Cuban Jazz and Rumba Tour: A Musical Expedition to Cuba featuring Jazz Emprende 2023

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Let’s Set the Scene

Dates: September 13th-17th, 2023, featuring “Jazz Emprende” music event at Fรกbrica de Arte Cubano, Havana, Cuba.

Picture yourself strolling through the sun-kissed roads of Old Havana, sensing the age-old cobblestones under your soles. The melodious salsa rhythms from a nearby window and the vivid hues from the buildings fill your senses with joy. This could become a reality for you in September.

Why Join Us On This Adventure?

It’s Just Us: Intimate and Cozy

Our journey will be more than just a typical tourist experience. By limiting our group to only eight spots, we’ll have the opportunity to create a more intimate and personal journey among friends. We’ll have the chance to make a more intimate and personal journey among friends.

Nightly Jam Sessions

Imagine yourself with a refreshing mojito in hand, swaying to the rhythms of live jazz under the Havana moon at renowned spots like Fangio Habana and La Zorra y el Cuervo.

Culinary Love Affair

During our trip, we plan to dine at some of the best Cuban Paladars. Our list includes El Del Frente, La Tierra, and El Cocinero. These restaurants are known for their unique combination of classic Cuban flavors and modern culinary techniques. We’re thrilled to taste their signature dishes, including ropa vieja, tropical ceviche, family-style black beans and white rice, lechรณn asado, and more, including vegan/vegetarian options.

Step into the Studio: Your Private Concert

Imagine this: you, in a sunlit Old Havana studio, as a Latin-Jazz ensemble treats you to a session that feels like it’s just for you. It’s raw, intimate, and unforgettable.

The Cherry on Top: Jazz Emprende Music Event

This event offers a unique atmosphere that blends the style of a TED talk conference with a jazz lounge. Attendees will have the chance to network with the talented Italian rhythm artist Aldo Mazza and the soulful musician from Parisian jazz, Sebastien Videl. The ambiance is incredibly cool, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in an electrifying yet smooth environment.

The event boasts an impressive lineup of legendary musicians, including Ruly Herrera & Real Project from Cuba, who bring a fresh wave of Cuban jazz with snappy drums and infectious rhythms. Roberto Fonseca, a Cuban pianist, expertly dances his fingers along the piano keys, captivating the audience with mesmerizing tunes. Eme Alfonso, also from Cuba, has a soulful and ethereal voice that is pure magic to the ears. The United States Robert Glasper is a true maestro who effortlessly blends jazz and R&B in a heartfelt embrace. Lastly, Crystal Murray from France has a silky, fresh, and downright hypnotic voice will leave you yearning for more.

musicians line up - jazz emprende 2023 : havana music tours

The Itinerary Outline: Your Perfect 5 Days in Havana

Day 1: Warm Welcomes, Music and Cuban Cocktails

Day 2: Uncover the Secrets of Old Havana and the majesty of Cuban Music during Jazz Emprende Concerts

Day 3: Engage and Get Inspired at Jazz Emprende Events

Day 4: Your Day, Your Way & A Farewell Fiesta

Day 5: One Last Cuban Coffee, then Homeward Bound

Dive into the Full Details Here

The Last Word

Crafted with love by musician’s dreamers, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill vacation. It’s your gateway into the pulsating heart of Cuba.

Ready to swap your routine for some rhythm? Mark those calendars for September 2023. Come make memories with us.

For reservations and more information, visit our website or contact us at email.

What is the Varadero Josone Music Festival: “Rumba, Jazz, Son”

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What You Should Know About the Varadero Josone Music Festival? + Bonus Playlist

Discover the Varadero Josone Music Festival: “Rumba, Jazz, Son,” an epic musical journey that promises to transport you to the heart of Cuban music. Set in the stunning Josone Park, near the pristine beaches of Varadero, this festival guarantees an unforgettable experience. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about this sensational event.

Experiencing the vibrant Cuban music scene firsthand.

