Ballet Nacional De Cuba .COM

WHAT’SON HAVANA ! FEB 2013

Review of Andrew Moore’s spectacular new book, Cuba page 14 The 15th Habanos festival February 26 to March 2 page 18 Havana’s Book Fair February 14-March 10 page 19

February 8-10 & 15-17 Ballet Nacional de Cuba .COM

WHAT’SON HAVANA ! February 2013

Sex is very much in the city at Galer’a La Acacia for a homoerotic smorgasbord of art from many of Cuba’s best artists. John Michael Rusnak also has an excellent photography exhibition Fear of Nostalgia in the Fototeca de Cuba. Still in photography, Andrew Moore’s Cuba is lively, keen-eyed, terrible and lovely, [it] has the aspect of an unfinished collage.

Alicia Alonso’s Ballet Nacional de Cuba is performing six nights in its temporary new home at the Teatro Nacional on Feb 8-10 and 15-17, while for a different dancing experience do check out El Beduino’s belly dancers every Saturday night.

The 15th Habanos cigar festival takes center stage at month’s end, while outside Havana our pick has to be the 2nd International Harley Davidson Rally to Varadero (Feb 8-11). Finally, the International Book Fair kicks of in Havana on Valentines Day.

We hope you enjoy this review. Any feedback and/or notices about events are always appreciated. You can contact us at [email protected]

Photo above and cover by Andrew Moore from his book Cuba.

page 1 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T February: A ’SON Havana Good Time with Conner Gorry HAVAN A ! Conner Gorry

Conner is one of the most insightful writers about Cuba she is the author of the blog, Here is Havana.

The Havana Good Time application is a must for visitors to Cuba providing comprehensive and up to date details of the best places to visit, eat, party, and shop.

Buckle up babies, you’re in for a wild ride this month. February may be short, but it certainly is sweet here in Havana where Valentine’s Day is taken almost as seriously as Mother’s Day (nothing, and I mean nothing, trumps Cuban Moms). This translates into concerts dedicated to lovers; ludicrously crowded restaurants where wait times can top over an hour; and wandering florists and minstrels for that last minute gift-giving.

If you’ll be here with your honey on February 14th, I suggest avoiding the madness altogether by cooking a candlelight dinner in your casa particular; hosting a gourmet picnic at Parque Monte Barreto; or beholding the sunset seaside with a bottle of wine at the Jardines de 1830. Now on to my other top picks for February:

Sex in the City Trust me when I say: there has never before been an exhibit like this in Cuba. Featuring over a dozen artists working in different mediums, this collection proves it’s a fine line between homoerotic and pornographic. Regardless of the inherent worth of individual pieces, this exhibit is groundbreaking and historically relevant for traditionally homophobic Cuba since it brings same sex relations out of the closet; through February 28th.

2nd International Harley Davidson Rally One weekend, hundreds of Cuban bikers, and scores of Harley Davidsons from before Obama was born: if last year’s rally is any indication, this is going to one hell of an exciting event with music, competitions, and lots of fun Cuban-style, climaxing with a concert by Cuban Harlista David Blanco. It makes a great photo opp and is a chance to mix and mingle with some cool, passionate locals. Rally takes off for Varadero from the Cupet in Guanabacoa on February 8, 1pm; activities continue through February 10 in central Varadero (1ra & Calle 43); all are welcome.

page 2 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM December: Havana Good Time with Conner Gorry

Santiago Feliú It’s heartening that this celebrated singer-songwriter is back on stage regularly with a weekly gig at the Café Cantante. While the format is different from his usual original songs featuring poignant lyrics and rocking guitar and piano arrangements (this peña is dedicated to hit songs in Spanish from the 60s and 70s), Santi always puts on a good show. This is especially recommended for folks who speak Spanish and Cuban Americans visiting the island who want to stroll down memory lane. Fridays,11pm.

Go to church Old Havana has two majestic music venues which tend to slip under the radar. Luckily, February offers good opportunities to catch concerts at both the Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis and the Iglesia de San Francisco de Paula. First, there’s the Camerata Romeu, conducted by the legendary Zenaida Romeu at the Basilica Menor, February 16th at 6pm, followed by the baroque ensemble Ars Longa at the San Franscisco de Paula on February 26th a 7pm. Either is guaranteed to inspire.

Conner Gorry is author of the Havana Good Time app (for iPhone/Pads and Android) and Here is Havana blog.

page 3 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T A ’SON ART HAVAN A ! Sex in the City Galería La Acacia January 18 to February 28 Tuesday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Havana’s most buzzed about art exhibition in years. A smorgasbord of homo-erotic art brought together under the guidance of curator Piter Ortega. The lineup features Roberto Fabelo, Rocío García, Duvier del Dago, Humberto Díaz, René Peña, Jorge López Pardo, and Adonis Flores, as well as younger artists whose work is emerging in art-world circuits: Lancelot Alonso, Stainless, Yenisley Yanes, Tai Ma Campos, Álvaro José Brunet, William Acosta, and Julio Ferrer, among others.

Leave the kids at home.

ESTERIO SEGURA: FROM ANGUISH TO PLEASURE by Ricardo Alberto Pérez.

Esterio Segura (Santiago de Cuba, 1970-) is considered one of the most controversial artists of his generation. He was first known for Santo de paseo por el trópico), a sculpture of Saint Sebastian made of polychrome plaster which is part of the permanent collection of the Contemporary Cuban Art at the Fine Arts Museum in Havana The saint was placed in this setting as a symbol of the imprints of all kinds of journeys… Read full article

Casa Throughout Sintonía de un patrimonio Casa del Throughout Edición Número Cero: La Carmen February by artist Maykel Herrera,by Benemérit February Habana I Montilla artist Maykel Herrera, o de las an exhibition of known as “the painter of Américas contemporary Brazilian art. children”, given the Benito countless and at times Juárez enigmatic presence of children in his paintings.

page 4 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T A ’SON ART HAVAN A ! Centro Throughout Tengo algo que decir, La Acacia Throughout Sex in the City, group Cultural February a tribute to the Cuban February exhibition of pieces by Cinematog school of landscape art renowned artists (Roberto ráfico from very different Fabelo, Rocío García, ICAIC manifestations, formats, Duvier del Dago, René Peña, techniques and trends by Jorge López Pardo, and artists Ever Fonseca, René others) and a younger de la Nuez, Javier Román, generation of artists who Renier Hernández are making a name for Balmaseda, Arley Perera, themselves in the world of Osmar Reyes, Juan Camilo visual arts (Lancelot Alonso, Cruz, Pedro Pérez Portales, Stainless, Tai Ma Campos, Williams Cruz, Carlos and others). The exhibit Llanes, Jorge Lucas Pereda, focuses on homoeroticism Darexis Valle, Efrén Acosta which is the main theme for and Carlos R. Coronado, some of them and an amont othetr, most of occasional topic for others. which live in Artemisa and This attempt to transgress Mayabeque provinces and the limits between therefore their presence is eroticism and pornography not a frequent one in has been described by quite Havana. a number of viewers as lewd. The gallery, however, Centro de Through 23 Wifredo Lam: entre la has registered unusual de Feb Arte pintura y el grabado, attendance rates. Contempo exhibition of 72 pieces (on ráneo the 110th anniversary of the Galería Throughout Umberto Peña: regreso a Wifredo birth of the Cuban painter. Latinoame February un pintor visceral, an Lam Along with the exhibit, ricana. exhibition of over 30 several documentaries on Casa de pieces, which include Lam will be shown: 1902- las paintings, drawings and 1946; 1946-1982; y , Américas engravings by artist produced by Seven Doc Umberto Peña who lives in from France, directed by the US. He is one of the Fabrice Maze and Barbro most important and Schultz Lundesta, along influential creators of with and , directed by Cuban graophic design. Humberto Solá and Jorge Aguirre, respectively. Museo Throughout Gritos en la pared. Hitos Nacional February del cartel cubano Centro Throughout Martha Le Parc: ¿Artista o de Bellas contemporáneo, is a Hispano February artesana? Homenaje al Artes collection of 200 posters Americano pueblo de Cuba, an (Edificio (1959-2012), most of which de Cultura exhibition of colorful de Arte are related to the cinema, tapestries filled with light Cubano) and the others fall within and movement, whose the category of economic, designs draw inspiration social and political from Paul Klee, Piet propaganda. Mondrian and Victor Vasarely, among other contemporary artists. Museo Throughout Made in Cuba, first solo Biblioteca February exhibition of sculptor Servando Alejandro Díaz Matos. Ten Pabellón Opens Feb Defensa Civil II, exhibition Cabrera, pieces, almost all of which Cuba 15 by young artist Ernesto are made of steel, explore Domecq. Cuban themes.

