Columbia College Chicago Hosts “La Bamba” Cast Reunion To Celebrate 25th Anniversary Of Ritchie Valens Film Biopic October 16, 2012

Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales and Elizabeth Peña are the featured speakers for the “La Bamba” 25th anniversary reunion, a special edition of Columbia College Chicago’s Conversations in the Arts at Columbia Night during the Chicago International Film Festival. The discussion with the stars will be moderated by Dean Richards (’76), entertainment reporter and critic for WGN-TV, WGN America, WGN Radio and Chicago Tribune.

The free public conversation takes place at 7 p.m. at the AMC River East 21 Theaters, 322 E. Illinois St. Reservations are now open at www.colum.edu/conversations. Seating is very limited so advanced registration is highly recommended.

“La Bamba” is the biographical story of the rise from nowhere of young rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens, whose life was cut short by a plane crash at the age of 17. The film follows Ritchie from his days in Pacoima, California where he and his family make a meager living working on farms, to his rise as a star. “La Bamba” won a BMI Film Music Award in 1988 and was nominated for a Golden Globe award that same year. Full bios of the stars are located here (http://www.colum.edu/conversations/la-bamba-reunion.php )

Official Website: http://www.colum.edu/conversations