One for the Road: Chuchito Valdés

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 27, 2010 9:30PM

Jesús Dioniso Valdés, Jr., aka "Chuchito," comes from what some might consider Latin jazz royalty. His father, Chucho, is considered by some the greatest Latin jazz pianist of all time. His grandfather, Bebo Valdés, was the legendary Tropicana nightclub in Havana. It would have been unnatural for Chuchito to not follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

Chuchito Valdés has strong connection with Chicago, having played gigs as large as Symphony Center and as small as Green Mill. He even lived for a time in Chicago in the early 2000's. Valdés is the artist in residence for a new monthly dance series at Rumba (351 W. Hubbard). His next gig is tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. with free dance lessons at 8. The residency is free, but you have to RSVP to soundculture[AT]gmail.com.