RestauRants — BaRs & CluBs — aCCommodationHavana GuideCuBa spiRitual issue
Let us Pray, Sep 8
6th Leo Brouwer Festival, Sep 26-Oct 12
The Word on the Street. by Conner Gorry
sep2014In co-operation with
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PHO
TO
by
Nic
olas
Ord
oñez
Nazdarovie
With a Passion for Cuba
editoRialWe have found our spiritual side month. Maybe it was the ice-cold bucket of water that provoked some inner contemplation; perhaps it was the 24-hour yoga session or maybe it was simply something in the air this month—whatever it was, we are paying tribute to Cuba’s smorgasbord of beliefs and traditions, which largely co-exist in a happy equilibrium.
After all, when you scratch beneath the surface in Cuba everyone believes in something—observe the most inflexible atheist when the Cuban baseball team gets to the final of the World Baseball Classic!
September 8 marks the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and this is celebrated in various processions throughout Cuba. Conner Gorry is not buying into this religious renaissance and her article on the Pope’s visit to Cuba back in 2013 may be the necessary antidote for any remaining atheists who are not buying it.
Lydia Bell and Antonio Baiano, who explore Santeria and the Secrets of the Saints, delve into the African roots of Cuba. Victoria Alcalá rounds out this religious issue with a piece on the past and present Jewish community in Cuba.
September is a month for dance in Havana. Ballet, folkloric, Modern dance, Spanish dance—take your pick. We recommend Danza Abierta’s ShowRoom (Sep13), Ballet Español de Cuba (Sep 16-17) at Teatro Mella and Habana Rakatán at Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht (Sep 12-13).
At the end of September, get ready for the 6th Leo Brouwer Festival, which is truly one of Cuba’s premier music festivals with world-class invitees scheduled to participate.
If you have a chance, don’t miss the final summer party at Club Havana on Sunday night. These parties have been rocking all summer—beautiful people blowing bubbles at a hedonistic fiesta of music and dance.
Do check out our expanded Havana Guide, which is growing to accommodate the new bars, restaurants and casas particulares that continue to spring forth adding vitality and energy to Havana’s entertainment and hospitality scene.
September 2014 Highlights (Havana, unless stated) • Sep 7, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary• Sep 26-Oct 12, 6th Leo Brouwer Festival
Thanks to all of our contributors, sponsors, partners and readers. Do please keep providing us with your feedback, comments and suggestions. All enquiries should be directed to Sophia Beckman at [email protected]. All the best. Viva Cuba!
Cover picture by Alex Mene: Devotees of Our Lady of Regla, Sept 2013
photo by Alex Mene
Havana listinGs
Cuba’s religious ajiaco (stew) p6 by Margaret Atkins Praise Be to Our Lady of Charity p9by Lucia Lamadrid
The black Cuban Virgin dressed in blue p12 by Victoria Alcalá Let Us Pray: The Pope comes to Cuba p14by Conner Gorry The Jewish community in Cuba: past and present p17 Unlocking the secrets of the saints in Cuba p20 by Lydia Bell
Santeria, the African roots of Cuba p23 by Antonio Baiano
Summer Fashion: Iyawó Style p26 by Isabella Ramos
Visual Arts p28 — Photography p32 — Dance p33 —Music p36 — Theatre p46 — For Kids p47 Alicia Leal: A universal mysticism p306th Leo Brouwer Chamber Music Festival p48
The Word on the Street p54 by Conner Gorry
El Gato Tuerto – 54 years old and still packing it for ‘filin’ p57 El Litoral – An inspiration on the Malecón p59
Features — Restaurants — Bars & Clubs — Live Music — Hotels — Private Accommodation p64
Havana Guide
FeatuRes[CUBA SPIRITUAL ISSUE]
Havana style
photo by Alex Mene
septemBeR 2014
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Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sum
Mon
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Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sum
15Frank Delgado and Buena Fe in Concert September 15, 10pm Teatro Karl Marx
22Monday night—go traditional bar hopping: Bodeguita del Medio, El Floridita, Sloppy Joe’s.
16Y lo español se baila así... @ Teatro Mella, Sept 16 & 17,
23Get a beer or six at Havana’s best new brewery: Cervecería Antiguo Almacén de la Madera y el Tabaco
17 24
19Posible imposible by Retazos @ Sala Las Carolinas, Sept 19 & 20
26Opening of En colección @ Factoría Habana, Sep 26-Oct 12, 6th Leo Brouwer Festival
20Ecos Dance Company @ Teatro América, 8pm
Ernán López-Nussa @ Teatro Nacional, 8.30pm
14
21Weekend at Cayo Levisa organized by Cubania Travel
28La Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García @ El Sauce, 5pm
18Festival Nacional Metal HG, September 18-21, Holguín
25III Encuentro Amigos del Jazz, September 25-28, Santiago de Cuba
!
13Danza Abierta ShowRoom @ Sala de El Ciervo Encantado, 8.30pm
Ballet Nacional de Cuba @ (Sep 12-13)
12Habana Rakatán @ Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht (Sep 12-13)
La Cenicienta según los Beatles Compañía “La Colmenita”, Sept 12 & 14, 10:30am.
11Dinner at La Guarida Havana’s legendary restaurant located in Centro Habana
10Dinner at El Litoral, one of Havana’s best new restaurants—watch life pass by the Malecón.
27En Buena Compañía, Carpa Trompoloco, Sat & Sun, 4pm & 7pm
8Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9Dinner at Mr Miglis’s Swedish-Cuban fusion oasis of good food and style in Centro Habana
Wit
H a
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oR
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4Jornada Pinar Hip-Hop, September 4-7, Pinar del Río
5Concert by pianist Ernán López-Nussa and his trio @ Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís
6Watch peace break out between Russian and Ukranian diplomats at Cuba’s premier Soviet restaurant, Nazdarovie
7Beach day–enjoy the gorgeous Jibacoa
not to miss during September 2014 what’s on havana1What’s On Havana is out—make a plan for the rest of the month
2
3Dinner at Santy, Jaimanitas’s off the beaten track world class sushi restaurant
29El papel de la cultura en el Caribe hoy Casa de las Américas, September 29-October 3
30Girl’s night out—Cocinero, Up & Down, Sangri-La
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visual aRts
2x2Galería La Acacia, Opens Sept 17 Works by artists who participated in two exhibitions that were landmarks in Cuban visual production: Once pintores y escultores (1953) and Volumen uno (1981).
Cundo Bermúdez: pasión y lucidezMuseo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Edificio de Arte UniversalThrough Oct 13 With this selection of 25 pieces from 1940 and 1964, the National Museum of Fine Arts has organized, for the first time, a solo exhibition of one of the leading artists of the so-called School of Havana and of the second Cuban artistic avant-garde, who, according to Roberto Cobas Amate, curator of the exhibition, “deserves that both critics and the public recognize the validity and strength of his art.”
En colección Factoría Habana, Opens Sept 26 Conceived as part of the 6th Salón of Cuban Contemporary Art, this exhibition includes works by artists representative of the 1980s which are part of the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros collection: Juan Francisco Elso, Tomás Esson, José Manuel Fors, René Francisco, Flavio Garciandía, Félix González-Torres, Ana Mendieta, Glexis Novoa, Gustavo Pérez Monzón, Ricardo Rodríguez Brey and Lázaro Saavedra. The exhibition is supplemented with texts and videos on collecting.
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Casa Oswaldo Guayasamín
THROUGH SEP 15
Crónicas de una existencia. Paintings by Dimas Bencomo in which—through irony, parody and suggestions—different objects are witnesses to the material scarcity of some sectors of Cuban society.
Galería Habana
OPEnS SEPT 12
Un día cualquiera. Felipe Dulzaides, essential figure in Cuban photography, video art, installation and public art, explores everyday commonplaces.
Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam
OPEnS SEPT 13 Las otras narraciones: una década de animación independiente. As part of the 6th Salón of Cuban Contemporary Art, this exhibition explores a decade of the work of 50 Cuban artists involved in animation films through TV spots, messages for the public, cartoons, music videos, installations, videogames, visual experimentation, interactive works and mapping.
Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura
THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER
A ambos lados del Atlántico. Exhibition of 25 illustrations and drawings made by 20th-century Spanish, Mexican and Cuban artists, such as Picasso, Miró and Saura; Rivera, Orozco, López Loza and Eloy Tarcisio; and: Amelia Peláez, Arístides Fernández, Carlos Enríquez and Fidelio Ponce, respectively.
Galería El Reino de este Mundo
OPEnS SEPT 5 Solo exhibition by José Yaque, who has a taste for the hybridization of formats and the complicity of the works with the space around them.