This highly anticipated event usually features an impressive lineup of world-class performers, including Alexander Abreu y Havana D’ Primera, Isaac Delgado y su Orquesta, and Alain Pรฉrez y La Orquesta, among others. From soulful melodies to irresistible beats, this festival promises to deliver an unforgettable musical experience showcasing the best of Cuban music, culture, and talent.ย 

A Blend of Musical Genres

Varadero Josone Music Festival showcases the lively pulse of Cuban music, from rumba to jazz and son. One of the most exciting aspects of the Varadero Josone Music Festival is the fusion of sounds that mesmerizes audiences. The festival invites artists worldwide to collaborate with Cuban musicians, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. From the infectious energy of rumba to the improvisational brilliance of jazz and the timeless allure of son, the festival celebrates the universal language of music.

Experience the Beauty and Culture of Cuba

The festival not only presents an opportunity to indulge in music but also provides a chance to submerge oneself in Cuba’s breathtaking splendor and opulent heritage. Varadero’s pristine beaches, adorned with soft, white sand and glistening turquoise waters, create a tropical haven that visitors will undoubtedly find arduous to leave.ย 

What to Expect at Varadero Josone Music Festival 2023

The Third Varadero Josone Music Festival is all set to take place from August 21st to 27th. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a diverse lineup of over 20 invited groups from around the world, including Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, and various provinces in Cuba. The festival’s expansion to the city of Matanzas brings new dimensions to the experience, with performances at the iconic Teatro Sauto, a National Monument.

Prepare to be awed by the diverse range of performances at the upcoming festival. The selection has been thoughtfully chosen to satisfy various preferences. The Varadero Josone Music Festival 2023 is set to be an exultant commemoration of EGREM’s 60th anniversary and Matanzas’ 330-year landmark, providing an opulent and varied cultural affair for all participants. Every attendee can look forward to a truly enriching and engaging experience filled with captivating music and diverse artistic expressions.

Conclusion

The Varadero Josone Music Festival is a must-attend event for music enthusiasts. From the captivating performances of acclaimed Cuban artists to the blend of musical genres, the festival guarantees a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience. So pack your bags and let the Varadero Josone Music Festival transport you to a world of melody, passion, and cultural richness. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event โ€“ book your trip now!

More Tour Information: Varadero Josone Music Festival Tour 2023ย 

Bonus Playlist Varadero Josone Music Festival 2023 – Playlist by Havana Music Tours

To get you in the mood for the Varadero Josone Music Festival, we’ve curated a special playlist featuring some of the best tracks from the festival’s lineup. From classic Cuban rhythms to contemporary jazz fusion, this playlist will give you a taste of the incredible musical journey that awaits you at the festival. So grab your headphones and get ready to groove to the infectious beats of Cuba! Check out the playlist on Havana Music Tours Spotify profile now.

Varadero Josone Music Festival 2023 – Playlist by Havana Music Tours

 

Jazz Up Your Travel Plans: The Ultimate Guide to the Havana Jazz Festival

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Havana Jazz Festival

Are you a jazz enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant Cuban music scene? Look no further than the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival. This annual event brings together some of the world’s most talented jazz musicians for unforgettable performances in the heart of Havana. In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide to the festival, packed with insider tips and must-see attractions to help you make the most of your visit.

The Havana Jazz Festivalย 

The Havana Jazz Festival, also known as the International Jazz Plaza Festival, celebrates Cuban jazz’s rich history and culture. Held annually for over 35 years, the festival features an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary jazz styles and showcases Cuban and international musicians.

But what exactly can you expect from the festival? Here are some additional details to help you plan your trip:

Dates: The Havana Jazz Plaza Festival typically occurs in January, but exact dates can vary yearly. We recommend checking with a Havana Music Tours team member to confirm the dates before booking your travel. More info here!

