Yes, it took us 19 years to get to Puerto Rico. But we made it and It was an experience that we will never forget. Our director, Orlando Rivera and co-founider David Rivera had set a goal. It was to some day take The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra back to their hometown city of Cayey, Puerto Rico and play at the Ramon Frade Theater . They were born and raised in Cayey and it was in that very same theater where Orlando performed as a youth and it was on that stage where he decided to dedicate his life to a career in music. Orlando and David both received awards in the form of a special proclamation from the City of Cayey.
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Saturday, May 23, 2015
We loaded up the bus at 11am and were off to the Cuartel de Ballaja, in Old San Juan, home of the Dr. Farncisco Lopez Cruz Jibaro Orchestra. This Cuartel is a historically significant building with Spanish Colonial style architecture and houses a museum and variety of other cultural organizations. The concert was held in the beautiful and very large courtyard of the Cuartel. The concert celebrated the 50th anniversary of classes of Cuatro, Tiple, and Bordunua offered by the FLC Foundation. The presentation was opened by the Jibaro Orchestra and then followed by the CCO as special guest performers. The CCO was amazing!! They group performed well and brought lots of energy to the show. |
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The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra performs a rendition of Hotel California at the Cuartel de Ballaja, in Old San Juan, home of the Dr. Francisco Lopez Cruz Jibaro Orchestra.
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Here we have The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra performing another song at the Cuartel de Ballaja in Old San Juan.
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In appreciation, the FLC Jibaro Orchestra presented the CCO with a custom framed poster of the event with a special recognition for the CCO. The Jibaro Orchestra also took the CCO out for a special group dinner.
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La Tuna De Cayey!!
It was and honor and a spectacular experience to watch La Tuna de Cayey perform live in their home town. |