Havana Annual International Jazz Festival

Introduction to the Jazz Festival

Jazz aficionados from Cuba and other international locations visit Havana for the annual Jazz festival that has become a big part of Cuba’s musical tradition.

The annual jazz festival has been a mainstay on the Cuban music circuit for more than three decades now and is a great way for musicians and jazz lovers alike to celebrate their love of jazz.

Cuban music really has its own style and tempo and this is reflected in Cuban jazz, with a definite unique style of its own.

At the event itself last year apart from the music, the local foods and foremost, the local people, made it really quite a trip and one which I hope to do again soon.

Locations and Venues

Taking place over a 5 day period, the festival features concerts, jam sessions, and workshops by some of the best jazz experts in the country.

The festival also features photo exhibitions and allows musicians and tourists the chance to interact with the local talent.

Locations for the event include the:

Hotel Rivera
Casa de la Cultura Plaza
Teatro Nacional de Cuba
Teatro Amadeo Roldán
and the Teatro Karl Marx

These are just some of the venues which play host to the Havana jazz festival.

However, it is important to note that some of the best music is usually made at impromptu jam sessions all over downtown Havana.

Cuban and five-time Grammy winner Chucho Valdes is the main organizer of the festival.

Some of the artists that have been a part of the festival in the past include:

Ivan Lins
Charlie Haden
Dizzy Gillespie
Roy Hargrove
Richie Cole
Michel Legrand
Steve Coleman
Max Roach
Leon Thomas
Carmen McRae
Tete Montoliu
Tania María
Airto Moreira
and Dave Valentin.

As a lead-up to the main events, young musicians take part in the Jo Jazz or Young Jazz music competition.

The grand finale, which is when the five-day extravaganza culminates, sees Chucho Valdes perform alongside well-known and emerging talent at the festival.