The CCO before going on stage
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Concierto Jibaro Navideno 2015
12/14/2015 - Author: Jose Vazquez Feliz Navidad! Yes indeed it was a Feliz Navidad. It was an early Christmas party for a jam packed house at the Guerin Prep Theater as the audience was treated to a non-stop show of Jibaro music with special guest performers and directly from Puerto Rico, La Tuna De Cayey. |
Some can actually say that this Christmas concert was one giant Parranda. We all know that a typical Puerto Rican 'Parranda' is when a group of friends and/or family members are armed with instruments such as, a Cuatro, a cowbell, a tambourine, candles or simply clapping of their hands. They gather outside the home of unsuspecting friends or family members where the group begins to sing traditional Jibaro (folkloric style) music. They continue to sing until the doors of the home are opened and the group from the outside are invited inside the warm and cozy home of the now hosts, where the Parranda continues until who knows when.
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But this Parranda was sort of in reverse. The audience is outside waiting for doors to open. Once doors open, they're invited inside with warm and pleasant greetings, they're seated, offered refreshments and the Parranda commences. You see where I'm coming from?
In either case, the audience on December 12th of 2015, didn't stay in their seats for long. They were up on their feet, singing and clapping along with the performers. This is because The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra and La Tuna De Cayey gave them something to be happy about. |
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The Concierto Jibaro Navideno of 2015 opened up with special guest MCs, Eve Gomez and Billy Rivera as they introduced the opening act of Chicago's very own, The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, where they performed hits from their CDs such as Cielito Lindo, Jibaro En La Menor,
Jibaro Navideno and Romance Acapecino (just to name a few). |
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The Man of The Hour...
A surprise and emotional moment came when Jorge Rodriguez was honored during the show. Jorge is a long time member of The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra. He has been the orchestra's Trovador (improviser) for the past 19 years. As part of his recognition, Jorge was presented with a beautiful, microphone-shaped all glass trophy. Jorge was asked to say a few words, and being the improviser that he is, he said to the audience "My 1st Grammy". |
La Tuna De Cayey Takes The Stage
After the intermission the much anticipated performers from Cayey, Puerto Rico, takes the stage and the Parranda style concerts continues well into the evening as La Tuna De Cayey absolutely thrills the audience.
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This concert is just another milestone added to an already spectacular year as La Tuna De Cayey continues their year long celebration of their 50th Anniversary. Their organization was founded in 1964. They began by playing and performing at local schools and in events in and around their hometown of Cayey and little by little they became popular until they became an iconic group for the Christmas Holidays.
La Tuna De Cayey has traveled the world and the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra was honored and thrilled to have them come here, to Chicago Illinois. |
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La Tuna De Cayey continued to entertain the audience with some of their many popular hits from their CD album '50 anos y Seguimos'. The audience stood on their feet as La Tuna performed to songs like, Parranda del Sopon, Brisitas de Navidad, Borinquen En Plenas, and much much more.
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At the conclusion of the show and on behalf of The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, Orlando Rivera presented a special Proclama Certificate to La Tuna De Cayey.
"Todos los miembros de la Tuna de Cayey son dignos de admiración, pero esta joven le tengo un respeto especial porque además de traernos alegria con su voz, guia, cuida y enseña a estudiantes con Autismos. No es facil el trabajo que ella hace. Yo enseño a un grupo de niños Austistas una vez a la semana y de verdad hay que nacer con un don especial para servir a este tipo de niño. Mi respeto y admiración para ella. Que Dios la siga bendiciendo con mucha paciencia, amor y comprensión para que siga su fuerte y tan importante misión." Orlando |
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The Gran Finale!!!
We truly hope you enjoyed the show. Thank you to all of our supporters, participants and volunteers for making this concert a special moment. Below, please enjoy our photos gallery and slideshow.
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Final Thoughts and Words from La Tuna De Cayey:
"Este pasado lunes regresamos a Puerto Rico con el corazón hinchado de tantas emociones y gratos recuerdos de nuestro paso por la ciudad de Chicago. Sin duda alguna fue un fin de semana inolvidable! Queremos agradecer a la Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, a su Director el Sr. Orlando Rivera a los Miembros de la Directiva, al Comité Organizador, a los músicos y a todas aquellas personas que de una u otra manera colaboraron e hicieron posible que pudiéramos participar del Concierto Jíbaro Navideño 2015 en Chicago! No hay palabras suficientes para expresar nuestra gratitud! Sus atenciones y muestras de cariño antes, durante y después de nuestra visita marcaron nuestros corazones. Nos sentimos muy honrados y privilegiados de haber compartido con ustedes en tarima y fuera de ella! Sin duda alguna, Chicago cuenta con grandes puertorriqueños que aman su país y fomentan la música y tradición! Mil gracias por todo, esperamos algún día volver a compartir tarima junto a ustedes! Reciban un caluroso abrazo desde la isla! Hasta pronto! "
