The Cuatro is regarded as the national instrument of Puerto Rico and is revered by the Puerto Rican community as an important part of our history. It is recognized and acknowledged as “our guitar” and holds important traditional and historical value. The Emmy Award-winning annual National Cuatro Festival is a unique music event that brings the best Cuatro musicians “Cuatristas” from Puerto Rico and the mainland to Chicago for a one-of-a-kind concert experience. This cultural event highlights the national instrument of Puerto Rico as an important part of our heritage and history.

Over the years the National Cuatro Festival has presented such great cuatristas like Edwin Colon Zayas, Pedro Guzman, Yomo Toro, Modesto Nieves, Christian Nieves, Quique Domenech, Alvin Medina, Luis Sanz, Prodigio Claudio, Emma Colón Zayas, Tony Mapeye, Juradito, Maribel Delgado, Manny Trinidad, among others. Star singers who have graced our stage include Yolandita Monge, Jose Nogueras, Felito Felix, Victoria Sanabria, Danny Rivera, Andy Montañez, Ismael Miranda, Ismael Miranda, Odilio Gonzalez , Yezenia Cruz, Eduardo Villnueva, Tavin Pumarejo, Angel Luis Torruellas, Charlie Aponte, Ricardo Villnueva, among others. The National Cuatro Festival has also had the honored to present the Puerto Rico Philharmonic, Randalla de Humacao, Elias Lopes Con Tropetas y Trovadores, Los Cantores de Bayamon and the Midwest Young Artist Conservatory. We are also proud that Roselin Pabón, Emeritus Conductor of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Martin Nieves and Cucco Peña have directed in number of NCF concerts.

Each year there is a special dedication and one of the highlights of the concert is an opening performance showcasing students from PRAA’s Latin Music Project Ensemble. It is more than a concert, it as a gathering of Chicago’s most long time Latino residents, the Puerto Rican community, and an opportunity to join together with pride to celebrate the beauty of the Chicago’s diversity. Preserving Puerto Rican traditions is at the heart of PRAA’s work and the National Cuatro Festival is a key part of our cultural and educational initiatives.

We are returning to an in-person audience this year at the Harris Theater. We will continue to update this page as we plan for safety and COVID guidelines.

A message from Danny Rivera: