About this Event
Join Sones de México Ensemble for a special benefit to celebrate and support Chicago’s cultural treasures!
This event will bestow the Keepers of Culture award on two pioneer Mexican performing arts organizations who are celebrating landmark anniversaries this year and the families behind them: (1) Pepe and Mati Ovalle, founders and artistic directors of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, now on their 40th season, and (2) the Hernández family of Cuerdas Clásicas, founded by Rodolfo Hernández 50 years ago. The Keepers of Culture award is presented by Sones de México Ensmeble and recognizes people whose exemplary work furthers the appreciation of Mexican arts and culture and its transmission to future generations.
We are also celebrating (3) our very own Juan Díes and Víctor G. Pichardo, co-founders of Sones de México Ensemble, for receiving the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s highest honor for traditional artists. A gourmet Mexican dinner will be prepared by star Chef Dudley Nieto, inspired in the music of these ensembles.
Our Mission
The mission of Sones de México Ensemble is to promote greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture through innovative performance, education, and dissemination.
All event attendees will be treated to an evening of music, food and celebration while raising funds for a good cause.
Music
Sones de México Ensemble will do a special live performance of Mexico’s rich and diverse musical tapestry in celebration of co-founders Juan & Victor 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship.
Food
Chef Dudley Nieto, renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts school graduate and owner of Mexican Radio restaurant, will craft a special Mexican dinner inspired by our mission.
Keepers of Culture Award
We will honor Pepe & Mati Ovalle from the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago for their lifelong commitment to supporting Mexican arts and artists.
Keepers of Culture Award
We will honor the Hernandez Family from Cuerdas Clásicas for their lifelong commitment to supporting Mexican arts and artists.
Why give?
For over 30 years, the majority of Sones de Mexico Ensemble’s programming has been free and open to the public. It has had an educational component accessible to all audiences across linguistic, ethnic, economic, and age barriers. It has traveled to communities across the nation. It always promotes a greater appreciation of the diversity of Mexican music and culture. Many children now receive scholarships to study Mexican music with us. Help us keep this tradition alive and growing. Our gala dinner will celebrate the creativity and excellence you have come to expect from us.
Invite your friends.
Tell them to go to: sonesdemexico.com/gala to buy their tickets
Can’t come? Want to support?
Make a donation at sonesdemexico.com/donate
Questions: Call: (773) 728-1164 |Email: juan@sonesdemexico.com
Our Gala Sponsors
Sones de México Ensemble is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided under U.S. tax law.