Live it up with ¡Vívela! at the JLC

Promotional image for Vivela Published September 16, 2025

The James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC) at College of Lake County (CLC) proudly presents ¡Vívela!, an annual performing arts series celebrating Latinx artists. ¡Vívela! brings artists to the JLC whose music, dance and storytelling showcase the vibrancy of Latinx traditions.

“Sharing our culture is so important for the next generation,” said Luis Fuentes, president of the Coalición Latinos Unidos de Lake County. “Encouraging our families and friends to attend cultural events creates pride around who we are. With the James Lumber Center, these performances are brought close to home. I look forward to attending shows this year and am proud to have the JLC in Lake County.”

As an Hispanic-Serving Institution, CLC reflects and uplifts the diverse cultures represented across the county. The JLC has presented a Latinx series since 2023. This is the first year using the name ¡Vívela!, a phrase that translates to “Live it!” in English. It’s an invitation to go beyond simply watching performances and encourages patrons to fully experience friendship and joy in community with the audience, the performers, the JLC and Lake County.

“Celebrating Latinx culture through the arts is a way to honor the creativity, stories and traditions that deeply enrich our community,” said Alisa Baum, JLC executive director. “The arts give us space to gather in community and appreciate the many contributions Latinx voices bring to our shared cultural life.”

The 2025-26 lineup offers a wide variety of performances, including moving tributes to legendary artists and dance experiences that take audiences to the heart of Latinx creativity. Performances include:

  • La Llorona by Ballet 5:8

    7 p.m., Oct. 4

    Step into the Mexican myth of “La Llorona,” where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets Maria’s journey through a lens of compassion and nuance.

  • Nella

    7:30 p.m., Oct. 10

    Born in Venezuela, Latin GRAMMY® Award-winner Nella rose to international fame with her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence. Blending Venezuelan folk roots with modern production and Andalusian influences, her distinctive sound resonates worldwide.

  • 512: The Selena Experience

    4 p.m., Nov. 2

    512: The Selena Experience is the closest you can get to a live Selena concert. These musicians come together to orchestrate an extraordinary show that will take you back to 1995.

  • Las Cafeteras

    7 p.m., March 28

    Las Cafeteras are remixing roots music as modern-day troubadours, taking the music scene by storm with their infectious live performances.

For tickets and more information, visit jlcenter.clcillinois.edu/vivela