicago since 2016. Los Pleneros have evolved to be one of Chicago’s most sought-after Afro-Puerto Rican folkloric groups due its unwavering commitment to the advancement of the genre with original compositions and arrangements.
After incorporating Bomba into their repertoire in the last two years, the group can adapt to a wide variety of formats, from a basic 4-member ensemble to a full Puerto Rican carnival experience with horns, vejigantes, cabezudos and stilt walkers.
Members:
- Primo Cruz (Lead singer)
- Michael Rodríguez (Musical director, guiro)
- Quincy Raggs (Requinto)
- José Natal (Seguidor)
- Arturo Vázquez (Trombone)
To hire Los Pleneros de Don Segundo and contribute to the development of original Afro-Puerto Rican music in Chicago, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 773-750-7544.
School Performances and Workshops
Ask about our special rates for schools and sponsorship opportunities. SRBCC dedicates resources every year to schools and organizations working with youth (0-24) in underserved communities across Chicago.
