René Avila is an educator in both the public and private school systems, a bass player and band leader, and a radio DJ for WDCB Public Radio – Chicago’s Home for Jazz. René hosts “The Mambo Inn” every Sunday from 2 to 4pm (CST) for WDCB, heard locally at 90.9FM and worldwide at WDCB.org.
René got his start in playing string bass during his early years and later as a cellist during his musical studies in college. Besides teaching general music, he also teaches violin, cello and guitar at The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. He currently leads two bands: an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble “Rene Avila’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet” in addition to his traditional Cuban Charanga Orchestra “Charangueo.” Both perform at various venues and festivals in the Chicago metropolitan area.
As a musician, René was influenced by legendary Chicago radio icon Victor Parra, originator and host of “The Mambo Express” radio program, which focused on traditional Cuban music and its evolution to the US. Since then, René has studied and researched Cuban music, and is a very serious and passionate advocate of this music. He enjoys sharing it with others on WDCB’s “The Mambo Inn” and through his bands’ performances, keeping the tradition alive.
*2 Drink Minimum per person
*21 and over unless accompanied by an adult
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