A band comprised of talented artists from the island across the way, the Havana Cuba All Stars made its first stateside appearance to bring the joyful sounds of Cuba.  Formed by trumpeter and composer Michel Padrón who came from a musical family, spoke mostly on behalf of the band.  He introduced himself and the inspiration behind what […]

George Herrera has been at this festival planning game for several years.  He runs EventSource that is responsible for several other open air festivals, and Festival Cubano is entering its seventh year as a way to bridge Cuban culture into the city of Chicago.  “I’m 100% Cuban, my parents came here in the 70’s.  I […]

The legendary voice behind the classic, “I Still Believe” came to Chicago on the heels of a new EP release.  Brenda K. Starr says the 5-track album is set to be ready later this summer.  Hennessy allowed HalfStack to attend a private dinner to honor both Brenda and well-known salsa singer, Eddie Santiago.  The private […]