Dance Tent

Saturday, July 11th · 4:40PM

Papo Santiago

Come a little early at 4:15pm for Latin Dance lessons with Saladeen Alamin!

Papo Santiago started his musical journey in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the birthplace of some of the most celebrated musicians in Latin music history, including Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Hector Lavoe, and Papo Lucca. After forging his musical reputation, he became a sought after musician, sharing the stage with upper brass of Afro-Caribbean music, including Fania All-Stars, La Sonora Poncena, Ismael Miranda, and Nino Segarra.

Santiago moved to the city of Chicago in the late 1980's where he found himself having to carve a niche in the city's music circles. It didn't take long for his talents to be recognized by the top tier of local musicians, including Orquesta Yambu, Ases del Merengue, Joe Rendon and friends, La Tira and Cuatrisimo. Cuban flutist Jose Fajardo dubbed him "the child prodigy" after discovering his skills on the instrument while touring the Windy City. Santiago went on to join the experimental jazz ensemble Kalinda. The group's first recording "Kalinda Kaliente" was named in 1997 by the Chicago Tribune as one of the year's ten best in the Jazz category.

Santiago's exploration as a professional singer was a natural step in his evolution as a fully rounded musician. His sonero attributes are founded in the legacies of Ismael Rivera. Luigi Texidor, Marvin Santiago, Isaac Delgado, and "El Tiburon" Morales. In his improvisations, he combines street-wise sense of humor with a unique approach to rhythm and swing. Santiago stands as an icon of the harmonious fusion of classic influences with the most innovative trends in tropical music.

Papo Santiago on MySpace