Galería Servando
OPEnS SEPT 12
En el mismo tiempo, en el mismo lugar. Group exhibition by artists Frank Mujica, Eduardo Ponjuán, Léster Álvarez, Yornel Martínez, Alejandro Campins and José E. Yaque, who all have in common the conceptual approach as the ultimate intention of their work.
Galería Diago
OPEnS SEPT 12
Exhibition of naive art.
Memorial José Martí
SEPT 19-OCT 16
Tribute to the poet, ethnologist and painter Samuel Feijóo (1914-1992) who found in Cuban Nature, popular fables and what is simple in appearance an inexhaustible source for his creation.
Centro Provincial de Artes Plásticas y Diseño
THROUGH OCT 3
Cómplices y testigos. Yoan Pérez plays ironically with the symbols of power and manipulates them to provoke different interpretations.
Consejo nacional de las Artes Plásticas
SEPT 19, 8PM Noche de galerías. Exhibition by artists from the Génesis: Art Gallery Catalogue plus the performance of Aires de Concierto Jazz Group. Works will be sold with a 20% discount for those accredited to the event.
Galerías Collage Habana y Galiano
OPEnS SEPT 12 Post-it. Competition and expo-sale of works by artists under 35.
Museo nacional de la Cerámica Contemporánea
OPEnS SEPT 19
Eros. An exhibition by artist Aisar Jalil.
Taller de Serigrafía René Portocarrero
OPEnS SEPT 12
Exhibition of graphic arts. Group show of young graphic artists who will present and sell silkscreen posters from the CACA (Club Amigos del Cartel) Project
Museo nacional de Bellas Artes.
THROUGH OCT 27
Artistas afronorteamericanos y abstracción. Thirty-eight works by nine artists make up this selection, which was curated by Nanette Carter, Melvin Edwards and Ben Jones.
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Alicia Leal: A universal mysticism by Victoria Alcalá
In Alicia Leal’s work, in which one can appreciate the appropriation of medieval color theory, spatial layout and a decorative delight in fabrics, floors and curtains reminiscent of Matisse, women play a central role, providing refuge, as in the recurring image of the Virgin of Charity, patron saint of Cuba and eternal protector of mariners and fishermen syncretised with the sensuous Ochún of Afro-Cuban religions. Victoria Alcalá sits down with her to find out what makes her tick…
Fascinated by the mystery and magic of the work of Alicia Leal, I visited the studio-gallery that the artist shares with her husband, painter Juan Moreira, at 262, 8th St. in El Vedado. The spacious, high-ceilinged house with pale walls has typical Creole inner doors that partition off the rooms where wooden and wicker furniture are predominant. The location of the studio, very close to Línea Street—one of Havana’s main thoroughfares—and the park dedicated to John Lennon, seems to relate to Alicia’s work, full of universal symbols in a harmonious symbiosis with Cuban nature, mythology and idiosyncrasy.
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Alicia Leal Veloz (Zaza del Medio, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, 1957) graduated in 1980 from Havana’s San Alejandro Academy of Fine Arts. She has held solo shows in Havana, Matanzas and Sancti Spíritus in Cuba, and in Kuala Lumpur; Kingston; Houston and Berlin, and she has taken part in collective exhibitions in numerous countries. Her work forms part of permanent and private collections in many countries internationally. She has illustrated a number of Cuban and foreign books and cultural magazines.
Born in the central region of Cuba—where 16th century chronicles depict the presence of hundreds of demons that possessed the bodies and souls of terrified inhabitants, and the site of an important colony of immigrants from the Canary Islands—Alicia admits her debt to the rich popular tradition that spontaneously, and not consciously, emerges in her work. During her beginnings, after graduating from the San Alejandro Academy, the oldest art school in Cuba, she wanted to be an expressionist painter, but did not succeed in channeling her creative urges into this style. The search for her own personal expression led her to a primitive, naïve manner of bringing forth an inner world populated by symbols, tales and the desire to commune with nature. In Alicia Leal’s work, in which one can appreciate the appropriation of medieval color theory, spatial layout and a decorative delight in fabrics, floors and curtains reminiscent of Matisse, women play a central role, either providing refuge, as in the recurring image of the Virgin of Charity, patron saint of Cuba and eternal protector of mariners and fishermen syncretised with the sensuous Ochún of Afro-
Cuban religions; in the poignant Death of Martí, where the Apostle of Cuban independence, in the arms of an angel embarks on the journey to immortality; in Chagallesque flying beings, who refer to other dimensions different from what is depicted; and even in the series dedicated to the circus where women participate in a microcosmic world in which the painter seems to perceive subtle similarities with society, behind the show’s lights and masks. Alicia’s work is of a markedly narrative nature; her characters speak intensely, not only amongst themselves, but with the onlooker, who becomes an active participant and even protagonist of the painter’s unsettling scenarios. Intensely subjective, symbolic, exploring the subconscious and dreams, Alicia Leal’s work establishes a magnetic relationship with the viewer; the critics’ task is to determine where the secret of this magic is concealed. Perhaps the key lies in the profound humanism and in the warm compassion, admixed with humor, with which Alicia Leal approaches the heartbreaks and pleasures of the everyday adventure of dreaming and living.
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pHotoGRapHyEso que andaCentro Hispano Americano de Cultura Throughout SeptemberSolo show of photographer Iván Soca as a tribute to Juan Formell and his popular orchestra Van Van. The photographer has accompanied the band on tours and concerts over the last ten years.
Silencio rotoCasa Oswaldo Guayasamín , Opens Sept 12 In the 16 black and white pictures by Annia Leyva and Aníbal de la Torre, the human figure is combined in the forefront with objects associated with everyday life.
xl´2. Fototeca de Cuba, Opens Sept 12Focused on the concern of young artists in relation to the meaning of communication in everyday life, this exhibition, which is part of the 6th Salon of Cuban Art, deals with the impact of alternative forms in information flow in Cuba.
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danCe
Taller coreográfico del Ballet Nacional de CubaTeatro Nacional de Cuba. Sala AvellanedaSept 6, 8:30pm; Sept 5, 5pmPerformance of works by the Choreography Workshop organized by the National Ballet of Cuba, including Concerto by Carlos Luis Medina; Preludios de la noche by Maysabel Pintado; El relato by Regina Hernández; SDOS by Ariadna Suárez; 3D by Juan Carlos Hernández; Piazzolla X 6 by Tania Vergara (all of these world premieres); SAFE by Raúl Reinoso; Sobre un hilo y Retrato by Lyvan Verdecia.
Programa de concierto del Ballet Nacional de CubaTeatro Nacional de Cuba. Sala AvellanedaSept 12 & 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmConcert program with Les silphidés (choreographed by Alicia Alonso based on Mijaíl Fokín’s original version with music by Chopin), Dido abandonada (choreographed by Alicia Alonso based on the ballet of the same name by Gasparo Angiolini with music by Angiolini), and the Tchaikovsky pas de deux from the Third Act of Swan Lake (choreographed by Alicia Alonso based on Marius Petipa’s original version with music by Tchaikovsky).
Habana RakatánCentro Cultural Bertolt Brecht. Sala Tito JuncoSept 12 & 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmOpen to a wide diversity of styles within modern and contemporary dance, the Rakatán Dance Company harmoniously combines African dances, flamenco and Cuban rhythms in its repertoire.
Del Caribe soyCine teatro MiramarSept 20, 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pmShow by the Ban Rará Company with an interesting dramatization of the Tumba Francesa with expression of yoruba origin, campsino dance styles and different forms of Son.
Lago de los cisnes Ballet Nacional de Cuba
photo by Alex Mene
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MomentosSala las CarolinasSept 12 & 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmBased on fragments of works from the Danza Teatro Retazos repertoire, Momentos potentiates the expressiveness of the body and the integration of dance with visual arts, music, cinema and literature.
Posible imposibleSala Las CarolinasSept 19 & 20, 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pmBy Danza Teatro Retazos, Possible Impossible takes off from a landscape where the known laws of time, space and power have ceased to be valid…In this surprising world of dreams, the door opens to other universes where the mind is free and the impossible becomes possible.
danCe
ShowRoomSala de El Ciervo EncantadoSept 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmThe brilliant contemporary dance company Danza Abierta performs ShowRoom, choreographed by Susana Pous with music by X Alfonso.
Programa de conciertoTeatro AméricaSept 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmConcert program by the Ballet of Cuban Television, a company that can undertake choreographies of different Cuban and international musical genres.
Programa de conciertoCine teatro MiramarSept 16 &17, 8:30pmConcert program by the Neotango Company with attractive modern versions of tango.
