Lunes, diez y seis, Febrero

Lunes, diez y seis, Febrero

Today is a bright and sunny one with birds chirping out the window as I write this stuff at noon time. Busy weekend with Havana Jazz again on Sabado at Teatro Roldan where we heard two outstanding performances by Cuban musicians, one being a pianist whose name I do not have now but will add later after I get the 411 from Alan. The other was the Habana Sax Quartet – baritone, alto, tenor and soprano/alto, and drummer. How many times can I write about having one of the greatest musical experiences ever…this was another on. The virtuosity on the saxes was incredible!!!! And then the arrangements of Summertime, Caravan and another Cuban song…tight, smooth, challenging, well executed and soooooo musical. Now add the fact that these cats also danced rumba and other steps while playing and they also kept clave. The drummer was in the pocket all the way. From sweet to ferocious, they are the real thing. Hope to get ot hear them again before we leave. Got seis semanas so should be possible.

Domingo, we went to la playa about 20 minutes out of Havana courtesy of Arianna Hall of Cuba-Nola who had a bus that took us out and dropped us off. She has brought a group here from USA for Jazz Festival. Nice beach, with beautiful views. Sunny too. Water a little chilly but once I was in, great. Stayed about tres horas, got some sun and then back. We ( Alan, Hector and I) changed and then went to dinner in the Chinese section of Habana for dinner again with Arianna…and she paid. Alan is on the board of Cuba NOLA so his friend Hector and I were also invited. Interesting section of Habana I had not seen, On the back side of the Capitol building. After the meal, we had to walk to the capitol to get a taxi back and it was interesting seeing kids play soccer and baseball on the grounds and steps of the capitol. Won’t see that in Beacon Hill or Frankfort, KY where I am from.

Later last night, hooked up with Cheryl and Tarah via skype which is always nice. Let me know how much I miss home – like I needed a reminder. Great to “see” Cheryl as Tarah has a Mac with a camera.

Today, Lunes, have afternoon meeting with UNEAC and some NU folks who are in town trying to establish more possibilities with Cuba. Then probably dinner tonight with same group. Begin teaching tomorrow…can’t wait.

Got to study for my espanol class this afternoon...struggling with it but have not thrown in the towel.

Oh yeah, I hope to do a solo sax concert for Casa the week Cheryl is here. More to come on that.

Paz, Big D