Legendary Latin Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera Teams Up with Chicago Icons for Unmissable Concert
In the ever-vibrant landscape of Chicago’s music scene, certain events stand out as true celebrations of artistic mastery. On Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC) presents precisely such an occasion – an exceptional evening featuring the legendary Paquito D’Rivera alongside guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque and multi-instrumental genius Howard Levy at Constellation.
A Convergence of Musical Titans
The 11-time Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera brings his exceptional clarinet and saxophone artistry to Chicago as part of the ILCC’s year-round Chicago Latino Music Series. With a career spanning decades and continents, D’Rivera has established himself as one of the most influential figures in Latin jazz and classical music.
Beginning his professional journey at the remarkable age of 10 with the National Theater Orchestra in Cuba, D’Rivera’s musical genius was evident from an early stage. By 17, he had become a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony – a testament to his extraordinary talent. His co-founding of the innovative ensemble Irakere, which masterfully blended jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Cuban music, helped revolutionize Latin jazz and earned the group Grammy recognition.
For this special Chicago performance, D’Rivera will be joined by two musical luminaries with deep Chicago connections:
Fareed Haque, Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University and modern guitar virtuoso, whose collaborations include work with jazz legends Joe Zawinul, Dave Holland, and Zakir Hussain
Howard Levy, two-time Grammy winner, harmonica master, and pianist, whose versatility has made him a favorite collaborator for artists ranging from Kenny Loggins to Dolly Parton
An Evening of Musical Exploration
The concert promises a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. Fareed Haque and Howard Levy will open the evening as a duo, showcasing their remarkable chemistry and musical versatility. Then, the night will culminate with D’Rivera joining them to form a trio – a configuration that guarantees moments of breathtaking improvisation and musical dialogue between three masters.
This performance comes at an exciting time in D’Rivera’s career, as he prepares to release “La Fleur de Cayenne,” a new album celebrating Latin America’s rich cultural heritage through a fusion of jazz, Caribbean rhythms, and classical music.
