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On this very special episode of HablArte! we talk to Multi-Grammy Winner Alex Cuba on his upcoming Chicago concert at the International Latino Cultural Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration next 14th of November 2025. 

Alex will be playing an intimate concert and introducing his very latest Album "Índole" which has dropped on Nov. 7th just in time for this his first stage appearance in Chicago since 2022.

Tickets for this concert are available at LatinoCulturalCenter.org

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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In this episode of HablArte!, we sit down with Omar Torres Kortright, Executive Director of the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in Chicago, for an inspiring conversation about the city's vibrant Latino cultural scene—past and present.

Omar shares the rich history of the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and reflects on 25 years of meaningful collaborations with the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC). From grassroots community organizing to celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino arts, this episode explores how cultural institutions have shaped and preserved Chicago's diverse heritage.

Whether you're passionate about Chicago history, Latino culture, or community activism, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of cultural centers in building and sustaining vibrant communities.

Guest: Omar Torres Kortright, Executive Director, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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This week, we are pleased to talk to Juan Dies, founder and Executive Director of Sones de Mexico, a Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated ensemble celebrating their own 30 year trajectory that has laid down the soundtrack for Son over the last 30 years. Dies is a pillar of Chicago´s cultural scene and we talk to him about the establishment of his organization that continues to educate, uplift and inspire from right here in Chicago. 

HablArte! is the official Podcast of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, an institution celebrating 25 years of cultural excellence in Chicago. This year we are celebrating with a special Anniversary event on November 14th, 2025 at CineCity Studios - The event includes Grammy and Latin Grammy winning artist Alex Cuba and the Kaia Quartet. There will be celebration, auctions, intimiate concert with Alex Cuba and a world class dinner by Brazilian Cuisine Sinhá. 

The ILCC of Chicago is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latino arts. We believe this understanding can build a bridge to a broader appreciation and comprehension of the rich traditions and diverse influences that contribute to the greatness of America.

We want you to be there - buy your tickets today! LatinoCulturalCenter.org

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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In this episode of HablArte! we continue our celebration of 25 years at the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago with Deputy Executive Director Mateo Mulcahy. 

Mateo has been promoting and producing world music events for decades and brings his experience to the ILCC with the Chicago Latino Music Series which has been expanded much since 2022. 

Come and explore the Latino music scene in Chicago and how the ILCC has been a good part of that history.

The ILCC is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latino arts. We believe this understanding can build a bridge to a broader appreciation and comprehension of the rich traditions and diverse influences that contribute to the greatness of America.

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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HablArte! Episode 1: Celebrating 25 Years of Cultural Impact

Join us for the first of eleven special episodes commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago. Host James Klein sits down with Alejandro Riera, long time film critic and the Chicago Latino Film Festival's Press Coordinator, to explore the ILCC's most significant milestones, memorable highlights, and the distinctive qualities that have established it as Chicago's premier Latino cultural powerhouse.

This episode kicks off our anniversary series leading up to our celebratory fundraising dinner on November 14th, 2025 at CineCity Studios, featuring exclusive performances by special guest Alex Cuba and String Quartet Kaia. Discover what makes this institution truly unique in fostering community, preserving heritage, and promoting Latino arts and culture over the past quarter-century.

The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Hispanic and Latino arts. We believe this understanding can build a bridge to a broader appreciation and comprehension of the rich traditions and diverse influences that contribute to the greatness of America.

Tickets available at LatinoCulturalCenter.org

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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In this episode of HablArte! we are speaking with Mateo Mulcahy, the ILCC's Deputy Executive Director and the man in charge of programming much of the music series we all enjoy year round. This time, Mateo is presenting the Levitt VIBE Chicago Music Series, a collaboration with the Levitt Foundation to use under utilized spaces to promote and uplift artistic voices. This second year, the program will be presented at Chicago Parks in Gage Park, La Villita, Riis Park in Belmont Cragin and Rainbow Beach on the south shore. 

Joins us as we unpack the Levitt VIBE Chicago Music Series!

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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Physical Theatre Festival will soon be underway in June and we have Alice DaCunha and Mark Frost with us on HablArte! to talk about REWIND a play that has collected many awards and accolades, even being named the best physical theatre play of 2024 by The Guardian in the UK. 

Join us with host Mateo Mulcahy as we explore this extraordinary theatre presentation in Chicago on June 5th, 6th and 7th at Theatre Wit.

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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When Nora's son Gustavo became one of "the disappeared" during Argentina's Military Junta in the 70's, she transformed from ordinary mother to extraordinary activist, standing against authoritarianism for five decades while demanding answers and accountability. Her remarkable journey from personal tragedy to political resistance has inspired human rights movements worldwide and a new documentary "Norita" by Director Jayson McNamara and Producer Dr. Sarah Schoellkopf.

In this episode of HablArte! we explore the remarkable story of Nora Cortiñas with two people that knew her well. 

This documentary is part of the official selection of the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival running from April 3rd to the 14th • ChicagoLatinoFilmFestival.org

WE DEDICATE THIS EPISODE TO THE 30,000 'DESAPARECIDOS' AND TO NORITA WHO PASSED LAST YEAR AT THE AGE OF 90. SHE FINALLY FOUND GUSTAVO.

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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In this episode of HablArte! we talk with Colombian Actress, Writer, Novelist and Film Director Patricia Castañeda. Her directorial debut film, Dear Gentlemen / Estimados Señores will be the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival's Opening Night Feature film on April 3rd • Tickets now on sale at ChicagoLatinoFilmFestival.org.

We explore Patricia's stellar acting career, writing and other elements that inspired her write the story of a little known group of women that changed Columbian constitutional law to permit women's right to vote. 

The inspiring story was written, directed by Patricia along side a fantastic cast to include Paula Castaño (Leandro Díaz Tv Series), Julieth Restrepo (Escobar: La Traición), Marcela Mar (Uno) and Claudio Cataño (Cién Años de Soledad).

Come learn about Patricia Castañeda, her film Dear Gentlemen / Estimados Señores and the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival.

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.

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Every year the Chicago Latino Film Festival holds a contest for the design of the next editions Festival. This year, the competition was stiff and the selection committee had to consider over 700+ submissions. 

Camila 'Mila' Bernardo was the winner this year with a vibrant fun design that captures the many juggling tasks creators have to manage these days. Filmmakers often direct, produce and even act in their own films and Bernardo`s design captures this in a fun and whimsical way. 

Join us on this episode where we will explore some of the hidden features in the design, how it came to be and what Mila spends her days doing in her home state of Sao Paolo, Brazil. 

This Podcast is produced by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a Pan Latino Cultural Organization that seeks to promote, educate and empower Latino Arts in the Chicago Area. The ILCC is a non-for-profit organization and operates thanks to the generous contribution of our members and donor organizations. The ILCC is also the producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, the longest running Film Festival of its kind in North America.