Venues:ย The festival takes place across various venues in Havana, including theaters, clubs, and outdoor stages. Some popular venues include Teatro Mella, Teatro Nacional de Cuba, and Casa de la Cultura de Plaza. Check the festival schedule for a complete list of venues and performances, usually released one to two weeks before the festival.

Tickets:ย Due to the high demand, getting access to the festival can be challenging if you’re on your own. We recommend booking a curated festival tour with a well-crafted itinerary and concert selection by musicians and musicologists. Havana Music Tours provides an excellent selection of tours and tickets for the festival. For more information, visit havanamusictours.com.

Festival Highlights:ย The festival is packed with diverse performances, workshops, and jam sessions. Some of the festival’s must-see attractions include the national theater concerts, the Late Night Music at Casa de la Cultura, and the rumba shows in Jardines del Mella.

International Jazz Colloquium:ย In addition to the music performances, the festival also hosts an international jazz colloquium where scholars, musicians, and fans can gather to discuss jazz music and its impact on society.

Traveler Tipsย 

Navigating Havana can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help make your trip as smooth as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Accommodations:ย Since the festival takes place at various venues in Havana, it is recommended to stay in the city center (Vedado, Centro Habana, or Habana Vieja) to be closer to the action. Havana has plenty of hotels and guesthouses, but book in advance as the festival is a popular event. Havana Music Tours provides an excellent selection of accommodations. To find out more, email us atย info@havanamusictours.com.

Getting Around: Havana is a bustling city with plenty of transportation options. Taxis and buses are readily available, but you can rent a classic car or bike to explore the city if you’re feeling adventurous. Make sure to check prices first with your local guide or host. You can download an offline map like Maps.me to help you walk around the city.ย 

Other Jazz Spots in Havana: While the Havana Jazz Festival is the main attraction, Havana is home to many other jazz spots worth checking out. Some popular ones include La Zorra y el Cuervo, a well-known jazz club that hosts nightly performances, and Cafรฉ Miramar, a restaurant featuring live jazz music on weekends. Other new venues include Bar H, El Antonia, Fangio Habana, and El Eclรฉctico.

Here are some additional Cuba travel tips to make your trip to the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival even more enjoyable:

  1. Try the local food: Cuba is known for its delicious cuisine, and Havana is no exception. Make sure to try some of the local dishes, such as ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and tostones. Street vendors also sell delicious snacks like churros and empanadas.
  2. Learn some Spanish: While many people in Havana speak English, knowing some Spanish will make your trip much more enjoyable. Not only will it help you communicate with locals, but it will also allow you to immerse yourself fully in the local culture.
  3. Explore Havana: While the festival is a highlight of any trip to Havana, there is so much more to see and do in the city. Take some time to explore Havana’s historic Old Town, visit the famous Malecon seafront, or take a classic car tour of the city.
  4. Bring cash: While some places in Havana might accept credit cards, most don’t. Make sure to bring plenty of cash with you. We encourage you to consult with your local guide or host for more up-to-date information about money and currency exchanges in Cuba.

By following these tips and making the most of your time in Havana, you can fully experience the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival and everything else this vibrant city offers.

In conclusion, the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival is a must-visit event for any jazz lover or music enthusiast. With its talented performers, diverse venues, and lively atmosphere, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for visitors worldwide. By planning your trip in advance, taking advantage of local resources, and immersing yourself in the local culture, you can make the most of your trip to Havana and create memories that will last a lifetime.

More info on our TOUR PAGE:

What to expect from the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival 2023

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By Ismelys Quevedo (Cuban Music Teacher and Business Development Specialist of Havana Music Toursย andย Musical Getaways)ย 

jazz-plaza-official-flyer-2023The 38th edition of the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival will take place next January from the 22nd to the 29th in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The festival will be represented by the free spirit of jazz and visual arts, which is reflected in the event’s promotional poster by famous Cuban artist Arturo Montoto.

This festival edition will be a big celebration with two special tributes. One to its creator and Cuba’s National Music Award Winner 2012, Bobby Carcasses, and the other to the 70th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Award Winner group, Los Muรฑequitos de Matanzas. Members of this last group will join the festival in this celebration offering a special master class to show the wide range of interconnections of jazz music with other music genres.

