CALJE (The Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble) was formed in efforts to fuse the musical treasures of Afro-Latin American music and Jazz as well as musicians from Chicago’s diverse Latin and Jazz community. With a global sound and ensemble, CALJE has played in some of the finest performance halls and highlights many of Chicago's luminaries. Musicians in this band have had the opportunity to share the stage with artist such as, Ella Fitzgerald, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Chick Corea, The Temptations, Paquito D'Rivera, and Danilo Perez, among others.

CALJE made its debut by kicking off the "Jazz en Clave" Latin Jazz Festival at Chicago’s HotHouse, alongside the Grammy Award Nominated drummer Dafnis Prieto’s Quintet, Jane Bunnet, and virtuoso violinist Alfredo de la Fe. "This 15 piece band, playing before a standing-room only crowd at this international music venue in the South Loop left everyone gasping and wanting more dazzling sounds after their near two hour flawless set"- Jazz Chicago Reviewer, James Walker.

Founded in 2006 by Mexican Trumpeter/Composer, Victor Garcia and Nicaraguan Pianist/Composer, Darwin Noguera, these long-time musical collaborators envisioned an endeavor for Chicago that would follow in the innovative footsteps of the pioneering Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra, Irakere, and the Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center. CALJE aspires to partner up with John Faddis' Chicago Jazz Ensemble and become its other official half, the Latin side.

CALJE Members:
Lina Marie- Vocals
Renier Rosario- Vocals
Tito Carrillo- Trumpet
Victor Garcia- Trumpet
Alfredo Rodriguez- Trumpet
Greg Ward- Alto Saxophone
Carlos Vega- Tenor Saxophone & Flute
Steve Eisen- Baritone Sax
Craig Sunken- Trombone
John Mose- Trombone
Darwin Noguera- Piano
Joshua Ramos- Bass
Ernie Adams- Drums
Juan Picorelli- Timbales
Danny Feliciano- Congas