MUSIC-LOS VAN VAN/USA Iconic Cuban group, Los Van Van, kick off their first U.S. tour after rapprochement

Record ID: 144646

  • Title: MUSIC-LOS VAN VAN/USA Iconic Cuban group, Los Van Van, kick off their first U.S. tour after rapprochement
  • Date: 8th August 2015
  • Summary: WIDE OF STAGE WITH AUDIENCE IN FOREGROUND PAN OF AUDIENCE DANCING
  • Embargoed: 23rd August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA86M1K8RROHFYD7KUBOJMC3YYU
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: One of Cuba's greatest exports, its music, reached the United States this summer as the iconic salsa band Los Van Van performed in Washington, D.C. on Friday (August 7), kicking off their first U.S. tour after the two countries began the process of normalizing full relations.
    The band will perform its unique Caribbean beat to Washington, D.C., for the first time in over 50 years since the two countries opened embassies in each others' capitals.
    Singer Lele said the artists believe that the current political climate between Washington and Havana will increase opportunities for Cubans, particularly those still living on the island.
    "So the ones who will win are Cubans who will have more options. The Cubans on the island feel the changes, maybe not all the ones we would want but since we're not politicians, we're not in the know about how quickly changes can happen, whether they can move quickly or slowly, but you can see the changes. Those of us who live in Cuba can see the changes but I'll tell you what, you can see the changes outside of Cuba. (musicians nod) You see the changes in Miami also. That's clear to see. (YENI SAYS:) We're very happy about that. (LELE SAYS:) Yes, we're very happy about that, that's the truth."
    Winners of the 2000 Grammy Award in the salsa category, the 45-year-old band is known for its timba, its strong percussive roots and its multi-layered instrumentation.
    Singers Mandy and Yeni said the art transcends the current political climate to touch the hearts of fans.
    "In 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years, by then I think there would no longer be an issue of the system. Culturally, Van Van is a style, just like we've been up to now, whether the relations were good, mediocre, whatever, we're not chained to politics. (Yeni, off-camera:) Not at all. For 45 years, Van Van has been in one place: in the heart of the dancer, in peoples' hearts," they said.
    Fans at the historic Howard theater came to dance and enjoy the breezy evening.
    "First of all, I'm from Cali, and when the Van Van came to Cali, they took over really fiercely so we have really accepted Cuban music. We love it. We love timba. You go to Cali and it's timba, timba, timba so tonight's going to be a great night," said Colombian Andres Flores.
    Some, like this man, were musicians who admired the group's great skill.
    "I love these guys. I've been watching videos of theirs and music of theirs for 15 years and I love their stuff. I play salsa and I'm really happy to be here," he said.
    Cuban-American Ernesto Cabo said he hoped this tour would be just the start of greater cultural exchange between the two countries.
    "This is an iconic orchestra in Cuban culture. I hope many more groups will come and Cuban culture begins to come in, especially the good musicians. I"m sure it's going to be well accepted here by all the audiences," he said.
    This is the first U.S. tour by the group after the death of founder and bassist Juan Formell, whose son Samuel, the drummer, currently leads the band.
    The group will continue their tour with performances in New York, Denver, California and Miami.
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