The Havana Jazz Plaza Festival 2023 edition’s promotional music video by composer and pianist Roberto Fonseca (Art Director of the festival) was recently released with the title “Madre Oshun.” A beautiful song that brings together representative jazz performers such as Yandy Martinez (bass), Dayron Ortiz (electric guitar), Ruly Herrera (drums), Adel Gonzรกlez (Congas), Javier Zalba, and Emir Santa Cruz (saxophones), Roberto Garcia, Thommy Lowry (trumpets), Eduardo Sandoval and Yoandy Argudรญn (trombones), Rodrigo Sosa (quena flute) and the voices of Zule Guerra and Brenda Navarrete (batรก drums). “Madre Oshun” also has the special participation of the saxophonists Cesar Lopez and German Velazco, along with the classical music singer Bรกrbara Llanes.

Among the main venues selected for the 38th edition of the Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana are the Teatro Nacional de Cuba (Sala Avellaneda and Sala Covarrubias), Teatro Amรฉrica, Teatro Martรญ, Sala Tito Junco del Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht, Teatro del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Pabellรณn Cuba, Fรกbrica de Arte Cubano, and the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza. Other activities will be happening on the other side of the island, especially in Santiago de Cuba city. The venues selected for this part of the event are the Iris Jazz Club, Patio de la UNEAC, Teatro Martรญ, Teatro Macubรก, and Plaza Dolores.ย 

Among the well-curated concerts, the Jazz Plaza Festival will also propose other internal events like Primera Lรญnea and the International Colloquium “Leonardo Acosta in Memoriam.” Yes, Primera Lรญnea is back. This music business event, developed to create an interchange between musicians and business people from the global music industry, has brought a lot of success for Cuban musicians. So, the festival organizers are bringing it back in 2023.ย 

On the other hand, the Annual International Colloquium “Leonardo Acosta in Memoriam” will proudly commemorate its XVIII edition. This event, curated by musicologist Nerys Gonzalez Bello, will dedicate part of its workshops, lectures, and professional exchanges to a few important anniversaries, such as: the 90th Birth Anniversary of musicologist Leonardo Acosta, the 85 death anniversary of Chano Pozo, the 45 years of the foundation of CIDMUC (Centro de Investigaciรณn y Desarrollo de la Mรบsica Cubana), the 60 Anniversary of the Original de Manzanillo band, and the 65th anniversary of the pianist and composer Ernรกn Lรณpez Nussa.

At the moment, only a few artists have been confirmed as part of the event’s Line-Up. However, Havana Jazz Plaza Festival is well known for showcasing the best jazz musicians of Cuba and the world. So, we believe that this 2023 edition won’t be different.ย 

Join us on our special annual jazz tour. Together we can enjoy the best music of Havana during Cuba’s famous music festival, the Havana Jazz Plaza. As always, we expect the best from this 38th edition of the festival, and you should too.ย  More info on our tour page, HAVANA JAZZ FESTIVAL TOUR 2023.

Cuba’s International Salsa Festival in Havana – February 2023

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The Cuban Salsa festival in Havana, Cuba is one of those events where you won’t stop dancing for a second. The event brings together the most relevant famous music orchestras from all over the Island. It is an explosion of music and energy never experienced before.

The highlight of this Festival is the salsa music genre, better known in Cuba as “son” or “timba” -one of the most modern and popular variants of Cuban son. Hence, the possibility of enjoying the rhythmic-melodic combinations of contemporary Cuban popular music.

Since the first versions of the Havana Salsa Festival, the presence of Afro-Cuban rhythms, rumba, Salsa, and casino dance in different modalities has been shocking, such as concerts, showcases, conferences, visits to places with relevant musical history, etc.