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WH T A ’SON ART HAVAN A ! Galería de Throughout The 19th Salon of Erotic Art Casa Throughout Martí, ese misterio que February Arte Fayad opens its doors to painting, Oswaldo February nos acompaña Guayasamín Jamís drawing, engraving, a group exhibition of photography, digital art, paintings, sculptures, sculpture, installation, drawings, photographs and performance and video art, inspired in the audiovisuals. thought and spirituality of Cuba’s national hero, José Factoría Throughout El viaje (Paredes que Martí byCuban artists of Habana February hablan) several generations and Antonio Eligio Fernández styles, including Kamyl (Tonel), member of Bullaudy, Alex Castro, Liang Hexágono, one of the Domínguez, Sándor memorable groups during González, Alexis Leyva the creative explosion of Machado (Kcho), Liudmila the 1980s, has made use of López, Douglas Pérez, caricatures, drawings, Mabel Poblet, Ernesto paintings, sculptures and Rancaño, among others. installations to examine, from aesthetics closely Palacio Mon-Fri, Colección de la Embajada related to conceptualism Conde de 9:30 am-5 de España de grabados y and minimalism, both the Lombillo pm; Sat, mapas antiguos de Cuba, everyday life of his 9:30 am- exhibition organized with 12:30 pm immediate environment the collaboration of the and the universal instinct of Spanish Embassy in Cuba human beings. and the City Historian’s Office. The exhibit, which Museo Opens Feb Constitución del Museo, shows early maps and Nacional de 23, 4 pm an exhibition on ocassion of engravings of the island of Bellas Artes. the centenary of the Fine Cuba, is made up of 18 Edificio de engravings of special Arte Arts Museum in Havana. Cubano The exhibit includes historical and artistic value, documents and made between 1642 and publications since its 1853. founding.

El viaje (Paredes que hablan) Antonio Eligio Fernández (Tonel) page 6 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T A ’SON DANCE HAVAN Sala AvellanedaTeatro Nacional A ! Ballet

Feb 8 & 9, 8:30 pm; Feb 10, 5 pm Feb 15 & 16, 8:30 pm; Feb 17, 5 pm

Ballet Nacional de Cuba performs at its temporary new Ballet Nacional de Cuba performs at its temporary new home: La commedia é… danzata, choreography by Alicia home: The Afternoon of a Faun, choreography by Vaslav Alonso and music by Ernesto Lecuona; Sylvia pas de deux, Nijinski and music by Debussy; Double Bounce, choreography by George Balanchín and music by Léo choreography by Peter Quanz and music by David Lang; Delibes; Nosotros, choreography by Alicia Alonso and music Interludio en el limbo, choreography by Carlos I. Santos and by Chopin; Luminous, choreography by Peter Quanz and music by Mozart; Pas de deux de Beauty and the Beast, music by Marjan Mozetich; Theme and Variations, choreography by E. Kirk Peterson and music by Chaikovski; choreography by George Balanchine and music by Flora, choreography by Gustavo Herrera and music by Tchaikovski. Sergio Vitier; Impromptu Lecuona, choreography by Alicia Alonso and music by Ernesto Lecuona. Tchaikovski.

BELLY-DANCING AT EL BEDUINO El Beduino 607 Calle 5 between 4 and 6 | Vedado, Havana, Cuba

If you want to cash in your wife for 15 camels then look no further. This is the place. Saturday night is bellydancing night which is something to behold! Hookah pipes, chicken shawarmas and beatiful dancing girls – what more would you want. A word of warning for those not accustomed to sitting Beduin style – take your own lounger! Read full article El Beduino page 7 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T A ’SON MUSIC HAVAN A ! Gala Tribute to Rosita Fornés Sala Avellaneda, Teatro Nacional, Feb 2, 8:30 pm

A tribute to the Cuban star Rosita Fornés, with a gala ceremony that will include the performances of operatic singers María Eugenia Barrios and Milagros de los Ángeles, young talents of the National Lyrical Opera, vedette Maylú, singer Lourdes Torres, the Lizt Alfonso Ballet and dancers from the Anfiteatro de La Habana, among other artists, who will sing a selection of operettas and zarzuelas which were hits in the voice of Rosita Fornés: La viuda alegre, La casta Susana, La Generala, El conde de Luxemburgo, La boda de Luis Alonso, Las musas latinas, Doña Francisquita, Las Leandras and La verbena de La Paloma.

Festival de Música Antigua Esteban Salas February 26-March 2 Old Havana http://www.arslonga.cu/

Dedicated to commemorate the anniversary of the death of the first Cuban musician of whom there is record of printed scores, every year the Esteban Salas Early Music Festival gathers outstanding performers of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music who perform in Old Havana headed by the Ars Longa Music Ensemble. This festival has made it possible for audiences to enjoy for the first time in Cuba important pieces of the universal repertory, such as the madrigalian comedy “Festino” by the Italian composer Adriano Banchieri and Handel’s “Messiah.”

BUENE FE: BEHIND THE SCENES by John Waterhouse

Mega Cuban pop stars they may be but don’t expect a glitzy recording studio for singer–songwriter duo—Israel Rojas and partner Yoel Martínez. Hailing from the eastern–most province of Cuba (Guantánamo), this is of the most popular bands on the island among a young, mainly high–school and university crowd... Read full article page 8 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM MUSIC JAZZ La Zorra y el Cuervo 23 (Sat) Bellita & Jazztumbata

24(Sun) Lazaro Valdez & Son Jazz

25(Mon) Ta' Bueno Jazz

26 (Tue) Denis Carbo & Balance

27(Wed) Eduardo Barroetabena & Oddara

28(Thur) Roberto Fonseca & Temperamento

Café Sundays, Performance by the band Concert 10 pm Aire de Concierto Adagio

Centro Sundays, Jazz with Julito Padrón and 5:00 pm 1 (Fri) Oscar Valdes & Diakara Cultural David Alfaro Fresa y 2 (Sat) Bellita & Jazztumbata Chocolate

3 (Sun) Ruy Lopez Nussa & La Academia Casa del Feb 10, 5 Tribute to guitarist Jorge Alba pm 4 (Mon) Emilio Matrinez & Saxofilia Luis Chicoy on the 40th Cultural anniversary of his artistic 5 (Tue) Jesus Fuentes & Santo Tomas life. Performances by Conection showman Bobby Carcasés, drumers Oliver Valdés and 6 (Wed) Alexis Bosch & Proyecto Jazz Cubano Ramsés Rodríguez, bassist 7 (Thu) Roberto Fonseca & Temperamento Jorge Reyes, pianist Roberto Fonseca, flutist and sax 8 (Fri) Michel Herrera & Joven Jazz player Javier Zalba and bass player Yandy Martínez. 9 (Sat) Yasek Manzano & Group Delirio Sundays Performances by Michel 10(Sat) Lazaro Valdez & Son Jazz Habanero Herrera. (Teatro 11 (Mon) Jorge Luis Pacheco & Trio Nacional) 12 (Tue) Denis Carbo & Balance Museo Feb 27 pm Jazz concert with pianist 13(Wed) Eduardo Barroetabena & Oddara Nacional Alejandro Falcón and de Bellas 14(Thu) Roberto Fonseca & Temperamento Cubadentro, with guest Artes. singers Waldo Mendoza, 15 (Fri) Oscar Valdes & Diakara Edificio de Michel Herrera, Luna Arte Manzanares, César López, Cubano 16 (Sat) Michel Herrera & Joven Jazz Mayito Rivera and Reynaldo Melián. 17 (Sun) Canela

