Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with Mexican music at Forest View
Halloween may be over, but the colorful Mexican Day of the Dead dancing and music continues in Arlington Heights.
At 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, Sones de Mexico will present an authentic introduction to Day of the Dead celebrations at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. The concert is presented by the Northwest Suburban Community Concert Association.
Tickets are $25 each for adults; free for school-age children. For ticket information visit www.NSCommunityconcerts.org or call (847) 253-0282.
"Sones de Mexico is an amazing group of musicians and dancers," association President Doug Martin stated in a news release. "This will be so much fun and is a great opportunity for parents and children to experience some beautiful Mexican culture."
The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is an old Mexican holiday where families gather to remember friends and family members who have died. Prior to Spanish colonization, the holiday was celebrated in the summer. Later, it was moved to coincide with the Catholic All Saints Day celebration of Nov. 1. While the Day originated in Southern and Central Mexico, it is now an official holiday for all of Mexico. Rather than a somber occasion, the holiday takes a playful approach with colorful decorations, foods, and music.
Sones de Mexico is a nationally known group formed in Chicago in 1994 to keep the Mexican son (a form of music and dance) tradition alive. Sones de Mexico's first album, "Esta Tierra Es Tuya" (This Land is Your Land) was nominated for both a Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album of 2007 and for a Grammy for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album. The title song is the group's translation and modification of the famous Woody Guthrie song. In 2010, Sones de Mexico marked the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with its "Viva la Revolucion!" album. In 2016 Sones de Mexico wrote and performed a new soundtrack to Sergei Eisenstein's unfinished silent film "Que Viva Mexico!"
"We are thrilled to bring the lovely Day of the Dead music and dances to the Northwest suburbs," Sones de Mexico's musical director, Juan Dies, stated in a news release. "There is a great Mexican-American population there, and a lively appreciation of Mexican culture in the whole community. I think people will love this."
The Northwest Suburban Community Concert Association is a 70-year old tradition in the Northwest suburbs, annually bringing a highly diverse series of musical events for subscribers and single ticket buyers. This year's program began with Maria Muldaur, and will continue in the spring with the Fat Babies (traditional jazz) on March 18, the Newberry Consort (Baroque music) on April 22, and the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on May 20.