Through our Music Travel Blog, discover unique musical traditions, iconic festivals, and vibrant music scenes.

Welcome to our Music Travel Blog, where we explore the world through the universal language of music. This blog is dedicated to music lovers and travelers alike who seek to experience the rich tapestry of global musical traditions, iconic music festivals, and vibrant music scenes that define destinations around the globe.

Our posts uncover the stories and sounds that make each culture unique, from the energetic rhythms of Brazilian samba to the soulful melodies of American blues. Join us as we visit legendary venues, from the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the classical concert halls of Vienna, sharing insights into the music that shapes these cities’ identities.

Our adventures also take us to some of the world’s most renowned music festivals, where we experience the magic of live performances and the communal spirit of music fans from all walks of life. Whether it’s the electrifying atmosphere of Glastonbury or the traditional vibes of Morocco’s Gnawa Music Festival, our blog brings you front-row experiences from festivals that celebrate music’s diversity.

But it’s not just about the destinations but the journey. Our Music Travel Blog offers tips for traveling musicians, from packing the right gear to finding gigs abroad, and advice for music enthusiasts on creating a soundtrack for their travels. We also spotlight the musicians, artisans, and communities we meet along the way, whose stories and talents enrich our understanding of the world.

So, whether you’re planning your next musical getaway or simply dreaming of distant melodies, our Music Travel Blog is your guide to experiencing the world through music. Let’s set out together on a voyage of discovery, where every note opens the door to a new adventure.

What’s New in Cuba: Our Work and Travel News

March 4, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

Dear Music Traveler Friends,

We just concluded our Havana Salsa Fest Tour yesterday, and I want to share a direct update with you.

Over the past couple of months, Cuba has been at the center of intense headlines.

Fuel pressure, diplomatic tension, uncertainty. We have followed every development closely while remaining in daily contact with our team and family in Havana. Most importantly, we have just completed a full program on the ground.

We are prepared. We are operating. And we are confident in our ability to continue responsibly.

Conditions in Cuba are not simple. There are economic pressures and logistical realities that Cubans navigate every day. What is also true is that the private sector we work with, including guides, musicians, dance instructors, drivers, restaurant owners, and casa owners, continues to function and adapt.

We maintain layered operational plans for transportation and logistics, and on the tour that just concluded, everything ran smoothly under our primary arrangements.

With nine years of experience operating in Cuba, including through the pandemic, we know how to adapt when necessary. Right now, we are fully capable of continuing.

We are also seeing signs that the broader environment may be shifting in a positive direction. OFAC has authorized U.S. companies to sell fuel to Cuba’s private sector. That is significant and directly impacts the kinds of small businesses we collaborate with. There are credible reports of high-level discussions between U.S. and Cuban officials regarding economic reform and sanctions relief. The tone appears to be moving toward negotiation rather than escalation.

The U.S. State Department advisory remains at Level 2. Authorized travel categories remain intact. Airports are operating. The legal framework for cultural travel has not changed.

Beyond policy and logistics, this is about people.

The Cuban people need tourism right now. The slowdown caused by negative headlines has had a real impact on independent musicians, restaurant owners, drivers, artists, and families who rely on visitor income. Our work has always been about building bridges between people, creating cultural exchange, and fostering solidarity through music and shared experience.

We also received a new five-star TripAdvisor review from the Salsa Festival tour that just ended. It reflects exactly what we experienced on the ground.

We believe this is a meaningful moment to show up responsibly and intentionally.

Upcoming programs include:

• VIP Music Tour: April 16th-22nd, 2026

• Cuban Jazz and Rumba Tour: April 29th-May 4th, 2026

• Private and customized journeys available year-round

Beginning with this message, every new booking will include a $100 per person donation to our nonprofit, The CreatiVrole Project. These funds will go directly toward humanitarian support and creative community assistance in Cuba, including families with children and elders who need resources.

If you have been considering Cuba, we are here to answer your questions honestly and directly.

With respect and confidence,

Chaz Chambers

Founder & Director

Havana Music Tours & Musical Getaways

The trip of a lifetime (Guest Testimonial)

“… I’m writing this review the morning after I returned home from the trip. I feel like I’ve left some very good friends behind – friends I didn’t have a week ago. And when I go back, which I am already beginning to plan for, it will be with this group of people. I could not have wanted anything more”. Read more.

– Joseph, Havana Salsa Festival Tour 2026

A personal update on Cuba and our work there

February 2, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

Dear Music Traveler Friends,

I want to take a moment to speak plainly and directly, as the founder of Havana Music Tours, about what’s happening right now and why so many of the headlines about Cuba feel unsettling. A lot of people are reading alarming articles, seeing strong language tied to U.S. politics, and understandably wondering whether travel to Cuba is still safe, responsible, or even possible. Those questions are valid, and you deserve clear, detailed answers rather than sound bites.