18 (Mon) David Faya & Camino a Santiago

19 (Tue) Denis Carbo & Balance

20 (Wed) Alexis Bosch & Proyecto Jazz Cubano

21 (Thu) Roberto Fonseca & Temperamento

22 (Fri) Michel Herrera & Joven Jazz

page 9 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM MUSIC Bolero, folkloric, son & trova Asociación Fridays, Performance by the Centro Feb 15, 5 The “in” place of Yoruba de 8:30 pm folkloric group Obiní Batá Cultural pm Havana’sCuerda Joven, a Cuba Sundays, 4 Pablo de la new project dedicated to pm Torriente the younger generations of Brau Cuban trovadores, Saturdays, The band Charanga de Oro especially those from other 4 pm plays pieces from the provinces who are little traditional repertory of known by audiences of the Cuban popular dance capital. music. Barbaram Mondays, 9 Four hours with Frank Centro de Feb 23, 4 El Jardín de la Gorda with pm Pepito´s pm Delgado: and guests la Décima the performances of Bar troubadours. trovadores from every generation. Thursdays, Charly Salgado adn his 10 pm band. Hurón Azul Saturdays, Noche de Boleros de Oro: (UNEAC) 10 pm Lovers of this romantic Cafe Fridays, 11 “Lo que la Radio nos Dejó” genre par excellence have Cantante pm or What the Radio Left us the opportunity of meeting (Teatro with Santiago Feliú, one of and enjoying the Nacional) the most important Cuban performances of the best singer-songwriters who has Cuban bolero singers. preserved the troubadour spirit with contemporary Jardines Tue & Thu, Performances by one of the sounds. del 1830 8:30 pm; most popular bands in Sun, 5 pm Cuba, Moncada, with an Café Jade Thursdays, Lynn Milanés 10:30 pm extensive repertoire of Cuban and Latin American Fridays, 9 Anaís Abreu music. pm La Pérgola, Feb 24, 6 Saturdays, Argelia Fragoso El Pergolazo, new project of 10 pm Ministerio pm trovadores Samuel Ávila de Cultura and Diego Cano Casa de la Saturdays, The “in” place of Havana’s Música de 5 pm trova scene, La Utopía (or Pabellón Feb 15-24 Popular Cuban musicians Miramar the “intellectual nightclub”) Cuba and singer-songwriters, combines live such as Descemer Bueno, performances by David Blanco, Tony Ávila, troubadours, impromptu Ivette Cepeda, William performances by the Vivanco, Adrián Berazaín audience, and videos of and other musicians from important domestic and Spain, Ecuador, Argentina international musicians of and Panama will be the past 50 years. The performing daily at mostly young Pabellón Cuba during the intellectualistic crowd sings Havana Book Fair. along to every song. Fridays, 5 Tres Tazas, a get-together Centro Saturdays, Performance by Yeni pm with troubadour Silvio cultural 10:30 pm Sotolongo, a young figure Alejandro and guests. Fresa y of Cuban song who boasts Chocolate an exceptional voice and Piano Bar Thursdays, Performances by trovador varied repertoire. Tun Tun 5 pm Ray Fernández. (Casa de Sala Tuesdays, 5 Performance of salsa band la Música Avenida pm Habana de Primera. de Miramar)

page 10 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM MUSIC Bolero, folkloric, son & trova Contemporary fusion Patio Viernes, 9 Charly Salgado and his & electronic pm Amarillo band: a fusion of trova and Centro Sundays, 5 Discotemba La Máquina de (Centro de rock in intelligent songs Cultural El pm la Melancolía. Trovador Arte about his surroundings. Sauce Frank Delgado and the Contempo ráneo popular actor Luis Alberto Wifredo García, who becomes a DJ Lam) here, offer a demanding selection of pop, rock, Cuban alternative music, Piano Bar Fridays, 10 Performances by pop singer pieces by singer- Delirio pm Verónica Velázquez songwriters and audiovisual Habanero. Teatro materials. Unlike other Nacional venues in the city, at La Máquina, salsa, timba and Plaza Vieja 14, 8:00 pm Dinner and concert at one merengue have been of Havana’s most famous banned, and has been plazas on St. Valentine’s proudly declared “Free Day. Performance by territory of reggaeton and popular singer Ivette bad vibes”. Cepeda and the band Reflexión. RAP Cancha de Feb 9, 2 Anónimo Consejo and Sede Feb 21, 5 The best tres player in Cojímar pm Brebaje Man (rap). provisional pm Cuba, Pancho Amat and del Museo Cabildo del Son with a Feb 4, 5pm Nacional Casa de la Cubanos en la Red (rap) sample of the most Cuban Cultura de de la of Cuban song and dance Música Guanabac styles-“son.” oa Snack Bar. Thursdays, An informal meeting with Jardines Feb 9, 5:00 Hermanazos (rap). Hotel 7 pm the versatile contralto del teatro pm Telégrafo Ivette Cepeda, who has Mella been much celebrated thanks to the subtleties she La Feb 2, 8pm Yimi Konclase (rap). brings to her voice and her Madriguera wide repertory of Cuban and international music. Maqueta Feb 23, Hermanazos (rap). de La 5pm Habana Contemporary fusion & electronic Parque de Feb 15, 5 Adverzario (rap). Santos pm Barbaram Tuesdays, 9 Performances by the band Suárez Pepito´s pm Polaroid, whose poetic Bar songs deal with the 12 y 17, El 22, 7: 00 Mano Armada (rap). environment through Vedado pm different sonorities. ROCK Centro Mondays, 10 Wichy D´Vedado, one of the Mondays, 9 Cultural pm most famous DJs in Havana Submarino The young singer Gretel Amarillo pm Fresa y with the best of World Barreiro delights her Chocolate music. audiences wth rock songs from the 1970s and 80s. Discoteca Feb 15, 10 Aceituna sin Hueso and Café Sundays, 4 Los Kents, a “dinosaur” of pm Escaleras their lead violin put out an Cantante, pm Cuban rock, play their hits al Cielo interesting interaction of Teatro from the 60s and 70s. Celtic, Indian and Cuban Nacional sounds page 11 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM MUSIC Classical Iglesia de Paula Basílica Menor de San Francisco de Asís

Feb 19, 21, Academicum Tempus focuses on master 22, 26 & 27, classes on the interpretation of early 7pm music with experts in the technique of early musical instruments. Teachers include flutist Claudia Gerauer and organists Stefan Baier and Martin Rost (Germany); Judith Pacquier, French horn (France); violinist Walter Reiter (UK); , harpsichord Kathleen Mc Intoch (US); violinist Evelio Tieles, lute player and guitarist Aland López and soprano and director Teresa Paz (Cuba).

Feb 19, 7 Concert by students from the Amadeo pm Roldán Conservatory, conducted by Feb 2, 6 pm Performance by the versatile pianist Evelio Tieles. Ernán López-Nussa and his trio.

Feb 21, 7 Stefan Baier and Claudia Gerauer will Feb 9, 6 pm Concert by the chamber orchestra pm direct recorder and organ students from Música Eterna, conducted by Guido the Convivium Musicum program. López-Gavilán.

Feb 22, 7 Claudia Gerauer (recorder) and Stefan Feb 16, 6 The duet Netzaj (Darío Martín, piano pm pm Baier (organ), will play pices from the andConcert by the all-female Camerata German Renaissance. Romeu, conduted by Zenaida Romeu, on the occasion of St Valentine’s Day. Feb 26, 7 The Ars Longa Early mUisc Ensemble Feb 23, 6 The vocal ensemble Sine Nomine and pm will be conducted by Martin Rost from pm guests from the National Lyrical Opera Germany. will give a program made up of excerpts Feb 27, 7 Organ concert by Martin Rost and from Handel's Acis and Galatea, and pm Moisés Santiesteban. pieces by other Baroque composers.

Oratorio San Felipe Neri Feb 9, 4 pm The Santa Cecilia wind quintet will play works by Giulio Briaccialdi, George Bizet, and Cuban composers Ignacio Cervantes ansd Paquito D’ Rivera.