Presentación del grupo PersonaTeatro TrianónSept 19 & 20 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pmPresentation of Persona, a company directed by Sandra Ramy that erases the boundaries between dance and theater.
Danza Teatro Retazos photo by Ana Lorena
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Y lo español se baila así...Teatro MellaSept 16 & 17, 8:30pmAn anthology of the work carried out by the Ballet Español de Cuba, whose repertoire includes Spanish regional dances, flamenco and fusion, incorporating techniques from classical, modern and contemporary dance.
De la misma ramaTeatro AméricaSept 20, 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pmShow by the Ecos Dance Company, which combines traditional and contemporary flamenco with contributions from the music and dance of Cuba.
Fusión y pasiónCine teatro MiramarSept 13, 8:30pm; Sept 14, 5pmHabana Compás Dance performs an exciting and original combination of rhythms and dances which merges the essence of Spanish dance with Afro Cuban rhythms and contemporary dance.
De Cuba y el CaribeTeatro AméricaSept 16 &17, 8:30pmShow by the Santiago Alfonso Company, which integrates modern and contemporary dance, theatre codes and popular dances into shows conceived both for the stage and nightclubs with a fresh and experimental spirit
Programa de conciertoTeatro MellaSept 19 & 20, 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pmConcert program by the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional, the first professional folkloric dance company created in Cuba to delve into and recover certain manifestations of traditional popular Cuban culture.
A escenaTeatro Nacional de Cuba. Sala AvellanedaSept 19 & 20, 8:30pmA selection of works by the Ballet Lizt Alfonso, a successful dance company that features a fusion of Spanish and Cuban dance within contemporary choreographic and theatrical work.
danCe
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CONtempOrary FuSiON musiC
The contemporary fusion and electronic music scene has expanded recently as new bars and clubs have opened party promoters have organized events in parks and public spaces. Good live music venues include Bertolt Brecht (Wed: Interactivo, Sunday: Déjá-vu) and El Sauce (check out the Sunday afternoon Máquina de la Melancolía) as well as the newly opened Fábrica de Arte Cubano which has concerts most nights Thursday through Sunday as well as impromptu smaller performances inside.
Club Habana PartyPhoto Alex Mene
In Havana’s burgeoning entertainment district along First Avenue from the Karl Marx theatre to the aquarium you are spoilt for choice with the always popular Don Cangreco featuring good live music (Kelvis Ochoas and David Torrens alternate Fridays), Las Piedras (insanely busy from 3am) and El Palio and Melem bar—both featuring different singers and acts in smaller more intimate venues.
Ernán López Nussa and his group in ConcertSeptember 20, 8:30pmTeatro Nacional. Sala Covarrubias
Frank Delgado and Buena Fe in ConcertSeptember 15, 10pm Teatro Karl Marx
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Café Cantante, Teatro nacional
WEDnESDAyS
5 pmPerformances by Qva Libre
Fresa y Chocolate
SUnDAyS
10 pmAceituna Sin Hueso
Café Concert El Sauce
SUnDAyS
5 pmLa Máquina de la Melancolía, with Frank Delgado and Luis Alberto García
Havana Hard Rock
EvERy OTHER FRIDAy
Soul Train, a show of soul music
Cover bandsSAT & SUn
10 pm
Jardines del Teatro Mella
Deja VuSEPT 14
6 pm
THURSDAyS
10 pmMucho Ruido
SEPT 11
9 pmDeja Vu
SEPT 11
6 pmGrupo Síntesis
Elaín Morales
Isis Flores
THURSDAyS
5 pm
SEPT 19
5 pm
SEPT 12
9 pmLuna Manzanares and Alejandro Falcón
SEPT 15
9 pmDJ Alejandro Nuñez and guests
SEPT 17
9 pmGretel Barreiro
Café Corner
THURSDAyS
10:30 pmTesis de Menta
Casa del Alba Cultural
SEPT 20
7 pmGrupo Síntesis
Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht
Deja VuSUnDAyS
10 pm
WEDnESDAyS
10 pmRoberto Carcassés and Interactivo
Escaleras al Cielo
FRIDAyS
10 pmMiriela Moreno and her group Aceituna sin Hueso for inclusión, diversity and difference.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano
SEPT 14
10 pmSíntesis and Family
YerbabuenaSEPT 14
6 pm
Frank DelgadoSEPT 18
6 pm
InteractivoSEPT 20
6 pm
Maxim Rock
EstigmaSEPT 12
9 pm
SEPT 11
9 pmTesis de Menta
ZeusSEPT 13
9 pm
Eddy EscobarSEPT 14
9 pm
CongregaciónSEPT 15
9 pm
La Vieja EscuelaSEPT 15
9 pm
Dead PointSEPT 15
9 pm
Combat NoiseSEPT 15
9 pm
David BlancoSEPT 15
9 pm
SíntesisSEPT 15
9 pm
CONtempOrary FuSiON
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Submarino Amarillo
Tierra SantaSEPT 12
9 pm
SEPT 11
9 pmErnesto Blanco
La Vieja EscuelaSEPT 13
9 pm
Miel con LimónSEPT 15
9 pm
Los TacksonSEPT 16
9 pm
Eddy Escobar and his groupSEPT 18
9 pm
Gretel BarreiroSEPT 19
9 pm
Dimensión VerticalSEPT 15
9 pm
Los KentsSUnDAyS
9 pm
Piano bar Diablo Tun Tun
WEDnESDAyS
5 pmGerardo Alfonso
FRIDAyS
5 pmGens
SEPT 12
11 amRap with El Urbano
SEPT 14
11 amLos Tackson
SEPT 16
11 amConcert Con sello urbano
CONtempOrary FuSiON
Museo nacional de Bellas Artes.
Gerardo AlfonsoSEPT 17
9:30 pm
SEPT 11
9 pmAldo López-Gavilán
Tercera y 8
MOnDAyS
11 pmBaby Lores
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SalSa / timba Casa de la Música de Miramar
MOnDAyS
TUESDAyS
WEDnESDAyS
5 pm El Micha
THURSDAyS
FRIDAyS
los van van
Photo by Alex Mene
Hotel nacional de Cuba. Salón 1930
SEPT 11
10 pm
Orquesta Jorrín
Casa de la Música Habana
WEDnESDAyS 5 pm El Noro y 1ra Clase
THURSDAyS
11 pm Sur Caribe
Café Cantante Mi Habana
SEPT 16
5 pmArnaldo y su Talismán
11 pm NG La Banda
5 pm Pupy y los que Son Son
11 pm Charanga Latina
5 pm Tania PantojaFRIDAyS
11 pm Azúcar NegraSATURDAyS
11 pm Adalberto Álvarez y su SonSEPT 12
11 pm Manolito y su TrabucoSEPT 19
5 pm Habana D’Primera
11 pm Pedrito Calvo y La Justicia
5 pm Juan Guillermo
11 pm Adalberto Alvarez y su Son
5 pm Juan Guillermo
11 pm Adalberto Alvarez y su Son
5 pm El Niño y La Verdad
11 pm NG La Banda
5 pm Tumbao HabanaSATURDAyS
SUnDAyS 5 pm Lázaro Valdés y Bamboleo
11 pm Azúcar Negra
SEPT 19
11 pmCaribe Girls
Café Cantante, Teatro nacional
MOnDAyS
11 pm
Manana Club
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SalSa / timba Salón Rosado de La Tropical
Laritza BacallaoSEPT 12
9 pm
SEPT 11
9 pmAdalberto Álvarez y su Son
NG La BandaSEPT 13
9 pm
Elito Revé y su CharangónSEPT 14
9 pm
Van VanSEPT 16
9 pm
Pablo FG y su ÉliteSEPT 17
9 pm
Yumurí y sus HermanosSEPT 18
9 pm
Manolito Simonet y su TrabucoSEPT 19
9 pm
Pachito Alonso y los Kini KiniSEPT 20
9 pmHaila Mompié y Vania BorgesSEPT 21
9 pm
Teatro Karl Marx
Pachito Alonso y sus Kini Kini SEPT 12
10 pm
SEPT 11
10 pmVan Van
Habana D’PrimeraSEPT 13
10 pm
Laritza BacallaoSEPT 14
10 pm
Maraca y su FamiliaSEPT 19
10 pm
Pablo FG y su ÉliteSEPT 20
10 pm
Charanga HabaneraSEPT 21
10 pm
Café Concert El Sauce
SEPT 13
9 pmIsaac Delgado
SEPT 20
9 pmLos Van Van
Diablo Tun Tun
To MezclaoWEDnESDAyS
11 pm
MOnDAyS
11 pmWena Onda
José Luis Cortés y NG La BandaTHURSDAyS
11 pm
Manana ClubSATURDAyS
5 pm
Jardines del 1830
FRIDAyS
10 pmAzúcar Negra
SUnDAyS
10 pmDancing casino with Moncada
Tercera y 8
WEDnESDAyS
11 pmAlain Daniel
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Café Jazz MiramarShows: 11 pm - 2amThis new jazz club has quickly established itself as one of the very best places to hear some of Cuba’s best musicians jamming. Forget about smoke filled lounges, this is clean, bright—take the fags outside. While it is difficult to get the exact schedule and in any case expect a high level of improvisation when it is good it is very good. A full house is something of a mixed house since on occasion you will feel like holding up your own silence please sign! Nonetheless it gets the thumbs up from us.
jazz musiC
Casa del Alba Cultural
SEPT 13
8 pmRuy López Nussa (percussion) and La Academia
Asociación Cubana de Derechos de Autor Musical
SEPT 18
6 pmAlexis Bosch (pianist) and Proyecto Jazz Cubano.
