Jazz Plaza 2008 Fest in Cuba

[Lois Gilbert]

Jazz Plaza 2008 Fest in Cuba

Guantánamo, Feb 18 (Solvision) Cuban musician Chucho Valdez, Spanish pianist Javier Colina and Argentinean guitarist Luis Salinas opened in Havana the Jazz Plaza 2008 Festival, with the attendance of guests from 14 countries.

The Havana's Mella Theater will be the starting point of three days for concerts, jazz jam sessions, homage and an international colloquium, with representatives from Latin America, Europe and Africa.

About 25 groups and figures are expected to liven up the festival, among them Brazilian Tania Maria, Spanish Martirio, Swiss Ann Kristin Italian Gaspare di Lieto, US Kash Killion South African Bheki Khoza Hedmark, as well as Mexican group Jazz Tunkul, Ecuadorian band Rarefaccion,.

Chucho Valdez said at a news conference that the festival will be a considerable occasion to join musicians from different generations and styles, as well as popular orchestras of the island.

One of the most emotional moments will be a homage to recently deceased Cuban percussionist Tata Guines, who Valdes termed as "the largest symbol in recent times of percussion."

The jazz festival's agenda includes 31 concerts in this capital and one at the beach resort of Varadero, as well as a meeting with experts from five countries to debate contemporary jazz music, trends, fusion and African-American inheritances.

Founded in 1981, the Jazz Plaza Festival is one of the most prestigious musical gatherings of the country, and has included the presence of artists like British Ronnie Scott, Brazilian Ivan Lins and French Michel Legrand.

[Pete C]

Spanish pianist Javier Colina

Javier Colina is a bassist.