Free Summer Jazz Series Continues with Bong Penera

The Monday Night Summer Jazz Series continues with pianist Bong Peñera in “A Samba Kind of Evening,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Penera and his various band incarnations under the name Batucada (Brazilian Portuguese for the word “beat”) are considered the main proponent of Brazilian-influenced Philippine jazz, particularly Samba and bossa nova. His most famous original composition, “A Samba Song,”© is now like Jobim’s “Girl From Ipanema,” a staple in every local performer’s repertoire.

Born José Elías Peñera, he plays his personal style of Samba music in hotels, clubs and other venues throughout Chicagoland. Panera had an international jazz band, probably the first to ever receive an hour spot of radio exposure at WBEZ, the Chicago Public Radio jazz hour hosted at the time by Larry Smith.

Whenever or wherever he played piano or acoustic guitar, either as sideman or band leader, or as solo artist, and wherever he sang while he played, images of Sergio Mendes filled the air. Peñera and his Batucada dominated the music scene of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. His music is played on radio air waves and interpreted by countless other musicians and aspiring artists.

In 2010, at ceremonies held at the Hyatt Regency downtown Chicago, Panera was inducted into the Chicago Filipino American Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition of his musical works. He accepted the award/crystal trophy from Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White and Philippine Consul General Blessila Cabrera.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.