Let me start with what we know firsthand. We just completed our Havana Jazz Festival tour successfully, and we currently still have clients, collaborators, and staff on the ground in Cuba. The festival took place as planned. Concerts happened. Transportation worked. Restaurants were open. Musicians showed up, rehearsed, performed, and were paid. This is not theoretical for us or based on secondhand reporting. This is our daily operational reality.

Havana Jazz Fest 2026 - Havana Music Tours IMG_0712

Havana Jazz Festival Tour 2026 – Havana Music Tours (January 2026)

It is true that Cuba is dealing with ongoing energy challenges, and we are seeing more frequent power outages in Havana than in past years. That is not new, and it is something we have been navigating for a long time. We plan for it intentionally. We use hotels, casas, restaurants, and music venues that have backup generators. Many private businesses in Havana already operate this way as a normal part of life. Because of that, our tours continue to run smoothly and professionally, even when there are outages elsewhere in the city.

There has also been a great deal of misinformation circulating about fuel and oil supplies, including claims that Cuba has been suddenly cut off. That is not what we are seeing. Mexico has publicly reaffirmed its support for Cuba, including continued shipments of fuel and humanitarian supplies, and Cuba continues to receive energy support from other international partners as well. The situation is difficult, but it is not a sudden collapse, and it is not preventing us from operating tours responsibly.

Much of the current anxiety seems tied to political rhetoric coming out of Washington, particularly statements from President Donald Trump. Whether people agree with his approach or not, we have seen this pattern before. Trump often uses strong public language, pressure, and threats as part of a negotiating strategy. We’ve watched this play out in multiple countries over the years. What matters to us is not rhetoric, but policy and reality. Right now, flights between the United States and Cuba continue to operate normally. Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, are still flying in and out of Cuba. There have been no new U.S. rules issued that prohibit authorized travel.

It is also important to point out that the U.S. Department of State currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Cuba, which is the same advisory level applied to many widely traveled countries in Europe, including France and Italy. If there were serious or imminent concerns for American travelers, we would expect to see that advisory escalate. We are not seeing that.

At the same time, Cuba itself has made its position clear. Just last night, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement (You can use a browser translator, if needed) reaffirming its willingness to cooperate with the United States on issues such as security, financial transparency, and regional stability, and explicitly expressing openness to respectful dialogue and technical cooperation. That is not the language of isolation or imminent confrontation. From our own long-standing relationships with Cuban diplomatic staff in the United States, including senior officials at the Cuban Embassy, we know that dialogue and negotiation have always been on the table.

There has also been speculation about extreme scenarios like a naval blockade or military escalation. Former U.S. diplomats and policy experts, including individuals with direct experience in U.S.–Cuba relations, have explained clearly how unlikely those scenarios are. A blockade of an island the size of Cuba would be extraordinarily resource-intensive, politically costly, and impossible to implement quietly. We are not seeing operational signs that point in that direction.

Beyond geopolitics, there is a human reality that often gets lost in the noise. Cuba needs responsible, ethical tourism now more than ever. The musicians, artists, drivers, guides, hosts, and small business owners we work with depend directly on this work to support their families. Over the past few years, Cuba’s private sector has grown significantly, and many people rely on cultural and educational travel to survive. When we show up thoughtfully and legally, we are not ignoring hardship. We are helping people endure it.

In that same spirit, we are very close to officially launching the site for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CreatiVrole Project. This organization will focus on humanitarian support and aid, including future humanitarian trips that we expect to begin later this year. We believe cultural exchange, ethical tourism, and direct humanitarian support should reinforce one another, not exist in isolation. Please reach out if you would like info to make an early donation.

I know the headlines are intense right now. I know the tone can feel nonstop and overwhelming. But when we look past rhetoric and focus on facts, policy, and lived experience, what we see is that Cuba travel remains possible, tours are operating, and the Cuban people continue to welcome visitors with resilience, warmth, and generosity.

We take safety seriously. We take transparency seriously. And if conditions were to change in a meaningful way, you would hear it from us immediately. Based on everything we are seeing right now, we remain confident in continuing our work in Cuba.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for engaging thoughtfully with what’s happening. If you’d like to see what this looks like in real time, our recent Havana Jazz Festival coverage is available on our Instagram, and I also shared a personal post on Facebook about how Cuban institutions and people showed up to support our group during an unexpected flooding situation this past weekend.

As always, I’m here to talk.

Warmly,

Chaz Chambers

Founder & Director

Havana Music Tours & Musical Getaways

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Havana Jazz Plaza Festival 2026 Program: What to Expect This January in Cuba

January 21, 2026/in All posts, Music Festivals/by Yami Cabrera

The official program for the 41st Havana Jazz Plaza Festival has been released, confirming that Jazz Plaza 2026 will be one of the most expansive and musically ambitious editions in the festival’s history.