Centro Hispanoamericano de Cultura Sat 9, 5 pm Performance of the clarinet quartet Ébanos de La Habana, conducted by Macario Sanjudo

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WH T A ’SON PHOTOGRAPHY HAVAN A ! Fear of Nostalgia solo exhibition of John Michael RusnakFototeca de Cuba (Throughout February)

“Shot entirely in Cuba, this work reveals to the world through the shades of diversity what first drew Rusnak’s attention of focus. Hoping to “encourage reflection on recent social and political mistakes and stimulate re-examination of the lost opportunities for the elusive ‘ONE WORLD’ promise of the 1960’s,” the social commentary is communicated through a series of five large format triptychs.” Extract from review by Mani De Osu

Photography Fear of Nostalgia

Andrew Moore: Cuba

"Moore’s subject is history in process, and in Cuba he finds history not just happening but time-lapsed, history waiting to take the next step. His Cuba, lively, keen-eyed, terrible and lovely, has the aspect of an unfinished collage. The craft of collage, the recombining of displaced, decommissioned things, is often cherished as a form of salvage, or even (mawkishly) as an art of redemption. But there is no salvation or completion until each scavenged part can be persuaded to consign its origins and its traumas to the past and agree to face the future. This Cuba, unfinished and waiting, has the querulous virtue of refusing to forget.” Excerpt from introduction.

Sala de la Diversidad

Throughout The new gallery Sala de la Diversidad opens with an exhibition by the Cuban biologist and February photographer Nicasio Viñas, which is dedicated to the variety of animal life in the Caribbean region. The gallery will exhibit digital photos from seven high-resolution screens.

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WH T A ’SON PERFORMING ARTS HAVAN A ! Gotas de agua sobre piedras calientes [Drops of water on Hot Stones]. Sala Adolfo Llauradó Fri & Sat, 8:30 pm; Sun, 5 pm

In Rainer Warner Fassbinder’s comedy (under the direction of Carlos Díaz with Teatro El Público company), a young man who is looking for an apartment where he plans to live with his girlfriend after their wedding, is intercepted by a mature man, a manipulator of emotions, who the young man falls passionately in love with. The presence of the girlfriend and an ex-lover of the mature man give rise to serious conflicts. Díaz has chosen to make a reading of the play more from the domination/submission relationship rather than from the twists and turns of homosexuality.

Sala Adolfo Llauradó Sala Argos Teatro

Feb 5-7, 6 Aquicualquier@one-man comedy show Fri & Sat, Talco written by Cuban playwright Abel pm with Osvaldo Doimeadiós, in which the 8:30 pm; González Melo and classified by some Sun, 5 pm excellent Cuban actor shows his critics as “dirty realism, once again multifaceted talent, playing the roles of explores Havana’s underworld--a several of his most popular characters, subworld of prostitution, drugs and with funny and thought-provoking marginal peopleThe rundown El Mégano monologues, songs and jokes. movie theatre serves as setting where the events that lead to despair and death Feb 19-21, 6 Delirio Habanero by Cuban playwright take place. pm Alberto Pedro. Three delirious characters who believe they are Varilla (a Sala El Ciervo Encantado former waiter at La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant), and famous singers Benny Feb 2, 3, 9 Cubalandia a performance by Mariela & 10, 8:30 Brito, directed by Nelda Castillo. The Moré and Celia Cruz, meet every pm evening at a run-down building to recall play focuses on a self-employed worker- a long gone Havana, or to plan a future -Yara La China not only organizes that will never be. This production by excursions payable both in Cuban pesos Teatro de La Luna has earned the and Convertible pesos, she also advices director and the three actors numerous her potential customers on how to prizes. recover the investment, which gives rise to a stark, ironic look into current 26, 27 y 28, Ay, mi amor monologue written by pressing economic and ethical problems 6:00 pm Norge Espinosa, with the magnificent that Cubans face today. performance of the young actor Lester Martínez. Based on the memories of the Feb 16, 17, Rapsodia para el mulo Nelda Castillo, 23, 24, 8:30 director of El Ciervo Encantado, who late actor Adolfo Llauradó, as taped by pm his wife, who in that intimate milieu sought inspiration for her play in the gives details of his hectic private life. poem of the same name by José Lezama The play has received important prizes Lima, to express, with complex from specialized Cuban critics. symbolism, the difficult struggle to save the remains of the past and survive in the harshness of the present.

page 14 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM PERFORMING ARTS Sala Teatro El Sótano Teatro Raquel Revuelta

Tue, Wed & Esto es demasiado opening of this Fri & Sat 6 Antigonón, un contingente épico Thu, 6 pm comedy play by Cuban playwright Cary pm; Sun, 5 (work in progress) by Rogelio pm Cruz, and produced by Teatro Buscón. Orizondo, staged by Teatro El Público. With only two actresses on the stage, this reworking of the myth of Antigone Sala Tito Junco. Centro Cultural Bertolt Bretch uses recourses such as dance, Feb 1-10; Fri La pintura y otros lugares is based on fragmentation of the discourse and the & Sat, 8:30 the painting by French artist Alain intersexuality to delve into present-day pm; Sun, 5 concerns. pm Kleinmann. Estudio Teatral Aldaba company, directed by Irene Borges, evokes the memory and the passage of Teatro Trianón time through an attractive work that Fri & Sat, Caligula El Público theater company combines visual arts, theater, poetry, 8:30 pm; reruns one of its most successful and music and movement. Sun, 5 pm provocative plays of their repertory, by French novelist, essayist, and dramatist, Albert Camus.

EL PÚBLICO’S HOMOEROTIC TWELFTH NIGHT REACHES 100 by Victoria Alcalá

May 6, 2012 marked the 100th performance of El Público’s homoerotic Twelfth Night. This is one of the longest running Cuban theatre productions and for most of these nights it has played to packed houses. Director Carlos Díaz’s version of the Shakespeare play is not for traditionalists with irreverent provocation dominating the Trianón Theater on Carlos Diaz director of El Publico Línea Street: cross-dressing, masquerade, farce and outspoken sarcasm; a deliberate mix of “high” and popular culture. Personally I think it was brilliant although don’t take grandma! Read full article

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WH T A ’SON FOR KIDS HAVAN A ! MEÑIQUE Memorial José Martí February 2, 10 am

The Playa Municipality children’s workshop under the popular children’s theater group La Colmenita will present Meñique, authored by Laboulaye, in a version by José Martí.

LA CUCARACHITA MARTINA Memorial José Martí February 23, 10 am

A presentation of La Colmenita with children from 3 to 6 years old.

CHARI EN EL BALCÓN Teatro Nacional de Guiñol 3pm - Thursday 7, 14,21,28

11am & 5pm Sat, Sun 9,10,16,17,23,24

By the Teatro de Muñecos Okantomí puppet theater.

El Arca 11am & 3 Historia de una muñeca abandonada pm A version by Norge Espinosa based on the original by Alfonso Sastre: Two old actresses from the Fri, Sat, Sun musical theater, who are childhood friends, go to the theater to be rejuvenated and talk about their 1, 2, 3,8,9,10,15,16 childhood days. It is the audience’s task to decide who an abandonded doll belongs to. ,17,22,23,24

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WH T Best Events outside of A ’SON HAVAN Havana this month A !

2nd International Harley Davidson Rally: Havana to Varadero 8-11 February 2013 www.harlistascubanos.com1 February 2012 saw the first ‘international’ rally with over 50 Harlistas making there way to Varadero… This offered a fascinating portrait not just of Harley culture in Cuba (and believe me, the Cuban Harlistas are ‘loco’ for their bikes) but also to alternative culture in Cuba more generally and how concepts translate in Cuba (As in all things Cuban there is a lot of invention, complications, gossip and outright fun!). The highlight for me has to be Cuba’s oldest Harlista, 102 years old Jose Julio Garcia who explains how he caught the ‘Harley Bug’.

FESTIVAL DEL Festival Arañando la MONÓLOGO CUBANO Nostalgia February February Teatro Tomás Terry, Cienfuegos City of Holguín province This festival of romantic music, which is especially Sponsored by the Tomas Terry Theatre in dedicated to the music of the 1960s, hopes to Cienfuegos, this Monologue Festival was launched in promote soloists and bands, and draw together the 2003 with the aim of validating a genre, which by many followers of romantic music in Cuba. nature demands intense commitment of playwrights as well as actors. Despite being one of the newer events in the domestic cultural scene, this festival has already achieved a standing in the Cuban stage, and at present the most renowned Cuban playwrights, directors, actors and actresses compete in the beautiful Terry Theatre.

