ABC 7's Emmy Award-winning 'The Ñ Beat'

September 25, 2012 (PRESS RELEASE) (WLS) -- "We wanted to be able to play in any space and not just be cast as a Latina or the Maria part." -- Wendy Mateo, comedienne, featured on this week's "THE Ñ BEAT"

Video - THE Ñ BEAT - Originally aired Sept. 29, 2012

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ABC 7's Emmy Award-winning "THE Ñ BEAT", hosted by ABC 7's Theresa Gutierrez, celebrates the accomplishments of Chicago's Latino community, Saturday, September 29 at 6:30 PM. The half-hour special also features contributions by ABC 7 anchor Stacey Baca and reporter John Garcia. An encore presentation of THE Ñ BEAT, will be broadcast Sunday, October 7 at 4:30 PM.

This edition of the "THE Ñ BEAT," profiles the talents of Hispanic men and women, who are accomplished in careers outside the boundaries of a nine to five job.

First, the show takes a peek at the comedy team of Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo, who have just opened a new show titled, "People in the City." Together, through their character sketches, they weave stories of the American Dream.

Next, "The Ñ Beat," showcases a Latina who has made a name for herself with the Chicago White Sox. Grace Guerrero Zwit, is the Senior Director of Minor League Operations. Working her way up the ranks from administrative assistant to her current post, Grace's thirty-one-year career has prepared her to oversee the team's 7 minor league clubs and work with many stars in the MLB.

Then, the show turns the spotlight on an Elk Grove Village resident who has taken her talents form suburban Chicago to the international stage. Ailyn Perez is a soprano who performs regularly in the world's leading opera houses. She stopped to chat during her recent performance of "The Magic Flute" at Ravinia.

Finally, it's the story of the next generation of Hispanics in Chicago. The Padilla family has just embarked on a new business venture, "Oggi Trattoria." Samuel Padilla puts his 30 years of experience on the line from bus boy to owner of this signature Italian Restaurant. With the help of his family, he plans to establish a unique dining tradition in a tough restaurant town.

"The Ñ Beat" is available on-demand at www.abc7chicago.com

Ailyn Pèrez
America Soprano
www.ailynprez.com

Oggi Trattoria Cafe
1378 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60642
www.oggitrattoria.org 312-733-0442

Luna Central
3914 N. Clark St.
Chicago, Illinois 60614
773-819-5862
www.dominizuelan.com

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
3000 N. Elbridge
Chicago, Illinois 60618
773-342-8865
www.praachicago.org

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