Taking place from January 25 through February 1, 2026, the festival unfolds across Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and—for the first time—Holguín. This year’s event combines large-scale concerts, intimate club shows, and the critical Coloquio Internacional de Jazz, an academic program that sets this event apart from other international jazz festivals.

Below is a breakdown of the 2026 program highlights and how to experience the festival like an insider.

A Multi-City Musical Event

While Havana remains the epicenter, Jazz Plaza 2026 continues its commitment to a multi-city format. Curated programming will be held in:

Havana: The cultural heart with the highest concentration of venues.
Santiago de Cuba: The cradle of son and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Santa Clara & Holguín: Expanding the festival’s footprint into central and eastern Cuba.

This structure allows audiences to engage with jazz in diverse settings, from the historic Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís to the cutting-edge stages of Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC).

Major Concert Highlights & Artists

The 2026 lineup, led by Artistic Director Roberto Fonseca, balances legendary Cuban figures with international collaborators. Key performances and projects to watch for include:

Roberto Fonseca’s “Selection of Masters”: A special closing show and featured performances in Santiago de Cuba.
From Montreux to Havana: A showcase featuring Cuban winners of the Montreux Jazz Festival, including Yilian Cañizares, Rolando Luna, and Harold López-Nussa.
Contemporary Cuban Voices: Performances by Dayramir González, Zahili Zamora, Yaroldy Abreu, and Oliver Valdés.
International Guests: Artists from over 15 countries, including Aaron Goldberg, Amina Figarova, and the JoGo Project (USA).

The programming moves fluidly between straight-ahead jazz, Afro-Cuban forms, and interdisciplinary collaborations with dance and visual arts.

Key Venues in Havana

If you are navigating the festival on your own, these are the primary hubs:

Teatro Nacional (Sala Avellaneda and Sala Covarrubias)
Jardines Teatro Mella
Teatro Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Pabellón Cuba (often the site of younger, high-energy afternoon sets)
Fabrica de Arte Cubano

The Jazz Plaza Colloquium: More Than Just Concerts

The Coloquio Internacional de Jazz “Leonardo Acosta in Memoriam” remains a core pillar of the festival. This year’s academic program (running concurrently with the music) features:

Masterclasses: Led by visiting international professors and Cuban masters.
Panel Discussions: Focused on jazz history, gender representation in music, and the evolution of the saxophone tradition in Cuba.
Tributes: Celebrating the 50-year career of the legendary group Síntesis.

For educators and serious listeners, these sessions provide the necessary context to understand why Cuban jazz sounds the way it does.

Planning Your Trip to Jazz Plaza 2026

Navigating the official schedule can be a challenge, as venues and times frequently shift. We recommend downloading the program but staying flexible.

Download the full schedule here.

Join Our Musician-Led Tour

At Havana Music Tours, we curate a small-group Havana Jazz Festival Tour designed for those who want deeper access. Our tours are led by professional musicians and include:

Festival Passes with preferred seating.
Private concerts and studio visits with festival performers.
Legal travel for US citizens under the “Support for the Cuban People” category.

The Ultimate Cuba Travel Checklist (Updated January 2026)

January 2, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Checklist, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations, Personal Experiences/by Editorial Team

Son Cubano is UNESCO’s Newest Heritage: Why it’s the Soul of Cuban Music

December 11, 2025/in All posts/by Yami Cabrera

UNESCO has officially inscribed the practice of Cuban Son on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For Cuba, this recognition affirms a truth musicians, families, and communities have carried for generations: Son Cubano is not merely a genre. It is a shared cultural memory and one of the strongest expressions of Cuban identity.

The designation follows the work of Cuba’s Ministry of Culture, the National Council of Cultural Heritage, and the National Committee of Intangible Heritage. They presented the detailed documentation demonstrating how this essential form of Cuban music continues to thrive across the island. UNESCO emphasized its vital intergenerational transmission, its role in community life, and its powerful influence as a cornerstone of Cuban culture.

Why Son Cubano is the Foundation of Cuban Music (And Salsa)

Son Cubano has shaped the evolution of Cuban popular music for more than a century. It blends the poetic structure of the Spanish canción with potent Afro-Cuban rhythm, poetry, and call-and-response singing. The music originated in the eastern region of the island and later spread to Havana, where it helped shape urban music-making and the modern Cuban son style.

Even as foreign genres have come and gone throughout Cuban history, the core of Cuban Son still carries a familiar charge. Its defining syncopation—driven by the interlocking clave rhythm—is a musical code Cubans instantly recognize. That same energy resonates internationally, where listeners respond to the distinctive groove and melodic clarity of this quintessential salsa music ancestor.