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WH T A ’SON 15th Habanos Festival HAVAN From February 26th to March 2nd, 2013 A !

The 2009 Havana Cigar Festival with Sir Terence Conran by Stephen Gibbs

Maybe someone was having a quiet joke. Perhaps it was a coincidence. But for one reason or another, Havana’s Karl Marx theatre was the setting for the inaugural night of celebrations in honor of that great capitalist prop, the hand-rolled cigar. The visitors, more likely to be socialites than socialists, come every year to rub shoulders with like-minded aficionados. And smoke, almost continuously. With many countries around the world now shunning smokers, Cuba, which has not enforced its own anti-smoking legislation, has become something of a haven.

“We have been driven to special corners of the world,” says Hong Kong based cigar distributor David Tang. “Places where people still understand that smoking is not a sin.”

Visitors to the fair spend much of the week touring the factories where the objects of their desires are rolled. For British designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran coming to Cuba for the first time having smoked Cuban cigars almost every day for the last 43 of his 75 years, is like a pilgrimage. In the vast rolling room of H Uppman, the air thick with the aroma of tobacco leaf, he recalls his first cigar.

“We opened the Habitat store in May 1964, and someone suggested that the best way to celebrate was with a Montecristo cigar.”

I ask him if he has ever considered giving up.

“No,” is his brusque reply. “Luckily I have a very sensible doctor who smokes cigars himself.”

The festival is of course not just about smoking cigars. It has a serious business side. Behind closed doors, in the factories’ tasting rooms, retailers are thinking of ways to defend their livelihoods against anti-smoking legislation. They know that they will probably end up selling fewer cigars. One strategy is to go more upmarket.

“Of course the ban is worrying for us,” explains Jemma Freeman, owner of the UK importer Hunters and Frankau. “But what we have seen in markets which already have smoking bans is that although people have less opportunity to smoke cigars, what they are doing is smoking better cigars.”

The week ends with an extravagant $500 a head final dinner, which this year was held in the cavernous ExpoCuba, near Havana’s Parque Lenin. Glancing around the several guests, it seemed quite clear that there are plenty of cigar smokers with plenty of money around the world. The dinner ends with an auction of hand- crafted humidors. The bids (which go towards Cuban health care) soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This does not look like a business, or a habit that is dying out. page 18 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

WH T A ’SON Havana’s Book Fair HAVAN February 14-March 10 A ! Havana´s San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress

What began as a modest book fair founded by the famous Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier, eventually became the most important literary event on the island. Every year tens of thousands of people pack the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress in Havana, attracted by book launchings of all genres and topics from Cuban and foreign publishing houses, along with panel discussions, poetry readings, concerts, children’s events, and a crafts fair. After Havana, the fair travels to other Cuban cities. The Fair will be dedicated this year to the People’s Republic of Angola and to the National Prize-winners for Literature and Social Sciences Daniel Chavarría and Pedro Pablo Rodríguez, respectively. Given that the fair attracts more and more public and exhibitors each year, the event’s organizers opened several sub- venues in 2011, including Biblioteca Pública Rubén Martínez Villena, Centro Dulce María Loynaz, Pabellón Cuba, UNEAC and Centro de Estudios Martianos. The popular exhibition of Cuban and international crafts will remain at El Morro.

Read full article

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WH T A ’SON Love is in the air: HAVAN February 14, 2013 A !

Given the sexually charged erotic atmosphere of Cuba on an average day, perhaps Valentine’s Day is unnecessary, an excessive indulgence in a country which needs little excuse for romantic courtship at any time of day. Nonetheless, February 14 has assumed increasing prominence over the years and is the day when lovers need to be packed away as girlfriends and wives take center stage.

Read full article

page 20 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM HAVANA’SBEST CONTEMPORARY BARS & CLUBS La Fontana Calle 3ra A, esquina 46, No. 305 | Miramar, Havana +53 7 202 8337

La Fontana has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best places to eat in Havana. It also until recently had a basement bar which offered a comfortable (albeit invariably smokey) place to drink the night away. Some months ago this bar was closed and a major renovation undertaken, which has recently been completed. The result is an outside Miami style, contemporary lounge bar which is about as stylish as Havana gets if you like it modern. The in crowd are all here although don’t make the mistake of coming too early and careful on the way out if you have had too many red bulls and vodka that you don’t join the fishes in one of the many fashionable fish ponds scattered through the place.

Don Cangreco Melem Bar (Friday night party venue for young & beautiful crowd) (Young hip crowd – can get smokey) Ave. 1ra No. 1606 entre 16 y 18 1ra y 60, Miramar

Ecaleras al Cielo Sangri-La (Nightclub attracting a mostly LGBTQ crowd) (Young hip crowd, modern basement venue) 658 Zulueta Street, between Gloria and Apodaca?Old Havana? 42 y 11, Miramar T: (537)863 3009 El Sauce Espacio Open air nightclub – attracts the best Cuban singers (Hip new bar with valet parking) Avenida 9na #12015, between Calles 120 y 130, Calle 10, Entre 5ta y 31, Miramar Tel: 204-6428 Teatro Bertolt Brecht Tocororo No Se Lo Digas a Nadie (Don’t tell anyone!) (Mostly expatriates with Cuban friends, live music) Calle 13, e/I y J, Vedado Calle 18, entre 3ra y 5ta, Miramar Tel: 8301354/8329359 3D BAR (Recently opened, smallish place, quite cool) El Gato Tuerto Malecon entre Paseo y Presidente Late night place to hear Bolero Calle O, entre 17 y 19, Vedado Tel. 833 2224

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WH T A ’SON THE ULTIMATE HAVAN HAVANA RESTAURANT GUIDE A ! La Bella Habana **** Calle 6 y 7ma No. 512, Miramar, Playa, Havana 11600, Cuba http://www.bellahabana.com/ (53) 72038364

La Bella Habana lives up to its name. It is absolutely beautiful. It is also tastefully designed and meticulously maintained with attentive staff who manage that line of being engaging without being overbearing.

This is a calm place, which has been beautifully decorated and is impeccably maintained. The menu (which is all on-line) offers some good twists on a varied international theme including Hawaiian crepes and a chili tuna Habanera dish. Look for excellent meats (I love the ropa vieja) as well as decent pastas. Not a bad place to get a Greek salad and the wide range of seafood is typically excellent.

20 Best places to eat in Havana new renovated El Atelier Le Chansonnier Calle 5 entre Paseo y 2, Vedado tel: (7) 836 7075 Calle J No. 257 entre Línea y 15. tel:(07) 832 1576 Beduino Moroccan El Deluvio (Italian) 5ta entre 4 y 6 Calle 72 No. 1705 entre 17 y 19, Playa Bohemia Tel: 202 1531 21 y 13 Vedado El Divino Bollywood (Indian) Calle raquel no. 50 e/ Esperanza y Lindero Reparto Castillo de Averhoff, Mantilla Calle 35 No 1361, entre La Torre y 24, Nuevo Vedado Tel: 883 1216 Doña Eutimia Callejón del Chorro No. 60. La Buena Vida tel: 05 281 5883; 05 270 6433 No 917, Calle 46, entre 11 y 9na. tel: (07) 202 5816 Havana Chef Café Lauren (Spanish) Calle 24 No 360 entre 21 y 23. tel: (07) 830 1410 Calle M No. 257, entre 19 y 21, Vedado Tel: 831 2090 / 832 6890 Italian 74 y 9 ES Corte Del Principe, Calle 9 Esq. 74, Playa. tel: 05 255-9091 La Carboncita Los Nardos Ave. 3ra No. 3804 entre 38 y 40. Paseo de Martí (Prado) 565 entre tel: (07) 203 02615; 290 4984 Teniente Rey y Dragones. tel: (07) 863 2985 La Casa Calle 10 (International) Calle 30 No. 865 entre 26 y 41. tel:(07) 881 7000 Calle 10 No 314 btwn Avs 3 & 5, Miramar. Tel: 205-3970 Casa de Miglis El Piccolo Lealtad 120 entre Ánimas y Lagunas tel: (7) 864 1486 5ta A No. 50206 entre 502 y 504, Cazador del rey Guanabo, Habana del Este tel: (7) 796 4300 Esquina 18 y 3rd Río Mar 3A y Final # 11, La Puntilla El Chanchullero Teniente Rey 457ª bajos / Bernaza y El Cristo La Terraza tel:(07) 872 8227; 05 276 0938 Paseo del Prado No. 309 altos, esquina a Virtudes. tel: (07) 862 3626 page 22 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

Elena's up and downs to dining out in Havana? by Elena Vega

Well, it seems that the new year started on the right foot for paladares in Havana; this month it was especially difficult to find flaws in the city’s restaurant scene and at the same time the “ups” seemed to increase. As a result, we have five “ups” this month and just three “downs.”