The Cuban pianist and composer Maykel Blanco plays the primary host of the event, together with his Salsa Mayor orchestra and Cuban cultural institutions such as the Centro Provincial de Espectรกculos y de Carnaval de La Habana (Provincial Center of Shows and Carnival of Havana), and other music businesses like Artex, Paradiso, Musicalia, Clave Cubana, Instituto Cubano of the music.

The festival headquarters is the Club 500 of the Josรฉ Antonio Echeverrรญa de Palmares Recreational Complex, besieged in the heart of one of the most central and popular neighborhoods in Havana, Vedado. The space includes a large stage with an extensive area conducive to enjoying good music and dancing with your friends.

Every year, the famous Cuban Salsa festival welcomes important Cuban groups such as Pupy y los que Son Son, Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son, Alexander Abreu y Havana DยดPrimera, and the legendary Los Van Van orchestra. In addition to national artists, the Salsa Festival has had the presence of international musicians such as the Puerto Rican salsero Victor Manuelle.

For 2022, Festival de la Salsa organizers presented another tight Line-Up, including the famous Cuban orchestras mentioned before. Let’s check it out!

2023 Tour Dates are February 21st-March 1st, 2023

 

Check our special Cuban Salsa Festival playlist if you want to get in tune with our Cuban Salsa Festival Tour.

Afro-Cuban Jazz: A Powerfull Blend of Rhythms & History

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Letโ€˜s admit it, we all love music.ย And with so many different genres, sub-genres, techniques, sounds,ย and historicalย aspects, sometimes it can seem like a vast ocean, almost endless. But when it comes to Cuba, and discovering its culture, one particular style stands out as a staple of Cuban rhythm of life, heritage,ย and historyย –ย the soul-movingย Afro-Cuban Jazz.ย Acknowledging the intriguing and complicated development of such music genres like Afro-Cubanย jazz might not be easy, but if youโ€˜re a music fan and want to explore Afro-Cubanย jazz without hassle, then let this article create you a composition ofย easyย history notes that you will certainly love exploring!

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It All Starts With Deep Roots of History

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Untilย theย mid-20th century, clave-base Afro Cuban Jazz didnโ€˜t appear, but that doesnโ€˜t neglect the fact that Cuban presence and influence was there, from the very moments of the birth of jazz music.ย 

African-American musicย started to includeย Afro-Cubanย musical motifsย extensivelyย in the 19th century when theย habaneraย gained international popularity.ย 

The habaneraย itselfย was the first–ever music to be writtenย thatย was rhythm-based on the African motifs whichย areย often described as the tresillo and the backbeat combination.

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An Important Interaction With American Music

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Duringย theย first decadesย ofย the Afro-Cuban jazz movementย was muchย stronger in the United Statesย compared toย Cuba.

The interaction and connection betweenย theย US and Cubaย isfascinating when it came to jazz music.ย The early jazz bands ofย New Orleans jazzย incorporated habaneras as well, and eventually the habanera became a staple of jazz music in the 20th century.

Musicians from Havana and New Orleansย traveledย between both cities to perform,ย whileย Latin American melodies and dance rhythmsย spread throughย the United States,ย andย theย sound wavesย of American jazzย made theirsย towardsย the Caribbean and Central andย South America.

Both trading, interacting, blending, and cherishing music, making jazz evolve strongly.

Formation of Cuban Jazz Bands

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Jazz bands in Cuba started forming as early as 1920.ย 

These bands oftenย showcasedย versatility in their repertoires, by jamming both North American jazz and Cuban pop music.ย But even with this diversity in their lively music, the sounds that molded Afro-Cuban rhythms, pop musicย and jazz together,ย wasnโ€˜t enough to make their presence strong in Cubaย for decades to come.

Leonardo Acosta once said,ย “Afro-Cuban jazz developed simultaneously in New York and Havana, with the difference that in Cuba it was a silent and almost natural process, practically imperceptible.โ€œ

But that only was until Grammy Award-winning Cuban bandย Irakereย was born and sparked aย new era in Cuban jazzย thatย is still present to this day.