Essential Listening: The Unforgettable Songs of Son Cubano

The history of Son Cubano is full of unforgettable pieces. Even naming only a few demonstrates how deeply this tradition is woven into Cuban life:

“Son de la Loma” – Trío Matamoros
“Guajira Guantanamera” – Joseíto Fernández
“Échale Salsita” – Septeto Nacional
“Chan Chan” – Compay Segundo

“Qué Bueno Baila Usted” – Benny Moré
“Por Encima del Nivel” – Juan Formell & Los Van Van
“Y Qué Tú Quieres Que Te Den” – Adalberto Álvarez y su Son
“Me Dicen Cuba” – Alexander Abreu & Havana D’Primera

These songs are more than repertoire. They are emotional anchors and cultural markers that bind generations.

“El son es lo más sublime para el alma divertir”

Ignacio Piñeiro’s famous line, meaning “Son is the most sublime thing to divert the soul,” still captures the feeling this music inspires. The tradition has grown from rural gatherings to international concert halls, and it continues to evolve through new generations of soneros. The tres, the $bongos$ , the $bass$ , the clave, and the poetry remain at the center of Cuban musical expression.

UNESCO’s decision affirms what many already knew. Son is a living cultural force. It is an art form that binds history, community, and creativity.

Experience Son Cubano: Meeting the Music in Cuba Today

On our music-focused tours in Cuba, guests often experience Son Cubano in its most authentic environments:

Home-based rehearsals and neighborhood gatherings.
Conversations with musicians who grew up inside the tradition.
Encounters with rising ensembles, shaping the future of the style.
Festival nights where the roots and contemporary expressions of Cuban son meet.

These direct, personal moments reveal why Son Cubano remains essential to Cuban culture and why UNESCO chose to recognize it. Ready to go beyond the playlist? Experience Cuban Son directly.

The Ultimate Expression: Our VIP Havana Salsa Festival Tour

To witness the full evolution of son into modern Cuban salsa music (or timba), consider our VIP Havana Salsa Festival Tour. This tour integrates the intimate cultural encounters of our general programs with the energy of Cuba’s largest music event.

You’ll not only learn from artists carrying the son tradition forward but also receive exclusive VIP access to the festival, featuring performances by Cuba’s biggest orchestras like Alexander Abreu y Havana D´Primera, Los Van Van, and more.

Explore our educational programs in Cuba or book your VIP Festival experience—your journey into the soul of Cuban sound starts now!

VIP Havana Salsa Festival Tour Details

Jazz Plaza 2026: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Havana

November 13, 2025/in All posts, Music Festivals/by Daniela Materano

Every January, Havana becomes the heart of Latin jazz. The Jazz Plaza Festival 2026, taking place January 25 – February 1, 2026, brings together some of the world’s finest jazz musicians with Cuba’s legendary performers for a packed week of music, culture, and connection. This year marks a major expansion as the Havana Jazz Festival 2026 reaches new cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and, for the first time, Holguín.

For travelers heading to the event, Havana Music Tours has been the trusted guide for years, helping music lovers experience the festival and the people at the heart of Cuba’s jazz scene. In this post, we’ll cover the festival highlights and break down exactly what our guided tour includes.

Festival Highlights: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Cuba

The 2026 edition of Jazz Plaza Festival promises to be the most ambitious yet. With over 70 international artists confirmed from the United States, Brazil, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, the festival showcases the global reach of jazz while celebrating its deep Cuban roots. Top Cuban jazz musicians, including Roberto Fonseca, Ernán López-Nussa, Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera, Frank Fernández, Harold López-Nussa, Jorge Reyes, Dayramir González, Rolando Luna, Rodney Barreto, Oliver Valdés, Alejandro Falcón, Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, will perform alongside international headliners at iconic venues like Teatro Nacional, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Teatro Martí, and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution. Live music in Havana during festival week fills not just theaters but also intimate clubs, outdoor plazas, and neighborhood peñas, creating an atmosphere that pulses with creative energy.

Confirmed Havana Jazz Fest Concerts & Highlights for 2026

While the full schedule is still emerging, the festival has confirmed an incredible list of special concerts in Havana. Here are some of the must-see concerts:

Opening Concert: A special performance by maestro Frank Fernández with music students.
Closing Concert: The festival will close with a performance by the one and only Roberto Fonseca.
“De la Habana a Montreux”: A must-see concert featuring Cuban winners from the Montreux Jazz Festival, including Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, Rolando Luna, Jorge Luis Pacheco, and Harold López-Nussa.
International Headliners: Don’t miss US pianist Aaron Goldberg , a performance by Arturo O’farrill , and the Black Alley Band (USA) and JoGo Project (USA).
Top Cuban Acts: The Casa de la Cultura de Plaza will host superstars like Alain Pérez, Havana D’ Primera, and Issac Delgado.
Dance & Jazz: Showing the festival’s blend of arts, the acclaimed Mal Paso Dance Company will perform.
Special Tributes: The festival will honor several legends, including a tribute to Sosabravo’s 95th Anniversary with the National Symphony Orchestra , a 75th Anniversary celebration for Conjunto Roberto Faz , and a tribute to Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez led by Dayramir González.
Anniversary Celebration: The legendary group Síntesis will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special concert.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and danzón. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution.

