Ravinia 2023 Issue 6

REIK From a roaring start on the Mexican under- ground club scene, singer Jesús Navarro and acoustic guitarist Julio Ramírez established the trio Reik with electric guitarist Bibi Marín in early 2004 and quickly got to work on their first album. With the self-titled collection’s release in 2005, Reik immediately stood out internationally from their Mexicali, Baja Cal- ifornia, home with their first single, “Yo Quis- iera,” hitting the Latin Top 40. Pop songs and romantic ballads solidly the trio’s forte, Reik kept winning over ears with the songs “Qué Vida la Mía” and “Noviembre Sin Ti,” and the band found themselves clutching three Latin MTV Music Awards as well as a Latin Gram- my nomination as Best New Artist. Reik hit the charts even harder with 2006’s Secuencia , notch- ing gold sales in Mexico within two weeks with the Top 40 singles “Invierno,” “Me Duele Ama- rte,” and “Sabes”—as well as the more rock-inflected hit “De Qué Sirve.” The trio reached greater heights in 2008 with Un Día Más , entering the top 10 on the Latin charts and taking home the Latin Grammy for Best Duo/Group Pop Album. “Inolvidable” and “Fui” led the way among the hit singles that also included “No Desaparecerá.” Backed by multiple ace producers, Reik went multi-platinum and hit multiple top-five slots with 2011’s Peligro , venturing into electronic sonic terrain alongside acoustics. The mix of popular singles confirmed their prowess in both spheres: the title track and “Tu Mirada” soared on dance/pop radio, while the ballad “Creo En Ti” fared equally, leading to extensive international touring. The balladic “Voy a Olvidarte” on 2016’s Des/ Amor was followed by a reggaeton version of “Ya Me Enteré” with Nicky Jam, then came their biggest hit to date in 2018’s “Me niego” with Ozuna and Wisin, winning the group Latin Pop Song of the Year honors from the Billboard Music Awards. Numerous other collaborations followed on 2019’s Ahora , including “Amigos Con Derechos” with Maluma. Since 2020, Reik has been prolific releasing collaborative singles, including 2022’s “A Veces Bien y a Veces Mal” with Ricky Martin, which appeared on the singer’s Play EP. Reik is making its Ravinia debut. DJ CHAVA Known for her high energy sets, vivacious per- sonality, and packed parties, Chicago-raised and Los Angeles-based DJ Chava (Lilly Cha- varria) is proud to represent her Mexican American heritage, bringing vibe-enhanc- ing rotations of reggaeton, R&B, house, and hip-hop. Alongside her signature selection of high energy Latin tracks, Chava always aims to put her audiences onto newer, under the radar talent as well, and is constantly on the hunt for fresh artists to incorporate into her sets to keep the dance floor on its toes. Cha- va’s Chicago roots combined with her Latine upbringing shaped her musical influence and sound—down to earth but always danceable with an overall global aesthetic—factors evident in her rapid rise to notoriety as a sound selector. Within a year, she went from purchasing her first controller to deejaying local house parties to becoming a top-tier act within the nightlife scene. Chava’s passion for spinning has granted her residencies in both Chicago and Los Angeles at such mainstays as the Mine Music Hall, Soho House, Avalon Hollywood, and The Reserve. She’s also provided opening support for the likes of the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and Latin pop star Ozuna. DJ Chava is making her Ravinia debut. MARIACHI BRAVO WAUKEGAN Bravo launched the Mariachi program in Waukegan and is involved in expanding it to more and more schools, both elementary and middle. Mariachi encourages music stu- dents to deepen their education by taking on an additional music class and for others it is their first time picking up an instrument. The atmosphere in the classroom is fun and live- ly. Mariachi students are frequently asked to perform in public, thus building confidence and pride in their music and heritage. MEXICAN FOLKLORIC DANCE COMPANY OF CHICAGO Founded in 1982, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago is dedicated to showcasing Mexican art and culture through diverse folkloric dance works that range from indigenous, pre-Columbian times forward through the Spanish colonial period, inde- pendence, and the 1910 revolution. Through- out its history, the company has supported two performing ensembles, which have ap- peared at such events as the 1987 Pan Am Games, 1994 World Cup, and numerous of- ficials’ visits to Chicago. It was also chosen to perform at the Mariachi Festival at Disney World, the Harris Theater’s inauguration, and the 10th Latin Grammy Awards ceremony. LUCHA LIBRE INTERNACIONAL Chicago’s Lucha Libre Internacional brings an electrifying combination of tradition- al “Lucha Libre” (Mexican wrestling) and American wrestling, creating a hybrid style full of impressive acrobatic feats and riveting action. Lucha Libre Internacional features the stars who have been part of Fiesta Ravinia since the beginning in 2016! RAVINIA’S REACH TEACH PLAY— SISTEMA RAVINIA ORCHESTRA Ravinia’s vision of an intensive and transfor- mational music education program, Sistema Ravinia fosters social development year- round through exceptional music training for 4th–12th grade students in Chicago and Lake County public schools. Inspired by the influential El Sistema model, the program provides students daily small-ensemble and orchestral instruction on their instruments. Sistema Ravinia’s first site was launched in 2012 at Catalyst Circle Rock School in Chi- cago’s Austin neighborhood and expanded to serve several Waukegan and neighboring Lake County schools in 2015, using Ravinia’s own Bennett Gordon Hall as the program site. Furthering the festival’s connection to Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood, Sistema Ravinia began a new site in the community in 2020. Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs serve thousands of young people across the Chicago area each year. Reach Teach Play’s many offerings provide underserved children and families with music education and live music performances in their schools, communities, and at Ravinia through a portfolio of high-quality and inclusive programs, including Sistema Ravinia. In early July, Reach Teach Play hosted National Seminario Ravinia, a gathering of over 130 young musicians from El Sistema-inspired organizations in 15 states and Canada. The students partici- pated in four days of orchestral training and mentorship frommembers of Chicago Philharmon- ic, culminating in a concert featuring the Seminario students in a side-by-side orchestra with the renowned ensemble. Additionally, in partnership with El Sistema USA, Ravinia provided a series of professional development workshops for teaching artists and administrators from the partic- ipating organizations. Plans are already in motion for the second National Seminario Ravinia. This summer’s National Seminario Ravinia performance can be watched for free on Ravinia’s YouTube channel through late September. RAVINIA.ORG • RAVINIA MAGAZINE 45