Our story
The story behind Havana Music Tours
Havana Music Tours grew from a drummer’s first trip to Cuba and a Cuban musicologist’s commitment to making her culture visible on its own terms.
Founded from experience
First journey in 2017
Musician + musicologist
Two complementary perspectives
Colorado-based
Deep relationships in Havana
5% of tour revenue
Supports The CreatiVrole Project
The beginning
How Havana Music Tours began
In 2017, professional drummer Chaz Chambers traveled to Cuba to study percussion. He quickly became immersed in the island’s musical traditions—and even more affected by the generosity and artistry of the musicians who welcomed him.
Those early trips led to drum lessons, friendships, and a conviction that more people should encounter Cuba through the people who make its culture. The first tours were built as a bridge: an invitation to listen, learn, and form real relationships across the distance between Cuba and the United States.
Then Chaz met Yami Cabrera, a Cuban musicologist whose knowledge, professional experience, and love of Cuban culture gave the project its other essential voice. Together they continued shaping Havana Music Tours into the company and community it is today.
Meet the founders
Meet Chaz and Yami
Founder, director & drummer
Chaz Chambers
Chaz is a professional drummer whose long fascination with Cuban music became a hands-on education in Cuba. His work centers on building thoughtful journeys, preparing travelers well, and creating opportunities for thoughtful exchange with Cuban musicians and hosts.
Cuban musicologist
Yami Cabrera
Yami graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte and worked as a professional musicologist at Cuba’s National Music Research Center, Cidmuc. Her research, lectures, writing, and industry experience bring depth and precision to how guests understand Cuban music and its communities.
OUR WIDER TEAM
The story began with two people.
Today, it takes a team.
Our tours are led by members of the Havana Music Tours team, including musicians, educators and tour hosts in Cuba. Different members of our team lead different departures, bringing their own musical knowledge, local connections and care to the experience.
How we travel
How our team works in Cuba
Music opens the door, but relationship is what makes the journey meaningful.
Listen first
We enter with curiosity and make space for Cuban artists, guides, educators, and hosts to speak for their own work and culture.
Stay small
Small groups make conversation easier, movement gentler, and access to intimate cultural spaces possible.
Build with care
Programs are designed around trusted relationships, privately owned businesses, and the realities of travel in Cuba today.
Prepare honestly
Travelers receive clear pre-departure guidance, current expectations, and support before and throughout the journey.
A business model with purpose
Our contribution to The CreatiVrole Project
Havana Music Tours contributes 5% of tour revenue to The CreatiVrole Project, our separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting artists, musicians, and communities in Cuba with practical resources and direct assistance.
This contribution is built into our business model. Travelers are not asked to donate as part of booking; guests who want to contribute beyond that can do so directly through the nonprofit.
“The best thing about Havana Music Tours was the people.”
Havana Music Tours guest
“I can say easily, without hyperbole, that the experience with Havana Music Tours was life-changing! The trip exceeded expectations.”
Stefan · Havana festival traveler
Traveling From the United States
Havana Music Tours is a U.S.-based tour company. For U.S. travelers, we design Cuba itineraries around the authorization that matches the planned activities and provide pre-departure guidance and program documentation relevant to the trip. Our tours are cultural exchanges built around direct engagement with independent Cuban musicians, artists, guides, entrepreneurs, and community projects.
Come listen with us
Plan a tour with us
Choose a small-group departure or start a conversation about a private journey built around your people and interests.