Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St., partners with KBOO Community radio 90.7 FM to present a new monthly Jazz series, REEL Cool, beginning Thursday September 15 with a screening of the Cuban film, Chico and Rita.
The film is an animated valentine to Cuba and its music, and the fictional couple – star-crossed lovers and artistic collaborators – have the good fortune to mingle with real-life legends Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk and the legendary conga player Chano Pozo. They also share the ill fortune to encounter bad luck as the film’s fantasies are shadowed by tragedy and loss.
The soundtrack includes performances by Monk, Diz, Cole Porter and Cuban pianist Bebo Valdés. Mr. Valdés, now 93, is the physical and biographical inspiration for Chico (voiced by Emar Xor Oña), whom the film imagines in his vigorous prime as well as in dignified old-age obscurity, shining shoes and sipping rum in a shabby Havana apartment.
Melao De Cuba, the hot Latin Salsa ensemble plays live before the film at 6:45. Tickets are a suggested $7-10, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds. $8 advance tix can be purchased at cstpdx-com where the whole month’s tasty event schedule is always available.
