Pencil This In: World Music Fest 2014 Continues

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 16, 2014 5:30PM

World Music Fest Chicago 2014 continues through Sunday, Sept. 21. One of the stronger lineups takes place 7 p.m. tonight at Mayne Stage in an 18+ show.

Headlining will be Orkesta Mendoza, a Tucson-based mambo big band that draws from myriad influences including Perez Prado, DeVotchka, Mexican Institute of Sound and Calexico. The result is an oddly appealing mix of ranchera, cumbia and mambo, filtered with a heaping touch of psychedelia. At the center of it all is the dynamic singer and dancer, Salvador Duran.

The band's instrumental lineup blends mariachi horns with lap steel guitar and a propulsive rhythm section to make any setting a party.

Also on the bill is Ester Rada, an Israeli-born Ethiopian who "gracefully combin(es) Ethio-Jazz, Urban-funk, Neo-Soul and R&B, with mixed undertones of black grooves."

Opening is Banda Magda, a New York-based group that seamlessly traffics in bossa nova, torch and upbeat coffeehouse jazz, fronted by the mesmerizing presence of Greek singer Magda Giannikou.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave.

If you have an event for inclusion in "Pencil This In," please contact Tankboy (for A&E-related listings), Melissa McEwen (for tastings, dinners and food and drink-related events) or tips[at]chicagoist[dot]com.