Millennium Park in Chicago is setting the stage for a heartfelt homage to Selena Quintanilla, the beloved "Queen of Tex Mex," with a free tribute concert happening this Friday, as NBC Chicago reports. The homage, orchestrated by the National Museum of Mexican Art, invites fans to congregate at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion from 6 p.m. to celebrate Selena's enduring musical legacy.
The museum advises enthusiasts to arrive early for the event which begins at 6 p.m. but has gates opening at 5:30 p.m., and considering the star's hefty fan base and the free nature of the event, you could say early birds will get the proverbial worm—a decent spot within the pavilion where they can freely belt the lyrics to "Como La Flor" and sway to the rhythm of "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," according to the National Museum's website. The evening's lineup boasts a variety of acts, including local Chicago talents and performers from broader afield, all united to keep the spirit of the Tex-Mex icon alive in their diverse musical interpretations.
The concert is slated to feature five performers who will bring their unique tributes to the stage: Chicago's own singer-songwriter Angelina Victoria, Irene Diaz—a Mexican-American solo artist hailing from Highland Park, California, and Mariachi Sirenas, an all-woman group spotlighting local folkloric talent, are just some of the musicians set to perform as listed by WGN-TV. La Rosa Noir, serving up alternative rock with a Chicago twist, and Roxyo Sounds, sets the mood as event DJs, round out the night's entertainment.
B96 radio personality Karla Hernandez and Univision Radio's Omar Ramos are entrusted with hosting duties for an evening that promises a playlist brimming with fan favorites, which for those who can't wait, organizers have made accessible online—folks, prepare to croon to those tunes. Adding to the allure of this spirited night, the concert is just a prelude to Chicago's larger Mexican Independence Day festivities set to unfold the following week; revelry on a grand scale, with parades expected to draw crowds north of 400,000 revelers, underscoring the city's deep cultural ties as well as its capacity for grand-scale events that bridge communities under the banner of shared heritage and musical jubilation.
To complement the evening, concert-goers can snag discounted parking available at the Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage for $14, ensuring that the practicalities are as seamless as the transition from one Selena hit to another, as reported by officials. Souvenirs, likely to become cherished mementos of the night, will be on offer, making sure that those in attendance can take a tangible piece of the tribute home, alongside their rich memories of the melodious evening.
