CHICAGO — The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) and Navy Pier will welcome back Noche Caribeña – an annual, evening-long celebration of Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American music – beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12, on the Lake Stage in Navy Pier’s Polk Bros Park. The free concert will feature a diverse range of Latin-inspired music genres, from folk/plena to big band, salsa, bomba, and ballads, performed by Cuatristas (Spanish guitar players) and other international and prominent local musicians. All performances will take place against a backdrop of spectacular views of Navy Pier and the Chicago skyline.
Headlining this year’s event will be Gerardo Rivas, a well-known salsa musician who has written hits such as Ella Es Loca Con Mi Salsa and A Derretir El Hielo. Rivas’ electrifying performance promises to set the stage ablaze. Kicking off the concert will be Chicago-based tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Roy McGrath whose captivating melodies will set the perfect tone for the night.
Described as a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates the rich and vibrant tapestry of Latin music and culture, Noche Caribeña promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with rhythmic beats, soulful melodies, and the spirit of the Caribbean and Latin America.
Note: All performers, times and dates are subject to change.
Noche Caribeña Images: Click here.
Navy Pier Press Kit: Click here to access Navy Pier’s press kit, including b-roll, photos, media parking map and logo.
ABOUT THE PUERTO RICAN ARTS ALLIANCE
Over the past 25 years, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA) has emerged as a premier cultural organization exemplifying arts excellence through music and arts educational programs, performances, and exhibitions. Annually, more than 30,000 youth, students, and audience members explore, learn, and expand their appreciation of Puerto Rican culture and heritage through PRAA. Over half are urban youth, many with few opportunities to engage in music and arts educational programs. PRAA partners with the Chicago Public Schools and operates through three community centers: PRAA Center & Gallery, the Humboldt Park Field House and the Latin Music Project Center. PRAA has been named one of Chicago’s Cultural Treasures.
ABOUT NAVY PIER
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
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