In this historic event Chicago's longest-standing Latino Cultural Center will be commemorating the past while unveiling new branding and programming for the future. SRBCC brings Pirulo y la Tribu, Puerto Rico's most sought-after artist of the new salsa generation, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Afro-Caribbean music, and dance in Chicago.

In consonance with its mission and vision, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center wants to bridge the gap between celebrity musicians and youth performers, allowing a new generation of aspiring artists for unparalleled access to musical production. You will see this through a captivating opening showcase by SRBCC's Afro-Caribbean Jazz, Bomba and Music Video Apprentices, followed by the sounds of Chicago's premiere Afro-Puerto Rican group Buya and the center's youth bomba group Arawak'Opia.

It all ends with a full danceable concert by Francisco "Pirulo" Rosado and his 8-piece band, coming exclusively from Puerto Rico for this event.

Please note:
- The cocktail reception part of the gala will start promptly at 6:30 pm at the Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall, located at 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue (East Building).
- The official gala program and concert will start at 7:45 pm at the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, located across the street at 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue (West Building).

http://segundoruizbelvis.org/

About Pirulo y La Tribu

Pirulo y La Tribu are a 21st century salsa and timba group who wed classic style to modern production. Their music combines Nuyorican salsa, Afro-Cuban son, and Puerto Rican bomba.

Upon graduation from the famous Escuela Libre de Música in his native San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1995 at the age of 17, Francisco "Pirulo" Rosado went straight to work, woodshedding as a percussionist with artists including Giovanni Hidalgo, Anthony Carrillo, Pupi Santiago, Edgar Abraham, Alfredo y Rumberos, and many others. Still in his teens, Rosado lost both his parents and was obligated as the eldest male to care for his siblings. He did not give up his musical career and worked harder than ever. He eventually earned a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston and attended the school in 1997 and 1998. Upon graduation, Rosado became an itinerant session man and touring musician. He traveled the U.S., Canada, and Cuba, working with Bob Dylan, Maceo Parker, Either/Orchestra, and Entrain y Family Ayala Folkloric Group.

Rosado returned to Puerto Rico in 2004, a seasoned player, composer, and percussionist. He signed a session contract with White Lion Records in San Juan, to play, produce, write, and sing. He appeared on Julio Volto's En La Clara, and produced Tego Calderón's Latin Grammy-nomination El Abayarde Contrataca. He also played on albums by Noriega and Vico C. He served as Calderon's studio and live drummer until 2012. Beginning in 2006, he produced and served as musical director for several large tribute concerts including subjects Chocolate Armenteros at home in San Juan, and for Ricky Martin at the Latin Grammys. In 2008, Rosado produced and served as musical director for the groundbreaking Mas Salsa Thou, an album that fused classic salsa from Hidalgo, Valentin, and Pappo Luca, to urban and hip-hop. It was during his tenure with Calderon that Rosado formed La Tribu and other bands that played everything from hip-hop and Criolla to world fusion music. The first of his projects to record was La Tribu, who issued Calle Linda in the middle of 2013, prefaced by its single "Esa Es La Que Me Gusta." A second single, "Loco Pero Feliz," hit the Billboard Latin songs chart in 2014. ~ Thom Jurek

http://lavidarecords.com/