On this route you will delve into the rhythms of Cuban music, from the most traditional such as son and rumba, to the most alternative and underground, by the hand of a young Cuban guide and musician to learn about the history, culture and Cuban identity throughout time.
In a country loaded with multicultural traditions, you will move to the beat of catchy rhythms, letting yourself be carried away by the charms of the mixture of African, Spanish and North American cultures. Infected with that passion that Cubans feel for music, you will visit established spaces within the music scene such as museums, academies, studios and other areas where the most current Cuban music is produced.
The capital of all Cubans has become over the centuries a plural city, where the cultural and artistic component defines it in every corner.
Cuba is pleasantly known for the quality of its musicians. The son and the rumba, for example, can be enjoyed in the House of the Rumba, or in the hamel alley, where Cuban dancers practice to the beat of the batá drums. When you think of Cuba, a fun culture of sociable and dancing people usually comes to mind. Because dance is something that characterizes the Cuban, its flavor and its more traditional rhythms have transcended borders.
Those looking to dance salsa and enjoy the rhythm of the son will find in La Benny More's Tavern one of the classic places to dance son montuno. The place is especially dedicated to the famous Cuban musician Benny More and there are musical groups and dancers who liven up the atmosphere. Classical ballet lovers can find in the Great Theater of Havana an excellent opportunity in the ballet performances that are periodically exhibited; but it is the International Ballet Festival of Havana "Alicia Alonso", the most important event dedicated to ballet in Cuba.
We will start our musical route through the National Museum of Music, which houses the history of this artistic manifestation on the island from the 16th century to the 20th century. We will get to know its collections, where folk musical instruments, rare instruments, scores of fundamental pieces of the country, musical machines and works of art are treasured. Its funds range from the prehistory of Cuban musical development, with relevant samples of African cultures that influenced the formation of the nationality and the Creole idiosyncrasy. There we will be able to appreciate from music boxes, old phonographs, African drums, to numerous cassettes and metallic and pasta records. /p>
Then we will go to the Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory, where we will have the opportunity to get to know one of the music academies in Cuba, which has marked an indelible milestone in the course of a full century in the teaching of music and in the musical practice of composers, performers, music theorists and educators. In the Conservatory we will know from the inside the particularities of the teaching of music in Cuba, we will be able to talk with several of its teachers and students and participate in a class.
Next, we will enjoy a rehearsal by a group of young Cuban musicians in a private musical studio, who promote innovative and risky sounds within the music produced on the island, fusing rhythms, instruments and working with passion and dedication. During this rehearsal, we will not only be able to enjoy the sounds and dialogue with the musicians? It is also necessary to move the body!
Later it will be the ideal moment to enjoy a coffee or cocktail in El Yellow Submarine, just across John Lennon park. After visiting the statue dedicated to the most popular musician of the Beatles, we will enter this ?submarine? habanero to delight us visually and sonically in a space recreated to pay homage to the English band, which was as popular as it was controversial in Cuba. There we will be able to listen live to the best of the music of the 60's in an environment that recreates through design, lighting and setting the splendor era of The Beatles. Another important aspect is that the Club is located in the basement of a building, which can be sensorially associated with a submarine.
During the tour, do not miss to visit:
hamel alley, where every Sunday the rumba afternoon is celebrated and we can dance to the beat of Afro-Cuban rhythms.
El Gran Palenque Cultural Center, where the National Folkloric Ensemble performs every Saturday, with an exciting demonstration of Afro-Cuban rhythms and dances.
Jazz Club the Fox and the Crow, in which every night the most underground jazz players of the Cuban contemporary scene perform.
Cuban Art Factory, a multicultural space where good music, recorded or live, is the main ingredient.
Miramar House of Music, inaugurated with a concert by the famous pianist Chucho Valdés, in 1994, exhibits a billboard that includes the best salsa orchestras performing live.
The House of the Green Light Bulb, a charming bar where you can breathe a bohemian atmosphere and where you can enjoy Cuban trova live.
© Frederick Reiners
The Havana Delirium It is the ideal space for romantics of son and bolero. Every night musicians appear to interpret songs of this genre.
For lunch we will stop at a “paladar” where you can taste excellent traditional Cuban fusion food.
We recommend:
The City Tours are an EXTERNAL SERVICE recommended by CubaUnique and hired by the client at destination.
