I am a founding member of Inti Illinois, a Latin American band with a toque Andino — an Andean touch. We blend traditional Andean instrumentation, such as the charango (a string instrument) and the zampoña (a panflute), with more modern instrumentation, including flute and guitar. Our members are Ecuadorian, Chilean, and American, and our music taps into our collective history — indigenous roots, migrant identities, and a nod to the broader American experience.
For upbeat sets, we move from fast-paced, flute-heavy instrumentals from Bolivia, to classic salsas from Venezuela, to Brazilian melodies reimagined for Andean instrumentation. When the mood relaxes, we focus in on Chilean ballads and traditional songs from Ecuador and Peru.
Find us at venues including:
- Garfield Park Conservatory’s Music Under Glass Series
- Celebración de los Árboles at the Morton Arboretum
- Naperville’s (Sub)Urban Art Walk
- Chicago’s Annual Ecuadorian Picnic and Parade
- Ecuadorian Independence Day Flag Raising with the City of Chicago
- Naperville’s International Festival
- Inti Raymi Celebration at Fitzgerald’s
- Noches Andinas at La Colonia Restaurant
- Chicago Latino Film Fest
- And more!
Emily Ruehs-Navarro, PhD 