Teatro Karl Marx
Aires de ConciertoSEPT 11
10 pm
SATURDAyS
10 pmRoberto Carcassés (pianist &composer) and his trio
Harold López-Nussa (pianist &composer) and his band
SEPT 12
10 pm
Lynn Milanés (cantante) y su grupoSEPT 16
10 pm
Bellita Expósito (pianist & composer) and her Jazztumbatá
SEPT 17
9 pm
William Roblejo (violinist) and Alejandro Moroño
SEPT 18
10 pm
Jardines del Teatro Mella
SEPT 15 6 pm Carlos Miyares (saxophon)
SEPT 17 6 pm PMelvis Santa (singer)
6 pm Sexto Sentido SEPT 20
Calle 88A No. 306 e/ 3ra y 3ra
A, Miramar. +53 (07) 209-2719Jazz Café Shows: 10:30pm - 2amMellow, sophisticated and freezing due to extreme air conditioning, the Jazz Café is not only an excellent place to hear some of Cuba’s top jazz musicians, but the open-plan design also provides for a good bar atmosphere if you want to chat. Less intimate than La Zorra y el Cuervo – located opposite Melia Cohiba Hotel.
La Zorra y el Cuervo Shows: 10:30pm - 2amThe ‘Fox & Crow’ offers an intimate environment in this basement venue notably marked by a red English telephone box at its entrance. Top jazz players perform here on a nightly basis. Dark, cramped, low ceilings and an absolute firetrap this has much more atmosphere of the gritty kind than the Jazz Café, which seems too pretty and sterile by comparison.
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bOlerO, FOlklOre, SON & trOva
Café cantante, Teatro nacional
SATURDAyS
4 pmWaldo Mendoza
Casa de la Cultura Comunitaria Mirta Aguirre
SEPT 28
5 pmGet-together with trovador Ireno García.
Asociación yoruba de Cuba
El Jelengue de Areíto
MOnDAyS
5 pmSon del Nene
Hotel Telégrafo
FRIDAyS
9:30 pmIvette Cepeda.
Casa de África
SEPT 6
4 pmHomenaje a las dos aguas: Yemayá y Ochún, a cargo del grupo Síntesis.
Casa de la Cultura de Plaza
SEPT 13
7 pmPeña with Marta Campos.
Centro Iberoamericano de la Décima
SEPT 28
5 pmEl Jardín de la Gorda with trovadors from every generation.
Casa Memorial Salvador Allende
SEPT 26
5 pmPeña La Juntamenta, with trovador Ángel Quintero.
Hurón Azul, UnEAC
SEPT 13
10 pmMundito González.
Casa del Alba
SEPT 18
8 pmPolito Ibáñez
SEPT 25
6 pmPeña El Canto de Todos, with singer-songwriter Vicente Feliú
SATURDAyS
4 pmLos Ibellis (Folkloric group)
Piano Bar Tun Tun (Casa de la Música de Miramar)
THURSDAyS
5 pmPeña with trovador Ray Fernández
Centro Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr.
AUG 21
4:30 pmMarta Campos
Pabellón Cuba
FRIDAyS
5 pmPeña Tres Tazas with trovador Silvio Alejandro
musiC
Café Concert El Sauce
TUESDAyS
8 pmPlus Trova with Charly Salgado and guests.
SEPT 18
10 pmAdrián Berazaín
SEPT 19
9 pmTony Ávila
TUESDAyS
5 pmSexteto Habanero
FRIDAyS
11 pmFrank Delgado
Centro Cultural Habaneciendo
SUnDAyS
3 pmFausto Durán and guests
WEDnESDAyS
5 pmTrovando, a meeting with good trova.
THURDAyS
5 pmConjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez
Salón Rosado de La Tropical
SEPT 15
5 pmOrquesta Aragón y Juego de M
SEPT 12
4 pmJuego de Manos
SEPT 13
3 pmGala didáctica dedicada a Ochún, Yemayá y Obbatalá, con el grupo folclórico Obiní Batá
FRIDAyS
5 pmRumberos de Cuba
SUnDAyS
5 pmTimbalaye
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cubaism .COmProduced by
bOlerO, FOlklOre, SON & trOva Palacio de la Rumba
Fausto Durán y Septeto HabaneroSEPT 12
6 pm
SEPT 11
6 pmEstrellas Cubanas
Timbalaye
Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro
SEPT 13
10 pm
Clave y GuaguancóSEPT 14
6 pm
Orquesta de Barbarito DiezSEPT 15
9 pm
Yoruba AndaboSEPT 16
6 pm
Orquesta SensaciónSEPT 18
6 pm
TimbalayeSEPT 19
10 pmLos PapinesSEPT 20
9 pm Habana C
Clave y GuaguancóSEPT 21
9 pm Conjunto de Arsenio Rodríguez
Teatro Raquel Revuelta
SEPT 18
8:30 pmPedro Luis Ferrer
SEPT 19
8:30 pmPolito Ibáñez
SEPT 20
8:30 pmTony Ávila
SEPT 21
8:30 pmAdrián Berazaín
Jardines del teatro Mella
SEPT 12
6 pmD’Corazón
SEPT 13
6 pmDúo Jade
SEPT 19
6 pmWilliam Vivanco
Museo nacional de Bellas Artes.Edificio de Arte Cubano
SEPT 13
9:30 pmVocal Sampling
SEPT 20
9:30 pmLiuba María Hevia
Casa de la Música Habana
SUnDAyS
5 pmYoruba Andab
Casa de 18
SEPT 15
9 pmLeo Vera and Beatriz Márquez
Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht
SEPT 18
8:30 pmTania Pantoja Centro Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr.
SEPT 18
4:30 pmMarta Campos
Hotel nacional de Cuba. Salón 1930
SEPT 13
10 pmAgrupación Compay Segundo
Plaza de San Francisco de Asís
SEPT 17
4 pmRumba
UnEAC
SEPT 11
2 pmPeña La Esquina del Jazz hosted by showman Bobby Carcassés.
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Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís
SEPT 6
6 pmSoprano Ivette Betancourt and pianist Mayté Aboy, with guests soprano Cristina Rodríguez, tenor Roger Quintana and flutist Niurka González will play works by Hector Berlioz, Gabriel Fauré, Ernest Chausson, Jules Massenet, Nadia Boulanger, Maurice Ravel, Claude Debussy, Francis Poulenc, André Caplet and Albert Roussel.
Photo by Ivan Soca
Biblioteca nacional José Martí
SATURDAyS
5 pmPerformances by soloists and chamber ensembles.
ClassiCal musiC
SEPT 13
5 pmConcert by pianist Ernán López-Nussa and his trio
SEPT 13
5 pmConcert in honor of Leo Brouwer by the guitar orchestra Sonantas Habaneras conducted by Jesús Ortega. Guest musicians Yalit González, Alexander Álvarez and Luis Ángel Chouza (guitarists) and the Contraste.duo.
Casa del ALBA Cultural
SEPT 7
5 pmEn Confluencia, conducted by guitarists Eduardo and Galy Martín.
SEPT 14
5 pmTarde de Concierto, conducted by soprano Lucy Provedo.
SEPT 21
5 pmDe Nuestra América, conducted by pianist Alicia Perea.
SEPT 28
5 pmConcert by guitarist Rosa Matos.
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Centro Hispano Americano de Cultura
SEPT 13
5 pmConert by Schola Cantorum Coralina conducted by Alina Orraca.
