HablArte! Podcast

HablArte! : International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago

HablArte! is the Official Podcast of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a non-for-profit organization that promotes, educated and empowers the understanding and cultural acceptance of the Latino diaspora living in Chicago and around the world. For 25 years The Latino Cultural Center of Chicago stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diversity in our great city. As a cornerstone of Chicago's rich multicultural landscape, we invite you to become an integral part of our mission to showcase, nurture, and celebrate Latino arts and culture.**Sponsorship Opportunities Available

  1. 1D AGO

    HablArte! Nani Vazana and Ladino the ancient language of Spain's Sephardic Jews

    Send us a text This week on the podcast, we're honored to welcome Nani Vazana, the millennial Ladino singer-songwriter who won the 2024 Eurovision for minority languages (Liet International)  and whose work has been documented for the Library of Congress  Nani heard Ladino from her Moroccan grandmother in secret, as her father forbade the language at home. Those whispered songs and kitchen memories sparked a lifelong journey to revive this nearly extinct language of Sephardic Jews. Through her music, Nani transforms ancient Ladino into something vibrant and contemporary—fusing traditional melodies with flamenco-inspired vocals and socially relevant storytelling that addresses migration, gender, and female empowerment. Join us for an unforgettable evening with Nani Vazana at the Instituto Cervantes on February 27th, 2026—a production by the International Latino Cultural Center in collaboration with the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago. Tickets are now on sale 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.

    43 min
  2. 10/07/2025

    Chicago's Puerto Rican Cultural Legacy w/ Omar Torres Kortright | Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center

    Send us a text 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.

    46 min
  3. 09/26/2025

    HablArte! Ep. 3 • Juan Dies & How Sones De Mexico Influenced Latino Culture In Chicago

    Send us a text 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.

    42 min
  4. 09/02/2025

    HablArte! Celebrating 25 years of ILCC • Special Guest Alejandro Riera

    Send us a text 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.

    44 min

About

HablArte! is the Official Podcast of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, a non-for-profit organization that promotes, educated and empowers the understanding and cultural acceptance of the Latino diaspora living in Chicago and around the world. For 25 years The Latino Cultural Center of Chicago stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diversity in our great city. As a cornerstone of Chicago's rich multicultural landscape, we invite you to become an integral part of our mission to showcase, nurture, and celebrate Latino arts and culture.**Sponsorship Opportunities Available