What Our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour Includes

Havana Music Tours doesn’t just get you to the festival; we get you right to the heart of it. Our Havana Jazz Plaza Tour (January 26th-February 2nd, 2026) is designed for travelers who want more than a seat at a concert. We focus on an authentic experience, guiding you every step of the way.

Premier Concert Access: We secure VIP and reserved seating at the festival’s premier performances, ensuring you experience the best of Jazz in Cuba without the stress of navigating ticket systems or language barriers.
Guided Cultural Experiences: Beyond the main stage, we take you inside Cuba’s living music culture. Visit legendary venues where Cuban jazz was born, attend intimate jam sessions with local musicians, and explore historical sites that shaped the sounds you’ll hear at the festival.
Boutique Accommodations & Private Transport: Stay in carefully selected accommodations that reflect Havana’s character and charm. Our private transportation means you’ll move comfortably between venues, neighborhoods, and cultural experiences.
Meet the Musicians: A unique part of our tours is the direct access to Cuban jazz musicians and festival performers. Share conversations, ask questions, and gain insights that transform performances from entertainment into understanding.
Expert Local Support: Our team includes local guides, musicians, and cultural liaisons who know Havana’s music scene intimately. They’ll provide insider access, make introductions, and ensure every detail runs smoothly.
Legal Compliance for U.S. Travelers: All our tours operate under full OFAC licensing compliance, so American travelers can participate with complete confidence and peace of mind.

Why Join Havana Music Tours for Jazz Plaza 2026

For over four decades, the Jazz Plaza Festival has been Cuba’s premier platform for jazz excellence. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be particularly exciting, with a world-class lineup of international artists and unmissable local collaborations. As cultural travel to Cuba continues to draw sophisticated travelers seeking authentic artistic experiences, this festival stands apart as a true meeting point of cultures, generations, and musical traditions.

The logistics of traveling to Cuba for the festival can be complex, including venue changes, language barriers, transportation between cities, and understanding the cultural context, all require local knowledge. That’s where we come in. Havana Music Tours handles every detail so you can focus entirely on the music, the people, and the experience. With years of festival experience and deep relationships within Cuba’s music community, we don’t just attend Jazz Plaza, we live it, and we invite you to join us.

Join Us in Havana This January

Spaces for our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour 2026 are limited and filling quickly. This is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s great music festivals with expert guidance, authentic cultural access, and the camaraderie of fellow music lovers.

Book Your Spot on the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour →

Let the music of Cuba move you. We’ll see you in Havana.

Cuba’s New Sound: The Abreu Brothers Take the Stage

September 29, 2025/in All posts, Cuban Culture/by Yami Cabrera

ABC News recently profiled Fabio and Diego Abreu, two teenage musicians from Havana who are already reshaping the landscape of Cuban jazz. For me, their recognition on an international platform is both exciting and deeply personal.

As a colleague of their mother, I’ve watched them grow up, and their talent was obvious from a very early age. At 19 and 17, the brothers bring a technical command and artistic maturity that belie their age. Their success confirms what I and many others in our community have witnessed firsthand: a new generation of Cuban musicians is ready to lead.

A Family Steeped in Music

The Abreu brothers grew up surrounded by music at the highest level. Their mother, my dear colleague Neris Gonzalez, is a Cuban musicologist whose career has been devoted to documenting and teaching the country’s complex traditions. Their father, Yaroldys Abreu, is a well-known percussionist whose résumé includes work with Irakere and Chucho Valdés, names that defined Cuban jazz on the world stage.

That background gave Fabio (drums) and Diego (piano) more than just access to instruments; it also provided them with a shared passion for music. It placed them inside conversations about form, history, rhythm, and interpretation from childhood.

Their playing carries that lineage: an easy fluency with Cuban clave, a sensitivity to harmony shaped by both conservatory study and family rehearsal, and a willingness to treat jazz as a living language rather than a fixed repertoire.

From the Home to the Stage: La Casa Producciones

This commitment to music is also a professional mission. Neris is the founder of La Casa Producciones, an independent cultural project dedicated to promoting authentic Cuban music. More than a record label, it’s a hub for creation and education that organizes workshops, produces historical materials, and curates intimate concerts. For Fabio and Diego, this meant they grew up not just in a musical family, but inside a living cultural workshop.

The importance of a project like this for Cuba’s new generation of musicians is immense. In a landscape often defined by official institutions, La Casa Producciones provides a vital independent space where young artists can connect with masters, collaborate freely, and develop their own voices. It ensures that the future of Cuban music is nurtured by a community that is deeply invested in both its rich history and its constant evolution.

Early Performances and the Shape of Their Sound

When the brothers first began appearing in Havana venues a few years ago, their performances already carried a distinct character. Diego’s piano playing shows a balance between percussive montuno figures and extended jazz voicings, often moving from tightly clustered chords to open, impressionistic textures.