Iglesia de Paula
SEPT 5
7 pmConcert Las cortes europeas del siglo XVIII by cellist Alejandro Saúl and guest musicians Anolan González, Maite Rodríguez, Alberto Rosas and Yanner Rascón.
SEPT 12
7 pmConcert by students of the Convivium Musicum academic program led by the Ars Longa Early Music Ensemble.
SEPT 19
7 pmConcert Música en mujeres. Siglos XVII y XXI by the Ensemble Vocal Luna and sopranos Lucelsy Fernández and Vanessa Herrera.
SEPT 26
7 pmConcert by the Ventus Habana quintet conducted by Alina Blanco with guest musician, the Móviles trio.
Museo nacional de Bella Artes. Edificio de Arte
SEPT 20
4 pmConcert by guitarist Luis Manuel Molina
Oratorio San Felipe neri
SEPT 6
4 pmThe Promúsica duo has announced a program with works by Cuban composers Amadeo Roldán, Juan Piñera and Javier Iha.
SEPT 18
7 pmConcert by Cuban pianist Víctor Díaz.
SEPT 25
7 pmConcert by Cuban pianist Fidel Leal, Cubadisco prizewinner in the concert soloist category for his album Cuatro por uno.
Sala Covarrubias, Teatro nacional
SEPT 12
8:30 pmCamerata Romeu.
SEPT 13
8:30 pmFrank Fernández and the Música Eterna chamber orchestra.
SEPT 14
5 pmNational Symphony Orchestra.
SEPT 19
8:30 pmAldo López-Gavilán, Ernán-López Nussa and Chamber Orchestra.
Sala Gonzalo Roig. Palacio del Teatro Lírico nacional
SEPT 28
5 pmCuerda Dominical with guitarist Luis Manuel Molina.
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Delirio habaneroTeatro de la Luna / Directed by Raúl MartínSept 14, 17 & 18, 6pm, Sala Adolfo LlauradóA prize-winning play written by Alberto Pedro in which three delirious characters who believe they are Varilla (a former waiter at La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant), Benny Moré and Celia Cruz meet every evening at a run-down building to recall a long gone Havana, or to plan a future that will never be.
Antigonón, un contingente épico Teatro El Público / by Carlos Díaz, Teatro Trianón, Fri & Sat, 8:30pm; Sun, 5pm Antigonón, un contingente épico, Carlos Diaz and his troupe, Teatro el Publico’s most recent performance involves a trip back to the classics, guided and partnered by Rogelio Orizondo who wrote Antigonón, un contingente épico especially for them. Carlos is the most well-known and brilliant Cuban theatre director with a reputation for directing plays with abundant nudity, transvestites and subtle winks at the Cuban national reality. Antigonón does not disappoint–go see it for yourself!
tHeatRe
Que el diablo te acompañeTeatro Pálpito / Directed by Ariel BozaSept 19 & 20, 8:30pm; Sept 21, 5pm Sala teatro El SótanoBased on the famous literary myth of Don Juan, this pleasant comedy by Cuban playwright Abelardo Estorino delves into a recurring theme on the Cuban stage and society—machismo, and reflects on defects like slander and prejudices that weigh down the fulfillment of man.
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FoR kids La Cucarachita Martina y los Van VanCompañía infantil de teatro La Colmenita, Sept 19, 6pm; Sept 20 & 21, 10;30am, Sala de teatro de la Orden Tercera
Another version by La Colmenita based on a classical children’s story as a tribute to the popular Los Van Van band, whose songs are interpreted by the children with great self-assurance.
La Cenicienta según los BeatlesCompañía infantil de teatro La Colmenita, Sept 12 & 14, 10:30am; Sept 13, 6pm, Sala de teatro de la Orden TerceraAgustín (Tin) Cremata, director of La Colmenita Children’s Theater Company, has created this version of Cinderella with songs by The Beatles sung by the company’s child actors.
En Buena Compañía Carpa TrompolocoSat & Sun, 4pm & 7pmThe magical and adventurous world of the circus continues. Cuba’s prime circus venue, Carpa Trompoloco, presents “En Buena Compañía” (In Good Company), the new show featuring, among other acts, tightrope walkers, acrobats, clowns, gymnasts, trained animals, and the fascinating flying trapeze, which was awarded the Grand Prix during the past CIRCUBA 2013 Festival.
Mowgli, el mordido por los lobosTeatro La Proa, 9-10 de agosto, 10am, Teatro de la Orden Tercera
This puppet show, written by Erduyn Maza, based on Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, tells about the adventures of Mowgli, the jungle boy when he returns to a human village.
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Alternative and integrating, the Leo Brouwer Chamber Music Festival Festival, named after the greatest Cuban musician ever, aims to “make the perfect combination of different kinds of intelligent music” integrating, free of any bias or exclusion, genres and many types of rhythms. The organizers have announced the participation of over 300 musicians and artists from 16 countries, including Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud, US vocalist Bobby McFerrin and Argentinean singer-songwriter Fito Paez, as well as other musicians from Brazil, Mexico, Spain, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Paraguay, Italy and Uruguay. More than 40 world and national premieres will take place, featuring music from the Renaissance to remixes as a tribute to leading names in popular music. part from the main attraction, which is the concerts, the event has also scheduled lectures, master classes, film screenings, video art, exhibitions, flashmobs, jam sessions, tributes to Cuban and international artists and cultural institutions, launching and sale of CDs, books and sheet music.
The Cuban composer Leo Brouwer, who has been acknowledged as one of the living geniuses of classical music in the international arena, has been, since its inception, the heart and soul of the festival through his supervision and total devotion. With regard to the festival, Brouwer has said: “Our policy is not figure-oriented, but rather repertoire-oriented…We have the privilege of having excellent Cuban musicians and first-rate young artists performing the best versions that exist in this regard, perhaps not the only ones, but certainly the best.”
events in Havana 6th Leo Brouwer Chamber Music Festival
September 26-October 12, 2014Karl Marx, Mella, Martí, Miramar theaters; Basílica Menor del Convento de San
Francisco de Asís, Charles Chaplin Cinema, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Café Miramar, Habana Café, Centro Cultural El Sauce, Casas de la Música de Miramar y Habana
Photos by Alex Mene
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Sunday, Sept 28
Teatro Mella, 11am Las Aventuras de Elpidio Valdés y Los Van Van Compañía de Teatro infantil La Colmenita (Cuba)
Teatro Martí, 5pm Concert Noruega en su música Henning Kraggerud (Norway), Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana and Schola Cantorum Coralina (Cuba)
Café Miramar, 7pm - 2am Noche blanca del Jazz (dedicada a Julio Cortázar) Chucho Valdés, Ernán López-Nussa, Rolando Luna, Yasek Manzano, Ruy López-Nussa and La Academia (Cuba), Pancho Céspedes (Cuba-Mexico)
Monday, Sept 29
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert En la ruta de la danza oculta Schola Cantorum Coralina (Cuba), Gorgias Sánchez and Gabriel Meneses (Venezuela)
Tuesday, Sept 30
Teatro Mella, 8:30pm Concert Sonidos de la América oculta Orchestra of native instruments and new technologies (Argentina)
Wednesday, Oct 1
Teatro Karl Marx, 9pm Concert Fito Páez Esencial Leo Brouwer, Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana (Cuba) e invitados
Thursday, Oct 2
Teatro Miramar, 9:30 am-12:30pm Clase magistral de Leo Brouwer
Teatro Mella, 8:30pmConcert Palabras Haydée Milanés, Ernán López Nussa, Enrique Plá, Gastón Joya, Nam Sam Fong, Edgar Martínez, Roberto García, Molote, Carlos Frank, Schola Cantorum Coralina and Cuarteto de Cuerdas Presto (Cuba) e invitados
Friday, Oct 3
Teatro Miramar, 2:30pm-5:30pmClase magistral de Leo Brouwer
Kcho Estudio Romerillo. Laboratorio para el Arte, 5:30pm Exposición Praga, ciudad de la música Photos: Jiří Všeteřka
Casa de la Música Miramar, 7pm-2am Noche Blanca del Flamenco Aceituna sin Hueso, Josué Tacoronte, Reynier Mariño, Gabriel Elizondo, and others
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert Les Voix Humaines Jordi Savall (Spain)
Saturday, Oct 4
Teatro Martí, 5pm Concert Donna in Musica. Compositoras italianas ss. xvi-xvii Anna Aurigi y Giovanni Bellini (Italy), Vocal Luna (Cuba) and guests
Teatro Mella, 8:30pm Concert Vivaldi siglo xxi. Sinfonity (España)
Sunday, Oct 5
Teatro Mella, 5pm Concert Del medioevo al danzón Horacio Franco, Victor Flores and Santiago Álvarez (Mexico)
