¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

August 28, 2009 (PRESS RELEASE) There is nothing más caliente in Chicago than the ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival in Grant Park (Aug 29 & 30), presented by Best Buy. Considered one of the most spirited and lively festivals produced by the Mayor's Office of Special Events, the 2009 fest celebrates 21 years and features Javier Garcia, Aterciopelados -presented by Amnesty International, La Excelencia, La India Canela, Banda Manzanera, dj -Aguzate, El Caobo, and more.

Admission is free or gratis.

The festival will feature two musical performance stages, a Salon de Baile, where all are welcome to come, dance to live music and stay for the evening DJs, who will play music of all genres.

There will also be a Mercado, or marketplace that will feature all types of goods from fine art to folk art. Para los ninos (kids), don't miss the ComEd Kid's Zone, complete with a giant inflatable for jumping and a special guest appearance by the Chicago Fire mascot, Sparky.

Historically, Viva has featured many legends of Latin music and this year there will be a grand celebration to memorialize Manny Oquendo who performed at the first ¡Viva! Chicago and who recently passed. Oquendo was a self-taught musician, and a master percussionist. He founded and co-directed the critically acclaimed Latin band, Conjunto Libre, for more than 35 years. Join performers, Andy Gonzalez, Jimmy Bosch, Frankie Vazquez and Herman Olivera as they pay tribute on Saturday at 6:25 on the Petrillo stage.

For more information visit the web: www.vivachicago.us, or call 312-744-3370 TTY: 312-744-2964.

The ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival is presented by Best Buy and sponsored in part by: ComEd, 106.7 Mi Musica, Amnesty International, AT&T, Bud Light, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Tribune, CLTV - Chicagoland's Television, Comcast, Communications Direct, Dominican Republic, e-hispanics.com, Extra Newspaper, FlashCash, Hinckley Springs, Hoy Newspaper, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, La Que Buena 105.1 FM, La Tremenda 1200 AM, LaGrou Distribution System, Malibu Rum, McDonald's, Murray O'Reilly Auto Parts, Pepsi-Cola, Recuerdo 93.5 -103.1 FM, Telemundo Chicago and WGN-Television.

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