Irakere made historicย innovations not only in Afro-Cuban jazz but Cuban popular dance music as well, as the band made a very wide array of percussion instruments create magic. Those instruments included maracas, claves, cencerros, tumbadoras, abuaka, arara drums and many more!

Afro-Cuban Jazz Blends It All Up

ย 

Afro-Cuban jazz is sometimes known as Latin jazz, but thatโ€˜s mostly because Afro-Cuban jazz is the earliest form of the Latin jazz genre.ย 

It is aย style ofย musicย that blendsย and encompasses many components to craft that soulful jazz sound. From Cuban and Spanish Caribbeanย rhythms and percussion instruments to jazz harmonies, improvisations alongsideย European and African musical elementsย as well.ย 

Afterย everything that was made and played,ย Afro-Cuban jazzย truly emerged in the early 1940s when Cubanย musiciansย Mario Bauzรกย andย Frank Grilloย more known by his iconic name“Machito”ย formed a band calledย Afro-Cubansย in New York City.ย 

Machito’s musicย not only refined Afro-Cuban jazzย but alsoย had a tremendousย effect on the lives of many musicians who played in the Afro-Cubans over the years, and on those whoย fell in love with the rhythms ofย Latin jazz because ofย his music.

An intersection inย East Harlemย is named “Machito Square” in his honor.

 

If you would like to see the best Latin and Afro-Cuban Jazz, join us on our Cuban Jazz and Rumba Tour featuring Havana Jazz Plaza (Cuba’s annual Jazz Festival)

Havana Jazz Plaza, the Annual Jazz Fest in Cuba.

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Cuba Music Festival

Byย Chaz Chambers(Musician, Tour Guide Leader, and Director ofย Havana Music Toursย andย Musical Getaways)

Havana Jazz Plaza is one of the biggest music festivals in Cuba all year. It usually happens around December or January. For 2020 it will be happening January 14th-20th. Some of the most famous artists from Cuba and around the world come to perform for an international audience each year. Almost every theater and music venue in Havana will have an interactive schedule of music events, public performances, clinics, and workshops.

havana music tours jazz plaza festival picture at teatro nacional

In the past we have seen such artists as Chucho Valdes, Alain Pรฉrez, Interactivo, Daymรฉ, Los Van Van, Hector Quintana, Muรฑequitos de Matanzas, Pedrito Martinez, Cimafunk, Ruy Lรณpez Nussa, Dave Weckl, Horacio Hernรกndez (El Negro), Habana de Primera, Rumbatรก, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and much more!

The Havana Jazz Plaza is not just Jazz, but the foundation and history is Jazz. Cuba and its musicians are very much influenced by jazz, Latin jazz, and world music. This music festival is a great example of a modern-day fusion. Usually, you can find many artists that you want to see each day and sometimes it seems there are too many options!

live latin jazz in havana cuba

Live Jazz at La Zorra y El Cuervo

The Havana Jazz Festival is organized in multiple venues all over the city and has a schedule each day full of music. Some of the best venues in Havana are available to host each concert. Venues such as Fabrica de Arte Cubano, Teatro Mella, Teatro Karl Marx, Teatro Nacional, La Zorra y El Cuervo, Bar Elegante at Hotel Riviera, Jazz Cafรฉ, Casa de la Cultura, Teatro America, Cafe Teatro Bertolt Brecht, and more!

No matter if you are a fan of Latin jazz, rumba, son, or even jazz fusion, this is the festival for you. If you have never been to Cuba before and want to see the music, this is the best music event to catch many amazing artists within one week.

a picture of chucho valdez playing at havana jazz plaza

American travelers can visit Cuba with Havana Music Tours under a license for Support for the Cuban people and Public Performances, Workshops, and Clinics. Despite further regulations from the US Government it is still possible to travel legally to Cuba. Music travel to Cuba has never been easier. When you are ready, you can book your VIP Jazz Plaza pass and festival tour here.