Monday, Oct 6
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert De Praga a La Habana ArteMiss Trio y Pavel Steidl (Czech Rep.), Niurka González, Gretchen Labrada and Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana (Cuba), Leo Brouwer
Tuesday, Oct 7
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert Jenny Q Chai & Friends Jenny Q Chai (US), Niurka González and Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana (Cuba) and guests
Program6th Leo Brouwer Chamber Music Festival
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Wednesday, Oct 8
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert Tras las huellas de Mangoré Berta Rojas (Paraguay), Arístides Porto (Cuba), Ricardo Gallén (Spain), Josué Tacoronte (Cuba-Mexico), Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana (Cuba) and guests
Thursday, Oct 9
Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís, 10am Cello Plus (el cello más largo) Professional cellists and students of the instrument throughout the Island will play the longest cello
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert Las cartas de JulietaCuarteto Latinoamericano (Mexico), Niurka González and Augusto Enríquez (Cuba)
Centro Cultural El Sauce, 7pm-2amNoche Blanca de la Trova
Friday, Oct 10
Cine Charles Chaplin, 5pm Presentación del documental Festival Leo Brouwer, sus raíces de Joel Ramírez
Teatro Mella, 8:30 pm AlasBallet Lizt Alfonso
Saturday, Oct 11
Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís, 6pm Concert El amor en el baile. Inéditos pianísticos cubanos del s.xix Liana Fernández, Lianne Vega, Milagros de los Ángeles Soto, Lisa María Blanco and Gabriela Pineda (Cuba), Josué Tacoronte (Cuba-Mexico),
Teatro Martí, 8:30pm Concert El arco y la lira Carlos Prieto (Mexico), Yo-Yo Ma (US), Ricardo Gallén (España), Brasil Guitar Duo (Brazil)
Sunday, Oct 12
El Ciervo Encantado, 11am Musica electroacústica: 50 años del primer concierto en CubaQuinteto de Viento Nueva Camerata, Ricardo Martínez and Victor Piverno (Cuba)
Teatro Karl Marx, 5pm Concert de los ancestros Leo Brouwer, Orquesta de Cámara de La Habana, Chucho Valdés, , Cuarteto Presto, Rodney Barreto, Gastón Joya, Yaroldy Abreu, Dreiser Durruthy and Reinaldo Melián (Cuba), Ricardo Gallén (Spain)
Casas de la Música de Miramar and Habana 10pm-6amNoche Blanca del Son (homenaje a Juan Formell)
For more information:www.festivaleobrouwer.com
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El papel de la cultura en el Caribe hoyCasa de las Américas, September 29-October 3 Organized by the Center for Caribbean Studies of Casa de las Americas in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, Germany) the French Institute and the Cultural Services of the Embassy of Germany and France in Cuba, the Seminar includes lectures by Dr. Anja Bandau, Richard Price, Sally Price and Felix Valdés, plus panels and workshops that will foster the conception and sharing of projects. The themes that will be addressed are “Contemporary Caribbean: A Multicultural, Transterritorial Cultural Context,” Transdisciplinary Approaches: Popular Religiousness, Community, Marginality and Exclusion in the Caribbean,” “The Role of Culture and Critical Debate in the Caribbean Today: Artistic Creation and Institutionalization,” Knowledge Perspectives and New Dissemination Networks in the Era of Global Communication.”
events in Havana
VI Congreso Latinoamericano y del Caribe sobre Calidad e Inocuidad de los Alimentos September 15-18Palacio de las ConvencionesOrganized by the Food Science and Technology Association of Cuba, the 6th Latin American and Caribbean Congress on Food Safety and Quality will be held under the theme “Nutritional Culture in Food Science, Gastronomy and the Media.” The event will include the Expo-Fair Latin American and Caribbean Salon for the Food Industry (SIAL-CUBA, 2014) in which Cuban and international companies involved in food processing, equipment, state-owned and private restaurants, as well as educational and health institutions will exchange experiences and discuss new trends in the preparation of foods, gourmet cuisines and molecular gastronomy.
Another associated event will be Cubalumieregourmet 2014, which aims to facilitate the union of the science and technology sectors, food tourism and culture with the participation of actors, filmmakers, filmgoers, gourmets, visual artists, musicians, craftspeople, journalists, technologists, chefs, sommeliers, barmen and maître d’.
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aRound CuBa Festival Nacional Metal HGSeptember 18-21, Casa del Joven Creador Armando Mestre Martínez, HolguínOne of a kind in the eastern part of the country, this festival promotes a space in which different generations of Cubans, who decades ago defended a music considered as “resistance music,” can exchange experiences with more recent bands under absolute freedom of expression and aesthetics.
Jornada Pinar Hip-HopSeptember 4-7, Pinar del RíoMeetings, concerts and talks on Hip-hop and Rap with musicians, critics and other participants from all around Cuba.
III Encuentro Amigos del JazzSeptember 25-28, Santiago de CubaImportant jazz musicians from areund Cuba will participate in concerts, jam sessions and theoretical meetings. Guests include, among others, Bobby Carcasses, National Music Award 2012; César López, Yasek Manzano, Alfred Thompson, and Arruan Ortiz, who lives in the United States.
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El AtelierexPerimental fusion
Beautiful décor, interesting menu.Calle 5 e/ Paseo y 2, vedado
(+53) 7-836-2025
Havana’s best places to eat
Nazdarovie
Ca 5
El Litoralinternational
Watch the world go by at the Malecón’s best restaurant.Malecón #161 e/ K y L, vedado
(+53) 7-830-2201
Iván ChefsPanish
Brilliantly creative and rich food. Aguacate #9, esq. a Chacón, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-863-9697
La Guaridainternational
Justifiably famous. Follow footsteps of Queen of Spain & Beyonce. Concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-866-9047
Ca 5+ Ca 5+ Ca 5+
San Cristóbalcuban/creole
Deservedly popular.Consistently great food. Kitsch décor. San Rafael #469 e/ Lealtad y Campanario, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-860-9109
Ca 5+
La Fontanainternational
Consistently good food, attentive service. Old school. Calle 46 #305 esq. a 3ra, Miramar
(+53) 7-202-8337
Ca 4+
Esperanzacuban fusion
Intimate, idiosyncratic & charming (although not cheap). Calle 16 #105 e/ 1ra y 3ra, Miramar
(+53) 7-202-4361
D. Eutimiacuban/creole
Absolutely charming. Great food. Callejón del Chorro #60C, Plaza de la Catedral, Habana vieja
(+53) 7 861 1332
Ca 5+ Ca 4+
Santysushi/oriental
Authentic fisherman’s shack servicing world-class sushi. Fabulous.Calle 240A #3023 esq. a 3ra C, Jaimanitas
(+53) 5-286-7039
StarbiensPanish/mediterranean
Spacious. Serving some of Havana’s best food at present. Calle 29 #205 e/ B y C, vedado
(+53) 7-830-0711
El TempletesPanish/mediterranean
Overlooking harbor. Good quality but expensive. Ave. del Puerto #12 esq. a narciso López, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-866-8807
Ca 5+ Ca 5 Ca 5-
La Californiacuban-creole/international
Beautiful C19 colonial building. Great fresh pastas.Calle Crespo #55 e/ San Lázaro y Refugio, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-863 7510
Ca 5+
Café Bohemiacafé
Bohemian feel. Great sandwiches, salads & juices Calle San Ignacio #364, Habana vieja
Ca 5 Café Laurent sPanish/mediterranean
Beautiful penthouse restaurant with lovely terrace. Calle M #257, e/ 19 y 21, vedado
(+53) 7-831-2090
Ca 4+
Casa Miglisswedish-cuban fusion
Oasis of good food & taste in Centro HabanaLealtad #120 e/ Ánimas y Lagunas, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-864-1486
Ca 5Carboncitaitalian
Walter’s place. Great pizza. Quick & reliably goodAve. 3ra #3804 e/ 38 y 40, Miramar
(+53) 7-203 0261
Ca 4+ La CasacontemPorary fusion
VIP service. The Robaina family place. Thurs Sushi night. Calle 30 #865 e/ 26 y 41, nuevo vedado
(+53) 7-881-7000
Ca 5
ChanchullerosPanish/mediterranean
Fabulous value hole in the wall tapas. Trendy.Teniente Rey #457 bajos, Plaza del Cristo, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-872-8227
Ca 5 El Cocinerointernational
Spectacular industrial chic alfresco rooftop with a buzzing atmosphereCalle 26, e/ 11 y 13, vedado.
