BY KAREN BLOOM
With Latin dance and music becoming increasingly popular among diverse audiences of all ages, now is a great time to find out more about the great Latin cultural heritage.

So get ready for some summer sizzle, and make your way to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, where the JPMorgan Chase Latino Cultural Festival is currently enthralling audiences with some of the best of Latin culture. The festival, which began July 27 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 7, offers everything from traditional mariachi music, mambo, Afro-Cuban jazz to Rock en Espanol

There's even an open mike night and comedy showcase, along with a contemporary dance performance specially created for this event.

Now in its ninth year, the festival at Queens Theatre in the Park has become known for presenting a complete look at Latino arts, including fine arts, spoken word, theater, film, and family programs, in addition to the music and dance. In the process, the event has become an international springboard for the careers of artists throughout Latin America, Spain, and Latino America. Dozens of , musicians, dancers, and actors have made their USA or New York debut at the festival and have gone on to have renowned careers in entertainment and music.

"We always seek to represent the variety of Latino and Latin American arts," said Festival artistic director Claudia Norman. "This year's schedule includes the contemporary voices, the traditional aspects, the legends, and the African influences of the Americas."

It started as a way to reach New York's emerging American community, which had adopted Flushing Meadows Corona Park as its base Now, it is a truly regional event, attracting visitors of all backgrounds. "This is a rare opportunity to see Latino ails, presented in a serious way in a formal theater setting, rather than a club or church." Norman added.

As might be expected, the spot light is on the music and dance. The musical legends on the festival stage this year include Illapu. Chilean superstars known for their visibility during the 1970s human rights struggle. Expect to see teenagers and parents singing along with these icons of freedom. "We see this a lot with festival performers," Norman said. generations and new audiences for legendary performers. And the artists love it"

Other stars of Latin

THE LIVELY MUSIC AND STORYTELLING OF SOFRITO! are part of the musical feast at the Latino Cultural Festival.

music making a rare appearance are Larry Harlow and Yomo Toro, in a Sofrito Caliente Concert Harlow known as "El Judio Maravilloso" developed the explosive trumpet/trombone sound of contemporary salsa bands in the early '70s and was the first to introduce the sacred bata drums into dance music. He is joined by Toro, the "Jimi Hendrix of the cuatro" (a guitar from Puerto Rico).

Also check out the bilingual rock of Los 40s. The band comes from the tradition of garage rock bands in Latino communities.

Activities for young audiences and parents have become an integral part of the event. This year's programming includes "Sofrito!," a journey to the Caribbean in the form of music and storytelling. It is led by poet and public radio commentator David Gonzalez.

For a unique form of entertainment that crosses cultural boundaries, the Latino Cultural Festival offers an opportunity unlike

any other: The former World's Fair site is a fitting-venue for this multicultural extravaganza.

Festival highlights:

Thursday, 8/4 - At 8 pm, Ray Castro & Conjunto Clasico perform Puerto Afro-Cuban music with special guest Tito Alien. Also at 8 pm., Los 40s plays their bilingual rock.

Friday, 8/5 - Frivolidad's "La Comedia Divina" presents a comic story of Jesus from age 12 to 30 ("In the end, nothing is more human than an unfinished carpenter's job"), at 730 and 10p.m.

Saturday 8/6 Chilean rock superstars Ulap perform ac 7 and 10 pm.

Sunday 8/7 - Sofrito! presents a family show, at 2 p.m. Sofrito Caliento!, concert with Larry Harlow and Yomo Toro, at 7 pm

JPMORGAN CHASE LATINO CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Now through Sunday, Aug. Tickets range from free to $30, depending upon event Some advance reserva tions required. Queens Theatre in the Park at Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens. {718}760-0064 or www.latinofestival.org.