Other events in Baltic States

After a several year long interval, the Latvian-American folk-country-pop band "Cikagas piecisi" (The Chicago Five) will come on a tour to Latvia, as concert organizers Untitled Unlimited's representative Aija Garoza informed LETA.

The largest concert is planned to take place on the day of the major celebration of the 90th anniversary of Latvian independence – on November 18 in "Arena Riga".

Tickets will be available for purchase at all "Bilesu paradize" outlets starting July 31.

The Chicago Five will also go on a Latvia tour, with concerts scheduled on November 15 in Liepaja (southwestern Latvia), November 16 – Ventspils (northwestern Latvia), November 21 – Jekabpils (southeastern Latvia) and November 23 – in Cesis (central Latvia).

The Chicago Five was founded in 1961, in Chicago, by Latvians, who had emigrated to America. The founder and leader of the ensemble since the very beginning is Alberts Legzdins. Other members of the ensemble have left the band in the course of the years and have been substituted by others, altogether 27 musicians have played in the ensemble for some period of time.

The main reason for founding the ensemble, as well as the secret of its longevity has been patriotism, intention to preserve Latvian culture and love for the fatherland during the period of Communist rule in Latvia, American Latvians expressed their concern and support for their nationals in songs.

Along with the fall of communism, in 1989 the Chicago Five were free to perform for Latvians in Latvia for the first time, and the concerts were a sensation, attended by over 180,000 people.