Plena is a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music genre that emerged in the late 19th century in Ponce, Puerto Rico. This vibrant musical style serves both as a means of celebration and as a powerful tool for protest against government actions affecting Puerto Rico—one of the world’s oldest colonies.
Historically, plena music has amplified the voices of marginalized communities, using its rhythmic storytelling to document social struggles and resistance.
Los Pleneros de Don Segundo
Born at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), Los Pleneros de Don Segundo have been performing original plena music in Chicago since 2016. They have become one of the city’s most sought-after Afro-Puerto Rican folkloric groups, known for their commitment to advancing the genre through re-interpretations of classics as well as original compositions and arrangements.
In recent years, Los Pleneros have incorporated bomba into their repertoire, allowing them to adapt to various performance formats. From an intimate four-member ensemble to a full-scale Puerto Rican carnival experience with horns, vejigantes, cabezudos, and stilt walkers, they bring the essence of Afro-Boricua tradition to every stage.
Members of Los Pleneros de Don Segundo
🎤 Primo Cruz – Lead Singer, Güiro
🥁 Javier Nuñez – Punteador, Vocals
🎸 Quincy Raggs – Musical Director, Requinto, Vocals
🥁 José Natal – Seguidor, Vocals
🎺 Arturo Vázquez – Trombone, Vocals
School Performances & Educational Workshops
SRBCC dedicates resources each year to schools and youth organizations (ages 0-24) in underserved communities across Chicago.
🎼 Ask about sponsorship opportunities for educational programs.
🎤 Interactive plena & poetry workshops available for schools.
Bring Los Pleneros de Don Segundo to your Space
Support the development of original Afro-Puerto Rican music in Chicago by booking Los Pleneros de Don Segundo for performances. Ask about special rates for schools and sponsored visits to your community. SRBCC dedicates resources every year to bring Afro-Caribbean arts and culture to schools and community spaces in the form of workshops, performances, and team building activities.
📩 For bookings and inquiries, contact us at: info@srbcc.org
📞 Call us at: 773-750-7544