DOWNS:

The slow service at Madrigal: The last two times I was in this nice looking bar in the Vedado area I was with a fairly large group of friends, and I would be lying if I said we had a bad time. We had a blast! But it would have been even better if we hadn’t had to wait up 20 minutes for a daiquiri. The bartender was a very nice fellow, but he made each on separately when we had ordered five at the same time! OK, maybe there is a secret charm to the individually mixed daiquiri, but the service was slow. Other than that I love this place -- the chairs are uncomfortable and the noisy blender is too close to the patrons but the art is interesting and the location is very convenient. Calle 17 No. 809 (altos), e/ 2 y 4, Vedado. Tel. 831 2433 The filet mignon at Italia en Cuba: This is a new paladar in the Miramar area. It is located on a nice terrace and has a big screen where you can enjoy music videos while you eat (in case this is your cup of tea…it’s not mine). The focaccia was amazing, even the take away was fresh and crispy the following day and the pizza was good, too. But unfortunately I made the mistake of ordering the filet mignon. As a red meat lover I am in constant search of the good steak in Havana, which is not an easy challenge. But in this case I specifically asked the waiter before ordering: “is this a filet cut or something else?” He assured me it was filet and he said it was fantastic and accompained by a bordelaise sauce. “OK, medium, please,” I said. Huge mistake! The meat was definetly not filet but the toughest part of the beef, and it was more than well done. A shoe would have been softer. When I complained about how it was cooked, I just got a “too bad” look from the waiter, and for an uneatable meat I paid close to 16 cuc. I will be back for the foccacia, though! Calle 20 No. 721, entre 9na y 7ma. Tel. 207 4412

The guitar player at Vistamar: In one of the most beautiful paladares of the island, in a contemporaryhouse,with a gorgeous pool, a magnificent view of the sea, and really good food, why in the world did anybody think they needed a guitar player singing Guantanamera and Hasta Siempre (the Che Guevara hymn)? I guess it works for the tourists, but for those who have been here more than a few months it’s more a nuisance than an attraction, made more so by the fact that the guy (who I am sure has very good intentions) tries to sell you his 10 cuc CD of songs. May I offer some advice? Expand his music repertoire, stop the promotion of his CD and let the patrons enjoy their meal. Ave 1ra e/ 22 y 24, Miramar. Tel. 203 8328

UPS:

The suckling pig at Havana Chef: I am not a suckling pig person, but this was really good. My Spaniard dining accomplices (who really know about suckling pig) believed it’s one of the best in Havana, therefore, trusting their educated palates, it must be so. It was one of the youngest piglets I have ever seen cooked, the meat was tender and flavorful and the skin was crispy. To my horror, I witnessed a pair of spaniards almost fighting for it’s little three-week-old head. On top of that, the paladar is great, service was amazing, and the food will be the subject of more “ups” in the future. Just bear in mind prices are a little bit in the high side. Calle 24 No. 360 e/ 21 y 23. Vedado. Tel. 830 1410

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Elena's up and downs to dining out in Havana? by Elena Vega

Garlic octopus at Doña Eutimia: This paladar has a lot of “ups” — it has actually been acclaimed by major news organizations such as The New York Times, and the Daily Beast called it one of the best 101 restaurants in Latin America (what about that?) True it is good… it is good Cuban food. But the garlic octopus is beyond good, it is amazing. Make sure to order extra bread for this appetizer, because you will want to dip it into the wonderful garlic-infused olive oil in which the octopus is served. Don’t miss it! Callejón del Chorro No.60 C, Plaza de la Catedral. Tel. 05 270 6433

Tacos al pastor at La Pachanga: This is s real “up”. This paladar that has been open for about a year has become known by the stickers a discount at the placeIt is also famous for its burgers, fruit smoothies, and the fact that it is open untilearly hours of the morning. But what really makes it unique are the tacos al pastor. These tacos are maybe the most traditional dish of Mexico’s street food. They are made with seasoned pork steaks, overlapped in a skewer that turns facing a vertical rotisserie. The meat is carved and placed in corn tortillas along with pineapple. They are not quite like the ones in Mexico but they are still great. Bring your own hot sauce and ask for an extra serving of pineapple. Calle 28 No. 254 / 21 y 23, Vedado. Tel. 830 2507

The art at Le Chansonnier: Set in an old house in the Vedado area, this paladar has an interesting menu, a good looking bar, and it also has very friendly service; prices are a little bit high but the food is flavorful. Nevertheless the place distinguishes itself for its contemporary, elegant and chic look. One can tell that professionals were in charge of the décor. Classic element such as the glass chandeliers are harmoniously mixed with minimalist furniture with stunning results. But above anything, the most interesting element is the wall that leads to the bathrooms, a fascinating piece made with old paint cans produced by local artist Damian Aquiles. It is worth going to Le Chansonnier, even if just to admire that wall. Calle J No. 257 e/ 15 y Línea, Vedado. Tel. 837 1576

Tuna and vegetable tartlet at Decameron: This is a“up” in one of the olderaladares in the citylocated right n Linea, almost at the corner of Paseo. The place is nice, unpretentious and with a beautiful collection of antique wall clocks. The service is usually very friendly and the prices are reasonable. The food is usually good but the star of the menu is the tuna and vegetable tartlet, listed as an appetizer. This small dish is just fantastic, the crust is flaky and the filling is flavorful ad topped with melted cheese. Last time we were there we just to keep reordering tartlets, we couldn’t enough! Línea No.753 e/ Paseo y 2, Vedado. Tel. 832 2444

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WH T A ’SON ADDRESS BOOK HAVAN A ! CULTURAL CENTRES

Ballet Nacional Calzada 509 entre D y E, El Casa de la Muralla 63 entre Oficios e de Cuba Vedado Poesía Inquisidor, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 855 2946 Tel. +(53) 7 862 1801

Café Neruda Malecón 355 entre Manrique y San Casa y Parque Mercaderes 158 entre Obrapía y Nicolás, Centro Habana Simón Bolívar Lamparilla, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 861 3988 Casa de África Obrapía 157 entre Mercaderes y Casa Víctor O’Reilly 311 entre Habana y Aguiar, San Ignacio, La Habana Vieja Hugo Tel. +(53) 7 861 5798 La Habana Vieja Teléfono 866 7591 Casa Alejandro Oficios esquina a Sol, La Habana de Humboldt Vieja Caserón del Jústiz entre Baratillo y Oficios, La Tango Tel. +(53) 7 863 9850 Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 861 0822 Casa de Artes y Salud 313 entre Gervasio y Escobar, Tradiciones Centro Habana Casona de Línea Línea 505 entre D y E, El Vedado Chinas Tel. +(53) 7 863 5450 / 860 9976 Tel. +(53) 7 833 8562

