congaplace.com

Posted: **Mon Mar 27, 2006 7:51 pm**

All,

If anyone lives in the Chicago area, this may be of interest to you. I went to the Hothouse this past weekend to check-out some local acts, only to find out the good news. Eddie Palmieri and his "Afro-Caribbean All Stars" band will be performing 4 shows at the Hothouse this week. Two on Thu and Two on Fri. Besides E. Palmieri, the line-up includes:

- Giovanni Hidalgo
- Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez
- Brian Lynch
- Conrad Herwig
- Joan Benitez
- Donald Harrison

I had the pleasure of seeing Giovanni perform live only once before when he was touring along with Patato and Candido, as "The Conga Kings". It was a great show, but I am particularly excited about watching Giovanni perform with El Negro…I hear those two have great chemistry and put on a good show. Maybe I will get to meet El Maestro himself.

I only wish that the Hothouse had done a better job marketing this event given the stature of the performers, but being such a small venue, they may lack the means. Anyway, if anyone is going, see you there.
More info at: Hothouse

Posted: **Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:02 pm**

I was "Host/MC" at the Jazz Alley here in Seattle when Eddie came with the same line-up. You will definetly hear a lot of Gio on that gig. It's not the Eddie Palmieri latin dance band, it's more a "latin jazz' band. smaller...but it will be great anyway...Say hello to Gio for me will ya? Tks and Enjoy!..."JC" Johnny Conga...

Posted: **Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:50 pm**

Don't worry about marketing this show. The Hothouse never has problems getting people to show up. Those 4 shows will sell out (if they haven't already). That is my favorite venue to hear music in Chicago. It always feels like you are right up on stage with the musicians. No smoking, good drinks, and a great variety of music.

This should be a great show. See you there.

Posted: **Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:04 pm**

You can't beat the Hot House for an intimate musical night. I met Gio twice in Chicago at drum workshops. As we all know, he's a great guy with no ego at all.

I remember he was asked what the secret to getting as good as he on the congas; he smiled and told the truth; Practice, Practice, Practice and then Practice some more!

Suerte.

Posted: **Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:23 am**

I must say to preform at the Hot house was not the best. I think they closed.

Posted: **Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:52 pm**

Do Giovanni ever come to Los Angeles? I would love to see him live, before i die

Is there a website that will show his gigs?

congaplace.com

Giovanni in Chicago this week