Fabio’s drumming is a masterclass in control and fire; he anchors every piece with a deep understanding of Afro-Cuban tradition but explodes with jazz improvisation, driving the ensemble with complex polyrhythms.

Hearing them together is to listen to a dialogue in motion. Their interplay recalls classic small-ensemble jazz traditions, yet Cuban rhythmic sensibilities always frame it.

It is not unusual to hear them reference danzón cadences or rumba phrasing inside an otherwise straight-ahead jazz setting. This fusion is what makes their music feel both grounded and forward-looking.

A Generation Finding Its Own Space

The ABC News article underscored an important context: the availability of internet access in Cuba since 2018 has allowed younger musicians to study recordings, exchange ideas, and share performances in ways that were once impossible. Coupled with the rise of smaller independent venues, artists like the Abreu brothers are creating scenes outside the old infrastructure.

They are part of a generation comfortable moving between the conservatory and the club, the rehearsal studio and the online livestream. For audiences, this means you can now hear young players drawing equally from John Coltrane, Chucho Valdés, and contemporary New York jazz while still staying rooted in Cuban forms.

Recent Collaborations in Education

On a recent educational tour our organization hosted, I had the immense pleasure of working directly with Fabio and Diego alongside their mother, Neris. Together, they prepared a guided walk through Cuban music history.

Neris offered context on the evolution of styles, and the brothers illustrated these transitions on their instruments, Diego tracing melodic and harmonic shifts on the piano while Fabio demonstrated the evolution of the underlying rhythmic patterns on the drums.

It was not a performance in the conventional sense. It was a class in motion, where history and sound became inseparable. To see this lesson led by a family spanning two generations of expertise was truly remarkable.

Where to Hear the Abreu Brothers

Today, the Abreu brothers are active across Havana. They can often be heard at intimate venues, like Fangio Habana, festivals like the Havana Jazz Festival, and larger cultural spaces. Their sets shift depending on the room: a tight quartet in a jazz club, or collaborations with other young players in multi-artist showcases. For those traveling with us, there are opportunities to attend workshops and live concerts where they and their peers are shaping Havana’s new sound.

Why Their Story Resonates

Having seen their talent from its earliest stages, I find the story of the Abreu brothers especially resonant. They embody the continuity of Cuban music, carrying the discipline of conservatory training, the grounding of a family steeped in tradition, and the curiosity of young artists who refuse to stop at boundaries. Their recognition by ABC News signals what many of us have already seen: that Havana remains a city where new voices rise quickly, and where the future of jazz is being written in real time.

Plan Your Visit

Our programs are designed around educational exchange with musicians like the Abreu brothers. From structured workshops to late-night club sets, we place travelers inside the conversations shaping Cuban music today.

For U.S. guests, these tours operate under OFAC general licenses for Educational Activities and Support for the Cuban People.

See dates and book | Ask a question

Best Time to Visit Havana for Music: A Musician’s Guide to Planning Your Trip

August 8, 2025/in All posts/by Yami Cabrera

Havana is a city where every corner carries a melody. From traditional son and rumba to modern jazz, salsa, and timba, music flows through plazas, clubs, and living rooms. If you are deciding the best time to visit Havana for music, a little planning before you arrive will make your trip even more rewarding.

Time Your Visit for the Music You Want Most

One of the biggest draws for music lovers is the Havana Jazz Festival, held every January. The festival fills theaters, clubs, and open-air plazas with performances from some of Cuba’s most respected musicians alongside international artists. Tickets can be hard to secure, and schedules are often released late, so many travelers choose to arrange their trip through a guided music experience. This way, the logistics, festival access, and local connections are handled, leaving more time to focus on the music.

If your trip falls outside jazz festival week, there’s still an impressive lineup throughout the cooler months from November to April. For many travelers, this is the best time to visit Havana for music, from the Havana Salsa Festival in late February or early March, to ongoing rumba gatherings, intimate jazz events, and other special performances. Even without a major festival, there’s almost always something worth planning your nights around.

Decide on Your Musical Priorities

Havana’s music scene is diverse and spread across neighborhoods. Some travelers plan their days around live jazz clubs, while others seek out traditional music patios, late-night timba shows, or private percussion lessons. Deciding what excites you most will help shape your itinerary and influence where you stay. Vedado offers access to major theaters and arts spaces, while Centro Habana brings you closer to spontaneous street-level performances.

Build Connections Before You Arrive

Some of the most memorable moments happen away from the main stages, at rehearsals, in private homes, or in late-night gatherings that aren’t on any public schedule. These spaces often open up through personal connections. Traveling with someone who knows the musicians and the unlisted venues, like our team at Havana Music Tours, can lead you to experiences that visitors rarely find on their own.

Leave Space for the Unexpected

Schedules in Havana tend to be flexible. A concert might start later than planned, or a band could switch venues with little notice. Leaving some open time allows you to follow tips from locals, stumble upon an unplanned street performance, or accept a spontaneous invitation to a jam session. These unplanned moments often become the highlights of a trip.

