For the first time, the US Government will support artistic cultural exchanges between U.S. and Cuban artists, thanks to a commitment by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) made while in Cuba this week. Following three days of artistic events and meetings in Havana, NEA Chairman Jane Chu announced two artist exchange opportunities totaling … Read more
The problem with Cuba’s vexing scarcity of basic supplies and materials – things that are common in most other countries – is the social impact for Cubans struggling with the challenges of daily life. Yet there has been an abiding sense that Cuba’s pervasive condition of scarcity may one day result in great abundance in … Read more
A US government cultural mission to Cuba is planned for April 18-21, 2016, less than a month after President Obama’s visit to the island nation. The President described his trip as extending the hand of friendship to the Cuban people, and this delegation, including some of America’s most distinguished writers, artists, musicians, as well as … Read more
Yesterday, the Sonoma Film Festival announced that Papa won the Best Picture Award. The film opens in US theaters April 29, 2016. Papa, based on a true story, follows journalist Ed Myers (Giovanni Ribisi) on his adventure to Cuba during the time period preceding the 1959 revolution. Ed’s mission to meet his idol, the legendary … Read more
Vulnerability is a powerful communication tool. In one 30 minute speech delivered in Cuba this month, President Obama pierced the theater of politics and forced a ligature between his own heritage and Cuba’s complex history by stirring emotions in Cubans that were seemingly inexpressible until a black US President suggested his muddled past is a … Read more
A destination like no other, Cuba is becoming a hot spot for travelers to discover authentic experiences. A new tour by Abercrombie & Kent offers to reveal the spirit of the island with a non-traditional travel experience that explores art, music and other aspects of Cuban culture. Here are some highlights for the Abercrombie & … Read more
Cuba Its Past, Present, And Future by A.D. Hall, now in the public domain, offers an amazing glimpse into Cuba’s history and condition as of 1898. Much of the excitement and allure about Cuba as portrayed by an 1898 observer is alive today. The author’s language captures the tension, beauty and potential of an enchanted … Read more
Camaguey is Cuba’s third largest city and the home to the largest concentration of Cubans with Haitian heritage. Cuba acquired its Haitian flavor in the early 1800’s after some French slave owners fled Haiti’s revolution, bringing more than 27,000 Haitian slaves, coffee and sugar cane production to Cuba for the first time. Later, some Haitians … Read more
SXAméricas will present the Sounds of Cuba showcase, the first of its kind in the 30 year history of SXSW. Five Cubans acts – a record – will play at SXSW. The showcase will take place on Friday, March 18 at Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave). The Cuban groups come from the hip-hop and jazz genres … Read more
Last year, The Dead Daisies, a US-Australian rock band, played in Cuba to an energetic crowd. They spent a week playing two sold out shows, visiting music schools, recording music and taking in the rich local music culture-a first for a band after President Obama announced the re-establishment of US – Cuba relations. All Daisies … Read more
