Culture

A photo exposition titled Maestros of Jazz by Caspari de Geus, a Dutch photographer, is being shown through March 1 in Old Havana. Black and white images, the majority taken in the 1990s, assault the viewer.

In his book The Solitare Mystery Gaarder maintains that all people are born full of questions and as they grow up they forget this eagerness to discover mysteries, although the curiosity still lives inside them. Gaarder’s most read book, Sophie’s World, has a widely sold Cuban edition.
—“We shouldn’t do what we don’t want others to do to us. It’s time to begin to regulate not only human rights but also human duties,” said Gaarder.

There’s a special place dedicated to children where Chilean Nobel Literature Prize Laureate Gabriela Mistral is remembered, as is her fantasy of weaving a circle on the seashore where all children clasp hands.
—The Book Fair continues in Havana through Sunday February 22.

Rolando Luna’s hands put all his feelings on to the piano, which for nearly two hours would receive the caresses of some of the talented musicians sharing the stage at Jazz Plaza 2009. Roberto Fonseca made use of all of his virtues; as always playing the piano not only with his hands but with his entire body and voice.
—Those of us who were at Havana’s Amadeo Roldan Theater the night of Friday the 13th were treated to a journey to paradise, the paradise of music.

The annual International Book Fair is an event that brings out people of all ages, more people than any other event throughout the year. Its main venue is the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress with a breathtaking view overlooking Havana Bay. This year’s fair opened to the public on Friday and continues at its main venue through February 22, before moving on to the 14 different Cuban provinces.

Chucho Valdes’ opening night concert of Jazz Plaza 2009 was a sell out. By the time his new band Akokan Ire began to play a couple hundred more lucky people were able to get into the Mella Theater to fill the aisles. The important thing was being there even if it was standing room only or sitting on the floor.

The 25th edition Havana Jazz Plaza Festival opens at numerous Havana venues on Thursday February 12. Festival organizer pianist Chucho Valdes and his guests headline the opening gala. Havana Times will be bringing our readers on the scene coverage of the Festival with lots of photos.

One attribute of the festival is the fresh ideas the young filmmakers bring to the screen. While many are influenced by the old styles, others tend to be very revolutionary. Many of the films offer a window onto the perceptions and concerns of young people in Cuba.
—The eighth edition of the New Filmmaker’s Showing takes place in Havana from February 24 to March 1.

The peña is always relaxed, and the band interacts with the audience and those who come to play without having to be invited. The majority of the public are musicians and friends that know that with Gala Mayor they will be assured a pleasant late afternoon and early evening.