Casa de Asia Mercaderes 111 entre Obrapía y Centro Cultural Calle13 esquina a I, El Vedado Obispo, La Habana Vieja Bertolt Brecht Tel. +(53) 7 832 9359 Tel. +(53) 7 863 9740 Centro Cultural Calle 19 esquina a E, El Vedado Casa de las Calle 3ra. esquina a G, El Vedado Dulce María Tel. +(53) 7 835 2732 Américas Tel. +(53) 7 838 2706-09 Loynaz Centro Cultural Muralla 63 entre Oficios e Casa de los Oficios 16 entre Obispo y Obrapía, Pablo de la Inquisidor, La Habana Vieja Árabes La Habana Vieja Torriente Brau Tel. +(53) 7 861 5162 Tel. +(53) 7 861 5868 Centro de Danza Prado 111, entre genio y Refugio, La Casa del Obrapía 116, entre Mercaderes y de La Habana Habana Vieja Benemérito de Oficios, La Habana Vieja las Américas Tel. +(53) 7 863 9131 / 866 0808 Tel. +(53) 7 861 8166 Centro Hispano- Malecón 17 entre Prado y Genio, Casa de la Jústiz 18, La Habana Vieja Americano de Centro Habana Comedia (sala- Tel. +(53) 7 863 9282 Cultura teatro) Tel. +(53) 7 860 6282

Casa del Conde Empedrado entre Mercaderes y Centro de San Ignacio 166 entre Obispo y Teatro y Danza Lombillo San Ignacio, La Habana Vieja Obrapía, La Habana Vieja. Tel. +(53) 7 860 4311-14 Tel. +(53) 7 862 9650 / 862 9448

Casa de los Plaza Vieja, La Habana Vieja Conjunto Calle 4 número 103 entre Calzada y Condes de Folklórico 5ta., El Vedado Jaruco Nacional de Cuba Tel. +(53) 7 830 3060 Casa Fundación Obrapía entre Oficios y Oswaldo Mercaderes, La Habana Vieja Convento de Compostela entre Acosta y Luz, La Guayasamín Tel. +(53) 7 861 3843 Belén Habana Vieja

Casa Juan Empedrado entre Aguiar y Cuba, Escuela Nacional Calle 11 esquina a 146, Cubanacán, Gualberto La Habana Vieja de Teatro Playa Gómez Tel. +(53) 7 866 4114 Tel. +(53) 7 208 4923 Casa de la Obra Obrapía entre Mercaderes y San Fundación Calle 13 núm. 509 entre D y E (5to. Pía Ignacio, La Habana Vieja Ludwig de Cuba piso), El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 861 3097 Tel. +(53) 7 832 4270 / 832 9128 Casa de la Obispo 113 entre Oficios y Fundación Avenida del Puerto 262 entre Luz Orfebrería Mercaderes, La Habana Vieja Habana Club y Sol, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 9861 Tel. +(53) 7 862 4108 page 25 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

CULTURAL CENTRES NIGHTLIFE Dos Gardenias Gabinete de Tacón 12 entre O’Reilly y Calle 7ma. y 26, Miramar Arquelogía Empedrado, La Habana Vieja Ecaleras al Cielo 658 Zulueta Street, between Gloria Tel. +(53) 7 861 4469 and Apodaca Old Havana Instituto de Dr. José Antonio Portuondo Valdor Tel. (537)863 3009 Literatura y Avenida Salvador Allende 710, El Gato Tuerto Calle O entre17 y 19, El Vedado Lingüística Centro Habana Tel. +(53) 7 55 2696 Tel. +(53) 7 878 6486 El Sauce Calle 9na. Entre 120 y 130, Playa Instituto Calle 120 entre 9na. y 13, Tel. +(53) 7 204 7061 Superior de Arte Cubanacán, Playa (ISA) La Cecilia Tel. +(53) 7 271 9771 5ta. Avenida entre 110 y 112, Miramar Proyecto Cárdenas 114, bajos, entre Gloria y La Maison Calle 16 entre 7ma. y 31, Miramar Cultural Arte Apodaca, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) Tiempo 7 537-8 61 2838 La Pérgola Ministerio de Cultura Calle 13 entre 2 y 4, El Vedado Proyecto Trocadero 303 esquina a Águila, Cultural Centro Habana La Piragua Comunitario Calle O y Malecón, El Vedado Todas las Manos Tel. +(53) 7 861 3260 La Zorra y el (La Casa del Jazz Cubano) Unión de Calle 17 esquina a H, El Vedado Cuervo Calle 23 esquina a O, El Vedado Escritores y Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 Tel. +(53) 7 833 2402 Artistas de Cuba Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 (UNEAC) Piano bar Hotel Ave. 3ra. y 70, Miramar Panorama Unión Latina Callejón de Jústiz 21, entre Oficios Tel. +(53) 7 204 0100 y Avenida del Puerto, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 866 8142 / 866 8255 ART GALLERIES Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 Centro de Arte Empedrado esquina a San Ignacio, Vitrina de San Ignacio entre Teniente Rey y Contemporáneo La Habana Vieja Valonia Wifredo Lam Muralla, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 9781 / 861 3419 Tel. +(53) 7 868 3561 Centro de San Ignacio 352 esquina a Teniente Desarrollo de las Rey, La Habana Vieja BARS Artes Visuales Tel. +(53) 7 862 5279, 862 9295 / 3D BAR (Recently opened, smallish place, 862 3533 quite cool) Centro Calle 23 esquina a 35, San Agustín, Malecon entre Paseo y President Laboratorio La Lisa Artístico de San Don Cangreco (Friday night party venue for young Agustín (LASA) & beautiful crowd) Ave. 1ra No. 1606 entre 16 y 18 Centro Oficios 362 entre Luz y Santa Provincial de Clara, La Habana Vieja Espacio (Hip new bar with valet parking) Artes Plásticas y Diseño Tel. +(53) 7 862 3228 / 862 3295 / Calle 10, Entre 5ta y 31, Miramar 866 0280

Melem Bar (Young hip crowd – can get Colección Arte Casa de las Américas smokey) de Nuestra Calle G entre 3ra. y 5ta., El Vedado América Haydée 1ra y 60, Miramar Santamaría Tel. +(53) 7 838 2706-09 Sangri-La (Young hip crowd, modern basement venue) Fototeca de Mercaderes 307 entre Muralla y 42 y 11, Miramar Cuba Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, La Habana Vieja Tocororo (Mostly expatriates with Cuban Tel. +(53) 7 862 2530 friends, live music) Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 Calle 18, entre 3ra y 5ta, Miramar Galería Teatro Nacional Avellaneda Calle Paseo y 39, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 870 4651 page 26 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

ART GALLERIES

Galería de Arte Calle D, entre 1ra, y 3ra., El Vedado Galería El Reino Biblioteca Nacional José Martí Malecón de Este Mundo Boyeros entre 20 de Mayo y Aranguren, Plaza de la Revolución Galería Carmen Oficios 162 entre Amargura y Tel. +(53) 7 881 1757 Montilla Churruca, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 866 4114 Galería René Teatro Nacional Portocarrero Calle Paseo y 39, El Vedado Galería Collage San Rafael 103 entre Consulado e Tel. +(53) 7 870 4651 Habana Industria, Centro Habana Galería Raúl Palacio del Segundo Cabo Galería Factoría O´Reilly 308 entre entre Habana y Martínez O’Reilly 4 esquina a Tacón, La Habana Aguiar, La Habana Vieja Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 862 8091 ext. 151 Galería Forma Obispo 255 entre Cuba y Aguiar, Galería Raúl Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecha La Habana Vieja Oliva Tel. +(53) 7 862 2633 Calle13 esquina a I, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 832 9359 Galería Fresa y Calle 23 entre 10 y 12, El Vedado Chocolate Galería Roberto Muralla 107 esquina a San Ignacio, Diago La Habana Vieja Galería Avenida del Puerto y Sol, La Tel. +(53) 7 862 3577 Fundación Habana Vieja Habana Club Tel. +(53) 7 862 4108 Galería Calle 23 esquina a 10, El Vedado Servando Tel. +(53) 7 833 9599 Galería Calle 13 esquina a D, 5to. piso, El Galería Fundación Calle 42 entre 1ra. y 3ra., La Copa, Vedado Servando Ludwig Playa Tel. +(53) 7 832 4270 / 832 9128 Cabrera Tel. +(53) 7 203 7171 Galería Galiano Galiano esquina a Concordia, Galería Víctor San Ignacio y Callejón del Chorro, Centro Habana Manuel La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 862 5365 Tel. +(53) 7 866 9268 Galería Habana Línea 460 entre E y F, El Vedado Galería Villa Calle H número 406 entre 17 y 19, Tel. +(53) 7 832 7101 Manuela El Vedado Galería Haydee Calle G entre E y F, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 832 2391 Santamaría Tel. +(53) 7 832 4653 Galería 23 Y 12 Calle 23 esquina a 12, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 831 1810 Galería Julio Hotel Conde de Villanueva Larramendi Mercaderes 202 entre Lamparilla y Hotel Los Frailes Teniente Rey 8 entre Oficios y Amargura, La Habana Vieja Mercaderes, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 862 9294 / 862 9293 Tel. +(53) 7 862 9383 Galería La San José 114 entre Industria y Taller Callejón del Chorro, Plaza de la Acacia Consulado, Centro Habana Experimental de Catedral, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 9364 / 861 3533 Gráfica de La Habana Tel. +(53) 7 862 0979 Galería Casa de las Américas Taller de Cuba 513, entre Teniente Rey y Latinoamericana Calle G entre 3ra. y 5ta., piso 2, El Serigrafía René Muralla, La Habana Vieja Vedado Portocarrero Tel. +(53) 7 862 3276 / 861 9354 Tel. +(53) 7 832 4653 Tel. +(53) 7 862 3276 / 861 9354 Galería Mariano Calle 15 núm. 607 entre B y C, El Vedado CINEMAS Tel. +(53) 7 838 2702 Centro Cultural Calle 23 entre 10 y 12, El Vedado Galería Orígenes Gran Teatro de La Habana ICAIC Prado y San Rafael, Centro Habana Cine Acapulco Avenida 26 esquina a 39, Nuevo Tel. +(53) 7 863 6690 Vedado Galería Palacio Cuba 64, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 833 9573 de la Artesanía Tel. +(53) 7 33 8072 y 861 9796 Cine Chaplin Calle 23 entre 10 y 12, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 831 1101 page 27 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

