On monday, Dec 5, we had our busiest day yet. Still in Matanzas. In the morning, we went to the Casa de Cultura to see a Bata drum ceremony with Orisha dancers, Elegua, Yemaya, and Oshun. We were so excited because it was familiar and we were even able to sing along to some of the music due to our concert. They then taught us to dance the Cuban rumba and Joe Knight won an award for best dancer. Several other people in the choir also won awards. We felt a great connection with these folks. Kent then did a workshop with some upper elementary school children, and taught them two songs and they seemed to really enjoy it. Some people went to an optional event at an artists studio regarding censorship of art. There were ... read more

We went to the museum of the revolution and museum of Cuban art today. Fabulous guide! Some people came back to the hotel to cool off in the pool. Then we had a secret rehearsal in Martha Cohen's room. Still in the mourning period so we had to be very quiet. 43 people in a hotel room, imagine! But it went well. We'll be in Matanzas on sunday and need to get ready to sing! Afterwards we had a Charla from Dr. Mario Arrastia Avila, a professor here in Havana who spoke to us about environmental issues and sustainability from a Cuban perspective. Several of us continued the conversation over dinner. ... read more

This morning at the hotel, we had a very interesting lecture from Dr. Jorge Mario Sánchez, a professor of political science and economics at the university of Havana. He used political cartoons as a vehicle to explain his perspective on the history of US / Cuban relations. He explained rhat much of the new opening with Cuba, fostered by Obama, took place under executive authority and creative interpretation of various statutes. Of course much of this could be reversed by the new administration, although American companies have begun to invest in Cuba and there may be pressure from business not to turn back. He talked about how important it is, from the Cuban vantage point, to take these changes slowly and protect their society from commercialization. He notes that even with the new opening of travel, ... read more

We made it to Miami after an overnight flight. The main group is already headed to Havana, but I'm taking a slightly later flight. I'm reflecting on this coincidence of fate that we will arrive in the midst of a week of public mourning and remembrance for Fidel Castro. We're not sure what to expect. We've heard that for the next few days (until his ashes are buried on Dec 4) there is no music, dancing, or public performances. We had several concerts and events scheduled so we'll see whether any of it is possible. At the same time, we'll have the opportunity to witness this historic moment first hand. I'll know more soon....... read more

Prior to our journey to Cuba, the Seattle Peace Chorus performed some of the music we will take to Cuba including the composition, Orin Odara, which is a suite for Afro Cuban Orisha of the Yoruban people, featuring soloist Elspeth Savani, directed by Frederick West. Orin Odara was arranged and composed by Fred Hoadley, bandleader of Sonando.... read more