Music

Music

Immortal Compay Segundo

By Nubia Piqueras Grosso / Photos by Vladimir Molina

Close to the sea, in Havana's lush Miramar district, stands Alto Cedro Villa, a house that seems frozen in time, and that inspires peace, positive energy, tranquility and joy in all of its visitors. It is home to countless stories and the personal artifacts of the celebrated Cuban trova guitarist, singer and composer Máximo Francisco Repilado Muñoz (1907-2003), a.k.a. Compay Segundo.

10 Years of Jazz in Riviera Maya

From November 22 to 24 of this year, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. This impressive event has become the flagship of its kind in Mexico, and is now recognized as one of the ten best Jazz Festivals in the world.

Laritza Bacallao: Born to Sing

By: Mercy Ramos / Photos by: Alejandro Pérez

For those who still don't know her, Laritza Bacallao is one of the many promising young Cuban singers, not only for her beautiful and marvelous voice, but also because its range allows her to perform a diverse selection of music genres such as son and guaracha, the chachacha and boleros, ballads and even modern reggaeton. Born in Havana, Cuba, this young brunette with expressive eyes and a rhythmic walk began her career over three decades ago, when she was only five years old.

Cancún Country Festival

This summer, Oasis hotels will be hosting a Country Music Festival at Oasis Cancun at the Oasis Arena located near the Pyramid Building at Grand Oasis Cancun & Oasis Cancun. Cancun is situated on the south—east coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula. Warm white powdery sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters together with the famous Mexican hospitality make this a place like no other. The objective of the festival is to position the Quintana Roo as a vacation destination with an entertainment option directed specifically to the North American market.

Daniel Martin: Music is My Life, My Love, My Wife.

By: Mercedes Ramos / Photos by José Tito Meriño

Young singer Daniel Martin is extremely proud of being a Cuban and every time he steps on a stage he feels great satisfaction. With each of his performances he spreads the music of his beloved island.

Cubadisco 2015 The Islands Discography Festival

Photos: Courtesy Cubadisco

The 19th International Cubadisco Festival, which will take place from May 15 to 24, will welcome Russia as the Guest of Honor, and among the personalities and institutions that will receive honorary awards will be Moscow´s Tchaikovski Conservatory.

Niuver, Music in the Soul

By: Mercedes Ramos, Photos Courtesy of Yuri Lenquette and Sean Andrade

Niuver is a Cuban singer, born in Bolondrón, a small town in the province of Matanzas. She has taken Cuban music to many stages across the world, which fills her with pride. Niuver affirms that she is Cuban to the core and will continue to be her entire life.

Rockin Cubans Know More than Salsa Rhythms

By: Charly Morales, Photos: Manuel Muñoa

It goes without saying that Cubans know music, yet this public, appreciative of fine symphony, enchanting tango and classic rock music, may be sterotyped as being followers of only rumba and salsa dancing. If any doubt about the matter remains, questions should be directed to the U.S. rock band The Dead Daisies. Indeed, this super-group saw first-handthat not only do Cubans really rock, but also enjoy singing along to many of the classics of a genre theoretically far from tropical tastes. The band´s concerts at Havana´s Maxim Rock Theater and La Tropical demonstrated that Cubans do appreciate genres like blues and heavy metal.

We are Buena Fe

By Alexander Machado Tineo / Photos by Gabriel Dávalos

Armong the latest generation of bands from the Nueva Trova, a movement mainly promoting ballads, there is a pair of youngsters, outstanding not only for their musical arrangements and lyrics but also for their massive following who learn their songs by heart and anxiously await new releases.

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

By: José Dos Santos / Photos By Prensa Latina

Tears of emotion, spontaneous laughter, admiration without any kind of boundaries, enjoyment of Cuban popular dances, exchanges at all artistic levels, delivery of collective virtuosity and teaching how to make jazz a universal message.

Raúl Paz, Music is my freedom

Pedro Quiroga Photos:José (tito) Meriño

Raúl's peace (Paz) is not only in his last name; but the self-assurance and serenity evident in his dialogues show him to be a self-confident and determined person.

Michel Herrera, Jazz is a Life Style

By: Anelí Ruiz García Photos: Courtesy of Michel Herrera

His passion for jazz is contagious. He learned to play the saxophone to please his mother and he grew up listening to jazz music at home. Time has passed since then, yet Michel Herrera continues to live jazz music intensely.

The Belle of the Ball

With the winds of change blowing in terms of Cuba/U.S. relations, Havana is once again poised to become the focus of international attention. Those who long ago visited this cultural mecca will surely return to the vibrant city while still in its purest form, and sparks will fly as hundreds of millions acquaint themselves with Cuba’s leading lady and embark on new love affairs.

Ivette Cepeda, singing is a gift

By: Mercy Ramos, Photos: by Jose (Tito) Meriño, Alejandro Palmarola, Abel Machado and Mark

When Ivette Cepeda decided three decades ago to become a teacher because she loved teaching and her country needed teachers at the time, she never thought her passion for singing would, years later, make her one of Cuba’s most admired singers.

A Breath of Fresh Air for the Cuban Music Scene

By Nancy Lescaille Photos by Ronin Novoa Wong

Only nine months from its creation, the musical group SMS conquered the applause and excitement of approximately 6,000 spectators who enjoyed their performances at the famous Lucas Awards Show.