(Photos by Elizabeth Weinberg)
Once popular in Peru, chicha is a style of music that combines psychedelic riffs with Amazonian rhythms. Popular among indigenous empowerment members of the 1970s, the music was never truly accepted by the mainstream or middle classes in the country. Now, however, the sound is welcoming a resurgence through world music hotspot Cafe Barbès‘ club owner Olivier Conan and his band, Chicha Libre.
Conan first released a compilation album in 2007, The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias, to critical acclaim after scouring street markets throughout Peru for the masters of the under-recognized chica bands.The band’s debut album, entitled Sonico Amazonico, was released earlier this year on Barbès Records and includes cover songs from chicha’s original era, as well as originals that invoke the spirit of the 1970s.
As part of the 10th annual Chicago World Music Festival, a multi-venue showcase of the best international music, Chicha Libre will perform a series of live shows throughout the city. The band’s Chicago schedule is featured below:
09/19/08 @ Martyr’s, with Little Cow
3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
9PM
09/20/08 @ Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
3:30PM
09/20/08 @ Old Town School of Folk Music, with Rupa & The April Fishes
4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
8PM
Although steadily gaining notoriety at home and abroad, the band is no stranger to ALARM. Check out our interview with Chicha Libre from ALARM 28. The full lineup for the Chicago World Music Festival is available here.
The video for “Indian Summer” by Chicha Libre:
MySpace: www.myspace.com/chichalibre
Barbes Records: www.barbesrecords.com/chicha.htm