Havana Annual International Jazz Festival
Jazz aficionados from Cuba and other international locations visit Havana for the annual Jazz festival that has become a big part of Cuba’s musical tradition. The annual jazz festival has been a mainstay on the Cuban musiccircuit for more than two decades now, and is a great way for musicians and jazz lovers alike to celebrate their love of jazz.
Cuban music really has its own style and tempo and this is reflected in Cuban jazz, with a definite unique style of its own. At the event itself last year apart from the music, the local foods and foremost, the local people, made it really quite a trip and one which I hope to do again soon.
Taking place over a 5 day period, the festival features concerts, jam sessions and workshops by some of the best jazz experts in the country. The festival also features photo exhibitions and allows musicians and tourists the chance to interact with the local talent. Locations for the event include the: Hotel Rivera, Casa de la Cultura Plaza, Teatro Nacional de Cuba, Teatro Amadeo Roldán and the Teatro Karl Marx - just some of the venues which play host to the Havana jazz festival. However, it is important tonote that some of the best music is usually made at impromptu jam sessions all overdowntown Havana.
Cuban and five-time Grammy winner Chucho Valdes is the main organiser of the festival. Some of the artists that have been a part of the festival in the past include Ivan Lins, Charlie Haden, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove, Richie Cole, Michel Legrand, Steve Coleman, Max Roach, Leon Thomas, Carmen McRae, Tete Montoliu, Tania María, Airto Moreira and Dave Valentin.
As a lead up to the main events, young musicians take part in the Jo Jazz or Young Jazz music competition. The grand finale, which is when the five day extravaganza culminates, sees Chucho Valdes perform alongside well-known and emerging talent at the festival.
- Date: December annually - sometimes February. The latest date we have (but which we need to verify is) the 14th to the 22nd December 2015.
- Location: Various locations in Habana.
International jazz event
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