There was no dance floor. The Patriots were playing. But that didn’t stop 80 guests from swinging, swaying, clapping and foot tapping as sounds from Suenos Latin-Jazz Quartet wafted through Indian Prairie Public Library.

On Jan. 20, bassist Steve Hashimoto led his talented quartet in performing a vibrant variety of Latin-American jazz for an enthusiastic audience. The musicians’ melodies on the saxophone, flute, piano and bass combined jazz improvisation with the rhythms of Brazil, Cuba and other Latin-American and Spanish countries.

Guests’ called the show “fantastic” and “awesome.” Cindy Kline, the library’s adult program coordinator, thoroughly enjoyed the show.

“We were just delighted that 80 people were willing to brave the cold and miss football today to come hear our concert,” Kline said.

Chris Cigler, marketing and public information coordinator, explained Suenos’ immense popularity among jazz lovers.

“Suenos has been a favorite on the library concert circuit for many years,” she said. “Their current CD, ‘Azul Oscuro,’ has been garnering rave reviews and significant airplay locally, nationally and internationally.”

The band is led by Hashimoto and features some of the finest jazz players in the Chicago area.

“We’re so pleased that so many people who haven’t been coming to our programs are coming now. We are so pleased to be able to host these programs,” Kline said. “It’s just been great to see these new faces, a multi-cultural audience. They are very supportive of libraries.”

The Suenos concert was part of “Experience Our World — Cultures and Customs,” a multi-cultural schedule of programs, exhibits, speakers and family events highlighting Latin America and Africa hosted by the library through February. The programs are funded by a $3,900 grant awarded by the Illinois State Library Association, a division of the Office of Secretary of State.

“Our district is a wonderfully diverse community. We see one of our roles in the community as providing the setting and opportunity to facilitate interaction with others,” said Jamie Bukovac, library director.

According to Cigler, so far the library has highlighted the customs and cultures of Latin America with programs ranging from travelogues and music to cooking and politics. Next month, programs will focus on Africa.

“There will be historical lectures and political overviews to Morocco, Ethiopia, and the Ivory Coast,” she said. “Families will enjoy folktales, an African safari adventure, the Ayodele Dance Troupe performance and drumming with Holy Goat Percussion.”

Library patrons will enjoy numerous opportunities to celebrate February as Black History Month. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, the Manding Empire — the largest in Africa — unfolds with a performance by the Ayodele Dance Troupe. On Wednesday, Feb. 13, renowned Chef David Esau will prepare and share authentic couscous and Moroccan chicken samples as he imparts cooking tips and recipes. Families will join Michael J. Taylor as he pounds out traditional West African rhythms on drums beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29. His engaging event is entitled Holy Goat Percussion. Audience members can participate in this hands-on experience. 

For more information, contact the Indian Prairie Public Library at (630) 887-8760.