(+53) 7-832-2355
Cocina Lilliaminternational
Beautiful garden setting, quite posh.Calle 48 #1311, e/ 13 y 15, Miramar
(+53) 7-209-6514
Ca 5+Ca 4+
Corte Príncipeitalian
Sergio’s place. Simple décor, spectacular food, excellent service. Calle 9na esq. a 74, Miramar
(+53) 5-255-9091
Ca 5+ Il Divinointernational
Set in huge gardens outside town. Great for the kids. Calle Raquel, #50 e/ Esperanza y Lindero, Mantilla, Arroyo naranjo
(+53) 7-643-7734
Ca 4+
Río Marinternational
Contemporary décor. Wonderful sea-view.Ave. 3raA y Final #11, La Puntilla, Miramar
(+53) 7-209-4838
Ca 5Piccoloitalian
Kitsch pizza place with animals. Great after the beach. Calle 5ta A #50206 e/ 502 y 504, Guanabo, Habana del Este
(+53) 7-796-4300
Ca 4+
Bella Ciao homely italian
Great service, good prices. A real home from home. Calle 19 y 72, Playa
(+53) 7-206-1406
Ca 5
Le Chansonnier contemPorary fusion
Stylish & contemporary with good food. Not cheap. Calle J #257 e/ Línea y 15, vedado
(+53) 7-832-1576
Ca 4+
Nautilus french/mediterranean
Imaginative, tasty and innovative menu. Calle 84 #1116 e/ 11 y 13, Playa.
(+53) 5-237-3894
(+53) 5-4001068
Ca 5 Nazdaroviesoviet
Cuba’s first true Soviet style restaurant. Beautiful view, great food. Malecon #25, 3rd floor e Prado y Carcel, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-860-2947
Ca 5
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cubaism .COmProduced by
iván Chef justo Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCkStyle of food Spanish
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Spectacular innovative food. Light and airy place where it always seems to feel like Springtime. Don’t miss The lightly spiced grilled mahi-mahi served with organic tomato relish. Try the suckling pig and stay for the cuatro leches.
Aguacate #9, Esq. Chacón, Habana vieja. (+53) 7-863-9697 / (+53) 5-343-8540
el litoral Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk Style of food International
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Quality décor, good service and great food. Best new place recently opened.
Don’t miss Drinking a cocktail at sunset watching the world go by on the Malecón
Malecón #161 e/ K y L, vedado.
(+53) 7-830-2201
la Guarida Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk Style of food Contemporary fusion
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevaluebest for Authentic, charming and intimate atmosphere in Cuba’s best known restaurant. Great food, professional. Classy. Don’t miss Uma Thurman, Beyoncé or the Queen of Spain if they happen to be dining next to you.
Concordia #418 e/ Gervasio y Escobar, Centro Habana. (+53) 7-866-9047
www.laguarida.com
Santy Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk Style of food sushi
Cost Moderate
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Fabulous sushi, wonderful ambience overlooking fishing boats heading out to sea. World class.
Don’t miss Getting a reservation here.
calle 240a #3023 esq. 3rac, Jaimanitas.
(+53) 5-286-7039
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Casa miglis Ca 5 Style of food Swedish-Cuban fusion
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for The beautifully designed interior, warm ambience and Miglis’s personality create the feeling of an oasis in Central Havana. Don’t miss Chatting with Mr Miglis. The Skaargan prawns, beef Chilli and lingonberries.
Lealtad #120 e/ Ánimas y Lagunas, Centro Habana. (+53) 7-864-1486
Ca tOp piCk
www.casamiglis.com
la California Style of food Cuban-Creole/International
Cost Moderate
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Beautiful C19 colonial building. Popular place with quality food and great service. Love the fresh pastas. Dont’t miss The interesting history of the neighbourhood, where Chano Pozo (legend-ary Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist) hung out.
Calle Crespo #55 e/ San Lázaro y Refugio, Centro Habana (+53) 7-863-7510
Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk
Nazdarovie Ca 5+ Style of food Soviet
Cost Moderate
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Getting a flavor of Cuban-Soviet his-tory along with babuska’s traditional dishes in a classy locale.
Don’t miss vodka sundowners on the gorgeous terrace overlooking the malecon.
Malecon #25 3rd floor e/ Prado y Carcel, Centro Habana (+53) 7-860-2947
Ca tOp piCk
Starbien Ca 5+ Style of food Spanish/mediterranean
Cost Moderate
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Eating some of Havana’s best food at present. Consistently good, excellent serviceDon’t miss The fish terriaki is to absolutely die for. Get a reservation on the main terrace.
Calle 29 #205 e/ B y C, vedado
(+53) 7-830-0711
Ca tOp piCk
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Café bohemia Ca 5 Style of food Café
Cost Moderate
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Bohemian feel. Great sandwiches, salads & juices
Don’t miss Thursday night happy hour (7-9pm)
Ground floor of the Palacio de la Casa del Conde de Lombillo, Calle San Ignacio #364, (next to Factoría Plaza vieja)
Ca tOp piCk
[email protected] http://www.havanabohemia.com
atelier Ca 5 Style of food Experimental fusion
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Interesting menu, beautiful building with great décor and service.
Don’t miss Dinner on the breezy terrace during summer.
Calle 5ta e/ Paseo y 2, vedado
(+53) 7-836-2025
Ca tOp piCk
el Cocinero Ca 5+ Style of food International
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Fabulous industrial chic alfresco rooftop with a buzzing atmosphere, great service & good food.
Don’t miss The best parties in Havana, held on the rooftop attracting a new crowd of Cuban entrepreneurs.
Calle 26, e/ 11 and 13, vedado.
(+53) 7-832-2355
Ca tOp piCk
la Casa Ca 5 Style of food International/sushi
Cost Expensive
type of place Private (Paladar)
FoodambienceServicevalue
best for Warm hospitality and openness from the four generations of the Robaina family. Quality food.
Don’t miss Thursday night sushi night. The Piña Colada.
Calle 30 #865 e/ 26 y 41, nuevo vedado.
(+53) 7-881-7000
Ca tOp piCk
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Fashion Bar HavanaA superb example of queer class meets camp, accompanied by a fantastic floor show. San Juan de Dios, esq. a Aguacate, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-867-1676
Bertolt Brecht Think MTV Unplugged when musicians play. Hip, funky and unique with an artsy Cuban crowd. Calle 13 e/ I y J, vedado
(+53) 7-830-1354
El TocororoExpat favorite hangout. Small indoor bar with live music and eclectic clientele. Calle 18 e/ 3ra y 5ta, Miramar
El Gato Tuerto Late night place to hear fabulous bolero singers. Can get smoky. Calle O e/ 17 y 19, vedado
(+53) 7-833-2224
Meliá Sports Bar Big-screen sports-bar in modern outdoor terrace with cooling air jets (when working!). Good for sports and live music, not cheap for drinks/food.Meliá Habana Hotel Ave. 3ra e/ 76 y 80, Miramar
(+53) 7-204-8500
Sangri-LaFor the cool kids. Basement bar/club which gets packed at weekends.Ave. 21 e/ 36 y 42, Miramar
(+53) 7-264-8343
Don Cangrejo Love it/hate it—they have at least filled in the pool—this is the oldest Friday night party place and is still going strong. Outdoor by the sea. Ave. 1ra e/ 16 & 18, Miramar
(+53) 7-204-3837
Fábrica de ArteX Alfonso’s new cultural center. Great concerts, funky young scene.Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro)
(+53) 5-329-6325 www.facebook.com/fabrica.deartecubano
Esencia HabanaSpacious modern bar. Good service and nice cocktails. Non-smoking inside.Calle B e/ Línea y Calzada, vedado
(+53) 7-836-3031
EspaciosLaid back contemporary bar with a real buzz in the back beer-garden. Calle 10 #510, e/ 5ta y 31, Miramar
(+53) 7-836-3031
El CocineroFabulous rooftop setting, great service, cool vibe. Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, vedado
(+53) 7-832-2355
Cerveceríaantiguo almacén de la madera y el tabaco
Stunningly well done larger version of the microbrewery on Plaza Vieja. Located by the waterfront area. Simply brilliant. Avenida del Puerto y San Ignacio, La Habana vieja
SloppyJoe’s BarRecently (beautifully) renovated. Full of history. Popular. Lacks a little ‘grime’.Ánimas esq. a Zulueta, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-866-7157
FactoríaPlaza Vieja Microbrewery. Serves ice chilled bong of light locally brewed beer. New locale as well overlooking Havana bay.San Ignacio esq. a Muralla, Plaza vieja, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-866-4453
El FloriditaHemingway’s daiquiri bar. Touristy but always full of life. Great cocktails.obispo #557 esq. a monserrate, habana vieja
(+53) 7-867-1299
Sloppy Joe’s
Havana’s best Bars & ClubsCa 5 Ca 4+ Ca 5+
Ca 5+
Ca 4+
Ca 5- Ca 5+Ca 4+
Traditional Bars
Contemporary Bars
Ca 4+ KprichoÜber modern and stylish indoor bar/club. Miami style crowd and attitude. Calle 94 #110 e/ 1ra y 3ra, Miramar
(+53) 7-206-4167
Ca 4 Ca 5
Contemporary bars/clubs
Ca 4 Ca 4+ Ca 5Ca 4+
Other
Cabaret Las VegasCan get dark and smoky but great drag show (11pm) from Divino—one of Cuba’s most accomplished drag acts.Infanta #104 e/ 25 y 27, vedado.
