PlazaCUBA - Music, Dance and Culture

Stay tuned for our upcoming ticket giveaway!! 🎊

SFJAZZ presents a once in a lifetime concert featuring two of most influential figures in Afro-Cuban jazz, virtuoso pianist Chucho Valdés and trumpet icon Arturo Sandoval with special guest Afro-Cuban superstar Cimafunk on February 22nd at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland reuniting as part of Irakere 50, the latest iteration of the legendary band that changed the course of Latin music in the 1970s and 80s and launched both of their stellar careers.

Discovered and introduced internationally by Dizzy Gillespie, the band’s unprecedented synthesis of folkloric Afro-Cuban rhythms, sacred drums, rock, funk, R&B, and jazz opened vast new frontiers, and helped pave the way for the pervasively popular dance music known as timba.

Don’t miss out - this is a once-in-a-lifetime concert event!

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/chucho-valdes-irakere-50/

We are only a couple of days away from our Havana Jazz Festival Tour, and we couldn't be more excited! 🎶🌟 It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for our travelers! 🎺💃🏽🇨🇺

Thanks to Rick Swig for these wonderful Jazz Plaza photos.

President Joe Biden notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House announced, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island.

The Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday said that the government informed Pope Francis it will release 553 people who had been convicted of different crimes. It said that they will be gradually released, as the authorities analyze the legal and humanitarian ways to make it happen.

The Cuban government is conscious that the incoming government in the U.S. could reverse the decision, but that it will remain “ready to develop a respectful relation with that country, based on dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries, despite the differences.”

Biden moves to lift state sponsor of terrorism designation for Cuba, part of deal to free prisoners President Joe Biden has notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House announced, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island.

Keep your eyes out for ticket giveaways coming soon! This will be a fantastic show, February 22 at Paramount Theatre in Oakland!

Tickets: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/chucho-valdes-irakere-50/

SFJAZZ Chucho Valdés Oficial Cimafunk

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2025! We hope your year is filled with dance, music, inspiration and travel.

Photo at Tropicana nightclub by Rick Swig.

Bay Area! Check out this event tomorrow with some of our favorite Bay Area teachers!

SCHEDULE:

11am - 12pm
Folkloric fusion dance technique class with Denmis Savigne

12:15pm - 1:15pm
Song and percussion class with Yoel Mulen

1:20pm - 2:20pm
Vodú and Gagá dance class with Royland Lobato

2:20pm - 3:15pm
Break

3:15pm
Orú Igbodú Performance (oro seco) with:
Iyá and vocal - Roberto Borrel
Itotelé and vocal - Jesus Diaz
Okonkolo and Akpon - Yoel Mulen
Dance - Pablito Dinamico

4pm
Bembé ceremony
Open to everyone who wants to dance, sing, and play!

5pm - 6:30pm
Social network dancing

PRICING:
Advance Purchase (by 12/14):

$20 per class
$45 full package (dance and song & drum classes)

Pay with Venmo () or Zelle (713 499 9564). Please include your name and the class(es) you are paying for.

Pay at the Door:
$25 per dance class
$30 for the song & percussion class
$55 for the full package

Note:No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

For any questions, please contact [email protected]

We're looking forward to our upcoming Havana Jazz Festival Tour in January - there are so many fantastic artists and shows in the festival every year!

Photos: Rick Swig