Prepare the Practical Details Early

For travelers from the United States, it is important to make sure your trip complies with current travel regulations. Many visitors travel under the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which encourages direct engagement with local communities. Sorting out flights, accommodations, and a general itinerary in advance will keep your focus on enjoying the trip once you are there.

Let the Anticipation Grow

Before your trip, spend time exploring Cuban music. Listen to recordings, watch concert footage, and read about the history behind the styles you’ll hear. By the time you arrive, the songs will already feel familiar, and the connections you make will be deeper.

At Havana Music Tours, we design musician-led experiences that connect you with Havana’s music from the inside. Whether it’s aligning your visit with a major festival or creating a private, year-round itinerary, our goal is to help you experience Cuba’s music in ways that feel genuine, personal, and unforgettable.

Cuba’s Tourism Ban for U.S. Travelers Explained: What It Really Means for Your Travel in 2025

July 1, 2025/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

This article provides the latest information about legal travel to Cuba for U.S. travelers as of July 2025. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and new announcements continue to create questions. We will update this blog as needed and share further information in our Travel Updates & Regulations section, where you can always find the latest news and resources.

There’s been a lot of confusion this week after President Trump released a new Cuba policy update — officially called NSPM-5. Social media and some news outlets have made it sound like traveling to Cuba is suddenly off-limits again for U.S. citizens.

Let’s set the record straight:

You can still legally travel to Cuba as a U.S. traveler. Nothing significant has changed about that.

The Truth About the U.S. Tourism Ban to Cuba — It’s Not New

First, it’s important to understand the terminology. When people say there’s a “tourism ban” to Cuba, they aren’t talking about a total ban on travel — they’re referring to a long-standing U.S. policy that prohibits pure tourism for U.S. travelers.

In fact, the tourism ban has been in place for over 60 years, dating back to the early 1960s. It’s not new. It applies no matter who is in the White House — Republican, Democrat, or otherwise.

But that does not mean U.S. travelers cannot visit Cuba. It simply means you can’t go for a typical beach vacation with no legal reason.

How Legal Travel to Cuba Works for U.S. Travelers

Instead of unrestricted tourism, U.S. travelers visit Cuba under what’s called authorized travel categories, regulated by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These categories ensure your trip has a legal purpose that aligns with U.S. regulations.

There are 12 authorized travel categories, including:

✔️ Educational activities
✔️ Support for the Cuban people
✔️ Professional research and meetings
✔️ Humanitarian projects
✔️ Religious activities

At Havana Music Tours, we specifically operate under the Support for the Cuban People category — one of the most viable and durable options for U.S. travelers. This category encourages meaningful exchanges with Cuban entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and other members of Cuba’s growing private sector.

While Group People-to-People Educational Activities was another popular category for cultural tours like ours, it has historically been more vulnerable to political changes. In fact, during his previous term, President Trump eliminated that category, and President Biden later restored it. With Trump’s recent announcement indicating plans to revoke Biden’s Cuba policies, Group People-to-People travel could be restricted again in the near future.

That’s why we focus on Support for the Cuban People, which remains a legal, stable way to experience Cuba, even as administrations change.

What Did Trump’s New Cuba Policy Actually Change?

On June 30, 2025, the Trump administration released NSPM-5, outlining updated U.S. policy toward Cuba. Understandably, this sparked concern and confusion, especially for U.S. travelers.

So what does it really mean?

The long-standing tourism ban remains, but that’s been in place for decades.
The 12 authorized travel categories, including Support for the Cuban People, are still in place, for now.
But Trump has clearly stated his intention to reverse President Biden’s Cuba travel policies, which could affect certain categories.

This latest policy primarily focuses on tightening sanctions against the Cuban government and military-linked businesses, similar to previous Trump-era measures. It does not eliminate the existing legal pathways for U.S. travelers to visit Cuba under OFAC licenses.

Avoid the Confusion — Travel the Right Way

Unfortunately, misinformation often spreads quickly, especially online. We’ve seen social media posts and commentaries incorrectly claiming:

🚫 “Americans can’t travel to Cuba anymore” — False.
🚫 “The tourism ban means no more Cuba trips” — Misleading.
🚫 “You can just go under the radar” — Risky and illegal.

Here’s the reality: If you attempt to visit Cuba outside of the authorized categories, you could face serious consequences, including frozen bank accounts, steep OFAC fines, and complications with your U.S. legal status if you’re not yet a citizen.

The safest, simplest option? Travel with a reputable organization like Havana Music Tours that ensures your trip is compliant, educational, and fully documented.

