It was a blustery evening in the middle of an industrial park somewhere in the south suburbs of Chicago. As of late, I’ve gone through some lengths to find “mi gente” out there making incredible strides in business, art, and entertainment. Yet, through some friendly connections and a Facebook post, I stumbled upon a GoFundMe […]

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 […]

Another return to the heart of Pilsen where you’ll find papel picado and traditional Dia de Los Muertos flowers chalked into the sidewalk leading you to the gorgeous National Museum of Mexican Art for its 2nd annual gala. The night was organized with artist created Day of the Dead altars, mixed finger foods, and live […]

  Photography by: Jen Lezan/Halfstack Magazine http://halfstackmagazine.blogspot.com/ Nicki Niemet/iMovement Photography https://www.instagram.com/imovement_p… Jennie Velasco/Art and Sol www.ArtandSol.City Video Shot by: Jen Lezan and Dwight Bejec of Halfstack Magazine Song: “The Greatest” by Sia (Sehk Remix)

Before I get into my actual review of the spectacular show I witnessed, I have to get into this brief introduction to perhaps better understand my experience. My entire life was lived in Spanglish.  I had a mix of two cultures, learning about my origins and how my people adapted to living an American Dream. […]

This article was posted November 8th, 2015 Pilsen has been a central hub for the majority of Chicago’s Mexican-American citizens.  At the heart of this cultured and graffiti clad neighborhood is the National Museum of Mexican Art.  It’s existence for over 30 years has housed Mexican, Latino and Chicano art and on November 6th they […]

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 […]