Ars Nova Workshop presents the Panamanian-American drummer, percussionist, composer, and bandleader Daniel Villarreal at Solar Myth for two nights, November 6-7, 2026.

Daniel Villarreal has long been a widely known and beloved character on the Chicago music scene, veering between psychedelic funk, spiritual jazz, soul, and the folkloric traditions of Latin America through an unmistakable sense of groove. Originally from Panama, he fuses his pan-Latin style with influences of psychedelic rock, Cumbia, afro-beat, boogaloo, rock, free experimental jazz, hip-hop, and funk to create an original contemporary soundscape. Now based in Philadelphia after years in Chicago, Born in Panama City, Villarreal has cultivated a singular musical language shaped by his time spent in Chicago, and a lifelong dedication to crossing over musical traditions.

Villarreal emerged as a distinctive bandleader with the release of Panamá 77 on International Anthem, a critically acclaimed debut praised for its organic blend of spiritual jazz, psychedelic textures, and infectious sound. He expanded that vision with Lados B, his celebrated collaboration with Jeff Parker and Anna Butterss, further establishing himself as a composer capable of balancing spontaneity with deep musical intention. Over his career , Villarreal has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Joe Chambers, Marshall Allen, Neal Francis, Leyla McCalla, Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs, Toby Leaman of Dr. Dog, Jeff Parker, Anna Butterss, and the acclaimed ensemble Dos Santos.

For these performances, Villarreal returns to Solar Myth for a two-night engagement featuring his Chicago-based band; featuring keyboardist Cole DeGenova, guitarist Nathan Karagianis, bassist John Sutton, and percussionist Danjuma Gaskin, plus special guests Charlie Hall (The War On Drugs) and DM Hotep (Sun Ra Arkestra).