(+53) 7-870-7939
Ca 4 Ca 5
Gay-friendly Humboldt 52One of the hottest venues for gay nightlife in Havana at present. Humboldt #52 e/ Infanta y Hospital, Centro Habana.
(+53) 5-330-2989
Ca 5
Up & Down From the team that brought you Sangri-La. Attracting a young party crowd, very popular. Calle 3ra y B, vedado
Ca 5
Café Bar MadrigalPop décor, fancy cocktails, and the staff’s supercilious attitude, this is a gathering spot for all types of folks, including gay men and women.Calle 17 #809 e/ 2 y 4, vedado
(+53) 7-831-2433
Ca 4
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COnTEMPORARy BAR/CLUBS
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Hanging out with hip & funky Cubans who like their live music.
Don’t miss Interactivo playing on a Wednesday evening.
Calle 13 e/ I y J, vedado (+53) 7-830-1354
bertolt brecht Ca 5 Ca tOp piCk
COnTEMPORARy
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Interesting venue with good décor and great bands. Busy.
Don’t miss Friday night attracts a LGBTI crowd. Great bands, hip crowd, pole dancing—what more could you want?
Ave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, Miramar
(+53) 7-204-3837
Don Cangrejo Ca 4+ Ca tOp piCk
COnTEMPORARy BAR
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Laid back lounge atmosphere in the garden area which often has live music. Good turnover of people.
Don’t miss Ray Fernandez, Tony Avila, yasek Mazano playing live sets in the garden.
Calle 10 #510 e/ 5ta y 31, Miramar (+53) 7-202-2921
espacios Ca 5- Ca tOp piCk
COnTEMPORARy BAR/CLUB
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Hanging out with the cool kids on the Havana Farundula in the most popular bar/club.
Don’t miss The best gin and tonic in Havana.
Ave. 21 e/ 36 y 42, Miramar
(+53) 5-264-8343
Sangri-la Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk
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GAy FRIEnDLy
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Hot staff, comfortable setting, and welcoming vibe at Havana’s first full-time, openly-gay barDon’t miss The disco ball, a talented opera duo performing Wednesdays and karaokeand drag performances other days of the week
Humboldt #52 e/ Infanta y Hospital, Centro Habana. (+53) 5-330-2989
Humboldt 52 Ca 5 Ca tOp piCk
COnTEMPORARy BAR
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
Fábrica de arte Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk
best for X Alfonso’s superb new cultural center has something for everyone
Don’t miss ne pas manquer Les meilleurs musiciens cubains
Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, vedado(next to the Puente de hierro)
COnTEMPORARy BAR/CLUB
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for Über cool & stylish indoor space where Havana’s coolest DJs keep the party going.
Don’t miss ‘Mas que una noche es un kpricho’
94 e/ 1ra y 3ra #110, Miramar. (+53) 7-206-4167 [email protected] Kpricho Facebook
kpricho Ca 5+ Ca tOp piCk
GAy-FRIEnDLy
ambiencepopularityentertainmentService & drinks
best for A superb example of queer class meets camp, accompanied by a fantastic floor show.
Don’t miss The staff performing after 11pm
San Juan de Dios, esq. a Aguacate, Habana vieja
(+53) 7-867-1676
Fashion bar Havana Ca 5 Ca tOp piCk
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Havana’s best live music venuesKarl Marx TheatreWorld class musicians perform prestigious concerts in Cuba’s best equipped venue.Calle 1ra esq. a 10, Miramar
(+53) 7-203-0801
Concert venuesBasílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís A truly beautiful church, which regularly hosts fabulous classical music concerts.Oficios y Amargura, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Habana vieja
Fábrica de ArteX Alfonso’s new cultural center. Great concerts inside (small and funky) and outside (large and popular!). Great mix of people.Calle 26 e/ 11 y 13, vedado (next to the Puente de Hierro)
Sala Covarrubiasteatro nacional
Recently renovated, this is one of Cuba’s most prestigious venues for a multitude of events.Paseo y 39, Plaza de la Revolución.
JazzCafé Jazz MiramarThis newish club is clean, modern and atmospheric where Cuba’s best musicians jam and improvise.Cine Teatro Miramar 10:30pm – 2am
Ave. 5ta esq. a 94, Miramar
Jazz Café A staple of Havana’s jazz scene, the best jazz players perform here. Somewhat cold atmosphere wise.Galerías de Paseo
Ave. 1ra e/ Paseo y A, vedado
Privé LoungeSmall and intimate lounge club with great acoustics and beautiful decor. Jazz groups play Sunday night. Calle 88A #306 e/ 3ra y 3raA, Miramar
(+53) 7-209-2719
La Zorra y el CuervoIntimate and atmospheric, this basement club, which you enter through the Red telephone box, is Cuba’s most famous jazz club.Calle 23 e/ n y O, vedado
(+53) 7-833-2402
Salsa/Timba Café Cantante Mi HabanaAttracts the best Cuban musicians to play including for matinees. Recently renovated with an excellent new sound system.Ave. Paseo esq. a 39, Plaza de la Revolución
(+53) 7-878-4273
Casa de la Músicacentro habana
A little rough around the edges but spacious. For better or worse, this is ground zero for the best in Cuban salsa.Galiano e/ neptuno y Concordia, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-860-8296/4165
Casa de la Músicamiramar
Smaller and more up-market than its newer twin in Centro Habana. This is an institution in the Havana salsa scene although probably seen better days.Calle 20 esq. a 35, Miramar
(+53) 7-204-0447
Salón Rosado de la Tropical The legendary beer garden where Arsenio tore it up in the 40s Look for a salsa/timba gig on a Sat night and a Sun matinee with an older crowd.Ave. 41 esq. a 46, Playa Times: varies wildly
(+53) 7-203-5322
ContemporaryCafé Teatro Bertolt BrechtThink MTV Unplugged when musicians play. Hip, funky and unique with an artsy Cuban crowd.Calle 13 e/ I y J, vedado
(+53) 7-830-1354
Don CangrejoLove it/hate it—they have at least filled in the pool—this is the oldest Friday night party place and is still going strong. Outdoor by the sea.Ave. 1ra e/ 16 y 18, Miramar
(+53) 7-204-3837
El SauceGreat outdoor concert venue to hear the best in contemporary & Nueva Trova live in concert. Ave. 9na #12015 e/ 120 y 130, Playa
(+53) 7-204-6428
Teatro de Bellas ArtesSmall intimate venue inside Cuba’s most prestigious arts museum. Modern.Trocadero e/ Zulueta y Monserrate, Habana vieja.
Trova & traditional Barbaram Pepito’s BarSome of the best Cuban Nueva Trova musicians perform in this small and intimate environment.Calle 26 esq. a Ave. del Zoológico. nuevo vedado
(+53) 7-881-1808
Gato TuertoLate night place to hear fabulous bolero singers. Can get smoky.Calle O entre 17 y 19, vedado
(+53) 7-833-2224
Legendariosde GuajiritoSee Buena Vista Social Club musicians still performing nightly from 9pm. Touristy but fabulous.Zulueta #660 e/ Apodaca y Gloria, Centro Habana
(+53) 7-861-7761
Salón 1930 ‘Compay Segundo’Buena Vista Social Club style set in the grand Hotel Nacional. Hotel nacional
Calle O esq. a 21, vedado
(+53) 7-835-3896
Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís
Ca 5 Ca 5 Ca 5 Ca 5
Ca 4+ Ca 4 Ca 5+ Ca 5
Ca 4 Ca 4 Ca 4 Ca 5
Ca 5 Ca 4+ Ca 5- Ca 4+
Ca 4+ Ca 4+ Ca 5 Ca 4+