How We Ensure Legal, Meaningful Travel to Cuba

Our tours are designed to comply with U.S. regulations while providing unforgettable, authentic cultural experiences. We focus on:

Educational exchanges with Cuban musicians and artists
Supporting private Cuban entrepreneurs and cultural projects
Staying in privately-owned accommodations, not government hotels
Creating real connections that support Cuban civil society

We handle the logistics, documentation, and compliance details — so you can enjoy the music, culture, and beauty of Cuba with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Still Travel to Cuba as a U.S. Citizen

Despite the headlines, Cuba remains open to U.S. travelers — just not for unrestricted tourism. The rules have been in place for decades, and they continue to allow legal, educational, and cultural travel under OFAC guidelines.

At Havana Music Tours, we’ve been guiding travelers through this process for years, ensuring every trip is both legal and impactful.

If you’re curious about how it works or want to join an upcoming music tour, contact us here. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you experience Cuba — the right way.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Travelers are encouraged to consult official U.S. government resources or an attorney regarding Cuba travel regulations.

Yes, U.S. Travelers Can Still go to Cuba in 2025—Here’s What You Need to Know

June 14, 2025/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

This article provides the latest information about legal travel to Cuba for U.S. travelers as of June 2025. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and new announcements continue to create questions. We will update this blog as needed and share further information in our Travel Updates & Regulations section, where you can always find the latest news and resources.

If you’re planning a trip to Cuba or thinking about joining one of our cultural tours, here’s the truth:
YES—U.S. Travelers can still go to Cuba in 2025, legally. The new proclamation signed by President Trump on June 4, 2025, does not ban U.S. citizens or residents from visiting Cuba.

Let’s break it down:

What the New “Travel Ban” Really Is

The June 2025 proclamation is not a ban on American citizens visiting other countries.
It is a ban on certain foreign nationals entering the United States.

Specifically, it suspends entry into the U.S. for citizens of 19 countries, including Cuba, under certain nonimmigrant visa categories (such as B-1/B-2 tourist visas and student visas). It targets foreign nationals from those countries, not Americans.

To be clear:

This new rule does not stop Americans from flying to Cuba.
It does not restrict U.S. airlines or Cuba-bound tours.
It does not affect U.S. passports or Cuba travel categories authorized by the U.S. government.

Americans Can Still Travel to Cuba—Legally

U.S. citizens can still travel to Cuba under one of the 12 approved categories of travel established by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The most popular and practical for independent travelers and small groups is “Support for the Cuban People.”

That’s the license category under which most of our Cuba tours operate.

To comply with the rules, your trip must involve a full-time schedule of meaningful interactions with local Cubans, such as staying in privately owned accommodations (casas particulares), attending performances by independent musicians, dining at local restaurants (paladares), and more. That’s exactly what we do on our tours.

Why Is Cuba on the List—And Why It Still Doesn’t Affect Your Trip

Cuba was included in the recent proclamation along with several other countries, but many experts and travelers view this inclusion as more political than practical. The U.S. continues to label Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism”—a designation that is widely criticized and not reflective of the reality on the ground.

But again, this proclamation is about who is allowed to come into the U.S., not who is allowed to leave the U.S. to travel abroad.

Unless you’re a Cuban citizen applying for a new U.S. tourist or student visa, this policy does not affect you.

What This Means for Your Cuba Trip

If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident:

You can still legally travel to Cuba in 2025
Our tours operate under a “Support for the Cuban People” general license, still valid under U.S. law as of July 2025
You will need a Cuba Tourist Card, which serves as a visa for entry into Cuba
While we don’t issue the Tourist Card ourselves, we’ll guide you through the simple process of getting one—most travelers obtain it easily through the airline or a trusted third-party provider
Your trip remains fully legal and compliant with current U.S. regulations, as long as you engage in meaningful cultural interactions, which is exactly what our tours are built around.

Learn more about Cuba Travel Licenses for Americans here.

Why This Matters—and Why You Should Still Go

Travel to Cuba isn’t just legal—it’s meaningful.

At a time when misinformation and restrictions are increasing, choosing to visit Cuba the right way is a powerful act of connection. It supports local musicians, artists, small business owners, and independent guides—people who rely on cultural exchange and tourism to thrive.

We’ve spent years building close relationships with Cuba’s music community. Our tours offer more than sightseeing. You’ll experience:

Private performances by world-class Cuban musicians
One-on-one exchanges with artists, dancers, and historians
Time in Havana’s jazz clubs, recording studios, and street scenes most tourists never get to see
Authentic, ethical travel that supports real people—not state-run entities

Whether you’re visiting for the legendary Havana Jazz Festival or joining one of our curated music and culture Cuba tours, your trip is part of something bigger: sustaining creativity, sharing culture, and building bridges—one rhythm at a time.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the headlines scare you.

This new proclamation does not stop Americans from going to Cuba. It restricts certain foreign nationals from entering the U.S.—it has nothing to do with your ability to visit Cuba legally.

So if you’ve been dreaming about the music, culture, and rhythm of Cuba, now’s a great time to go, with confidence.

Explore responsibly. Travel legally. Support the Cuban people.

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