CINEMAS MUSEUMS

Cine La Rampa Calle 23 entre O y P, El Vedado Museo Casa Leonor Pérez 314, entre Picota y Tel. +(53) 7 878 6146 Natal de José Egido, La Habana Vieja Martí Tel. +(53) 7 861 3778 Cine Payret Prado 513, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 3163 Museo Castillo O’Reilly entre Avenida del Puerto y de la Real Tacón, La Habana Vieja Cine Riviera Calle 23 entre F y G, El Vedado Fuerza Tel. +(53) 7 830 9564 Tel. +(53) 7 861 6130

Cine Yara Museo del Amargura esquina a Mercaderes, Calle L esquina a 23, El Vedado Chocolate Tel. +(53) 7 831 1723 / 832 9430 La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 866 4431 Cine 23 y 12 Calle 23 entre 12 y 14, El Vedado Museo de la Tel. +(53) 7 833 6906 Tacón 1 entre Obispo y O’Reilly, La Ciudad Habana Vieja Cinematógrafo Mercaderes entre Obispo y Tel. +(53) 7 861 5001 Lumière Obrapía, La Habana Vieja Museo de la Línea esquina a G, El Vedado Danza Cine-teatro Línea entre Paseo y A., El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 831 2198 Trianón Tel. +(53) 7 830 9648 Museo Ernest Finca Vigía, San Francisco de Hemingway Fundación del Quinta Santa Bárbara, calle 212 Paula, San Miguel del Padrón Nuevo Cine núm. 21254 esquina a 31, La Tel. +(53) 7 891 0809 Latinoamericano Coronela, La Lisa Museo Obispo entre San Ignacio y Tel. +(53) 7 271 8311 / 271 8141 Farmacéutico Mercaderes, La Habana Vieja Taquechel Multisala Infanta Infanta entre Neptuno y San Miguel, Centro Habana Museo de Obispo 61 entre Baratillo y Oficios, Tel. +(53) 7 878 9323 Historia Natural La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 2687 MUSEUMS Galería Mariano Calle 15 núm. 607 entre B y C, El Fototeca de Mercaderes 307 entre Muralla y Cuba Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 862 2530 Museo Nacional Obispo 61 entre Baratillo y Oficios, de Artes La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 Decorativas Tel. +(53) 7 863 2687 Maqueta de La Calle 28 núm. 113, entre 1ra. y 3ra., Habana Miramar Museo Nacional (Arte Cubano) Tel. +(53) 7 204 2661 / 332661 de Bellas Artes Trocadero entre Monserrate y Memorial José Martí Zulueta, La Habana Vieja Plaza de la Revolución Tel. +(53) 7 862 0140, 861 3858 y Tel. +(53) 7 882 0906 / 884 0551 863 9484

Monumento de Cárcel entre Zulueta y Prado, La Museo Nacional Centro Asturiano (Colección de Bellas Artes la Cárcel de La Habana Vieja Universal) Habana San Rafael entre Zulueta y Monserrate, La Habana Vieja Museo Edifico Felipe Poey, Plaza Ignacio Tel. +(53) 7 862 0140 / 861 3858 / Antropológico Agramonte, Universidad de La Montané 863 9484 Habana, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 879 3488 Museo Nacional Calle Mercaderes, esquina a de la Cerámica Amargura, La Habana Vieja Museo de Tacón 12 entre O’Reilly y Contemporánea Arqueología Empedrado, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 861 4469 Museo Nacional Capdevila 1 entre Habana y Aguiar, de la Música Museo de Arte Plaza de la Catedral, La Habana La Habana Vieja Colonial Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 861 9046 Tel. +(53) 7 862 6440 Museo de Naipes Inquisidor y Muralla, Plaza Vieja, Museo Biblioteca Calle Paseo 304 esquina a 13, El La Habana Vieja Servando Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 860 1530 Cabrera Moreno Tel. +(53) 7 835 2027 / 836 0010 page 28 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com .COM

MUSEUMS MUSIC

Museo San Miguel y Ronda, El Vedado Maxim Rock Bruzón 62, entre Almendares y Napoleóni- Tel. +(53) 7 879 1412 / 879 1460 Ayestarán, Plaza de la co RevoluciónTel. +(53) 7 877 5925

Museo Obispo entre Cuba y San Ignacio, Oratorio San Aguiar esquina a Obrapía, La Numismáti-co La Habana Vieja Felipe Neri Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 861 5811 Tel. +(53) 7 862 3243

Museo de la Oficios, entre Obispo y Obrapía, La Palacio del Zulueta 253 entre Ánimas y Perfumería Habana Vieja Teatro Lírico Neptuno, La Habana Vieja Nacional Museo Postal Avenida de Rancho Boyeros entre Cubano 19 de Mayo y 20 de Mayo Sala Lecuona Prado y San Rafael, Centro Habana (Ministerio de Comunicaciones), Tel. +(53) 7 861 3077 / 3079 Plaza de la Revolución Teatro Amadeo Tel. +(53) 7 870 5581 Calzada y D, El Vedado Roldán Tel. +(53) 7 832 4521-22 Museo de la Refugio 1 entre Monserrate y Revolución y Zulueta, La Habana Vieja THEATRES Memorial Tel. +(53) 7 862 4091 Granma Centro Cultural Calle13 esquina a I, El Vedado Bertolt Brecht Tel. +(53) 7 832 9359 Museo del Ron Avenida del Puerto 262 entre Luz y Sol, La Habana Vieja Cine-teatro Línea entre Paseo y A, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 862 4108 Trianón Tel. +(53) 7 830 9648

Museo del Mercaderes 120 entre Obispo y Gran Teatro de Prado y San Rafael, Centro Habana Tabaco Obrapía, La Habana Vieja La Habana Tel. +(53) 7 861 3077-79 Tel. +(53) 7 861 5795 Sala Adolfo Calle 11 entre D y E, El Vedado Llauradó Fototeca de Mercaderes 307 entre Muralla y Tel. +(53) 7 832 5573 Cuba Teniente Rey, Plaza Vieja, La Habana Vieja Sala Argos Ayestarán 307 esquina a 20 de Teatro Tel. +(53) 7 862 2530 Mayo, El Cerro Tel. +(53) 7 832 4551-53 Tel. +(53) 7 878 5551

Parque Histórico Carretera de la Cabaña, La Habana Sala Hubert de Calzada 657 entre A y B, El Vedado Militar Morro- del Este Blanck Tel. +(53) 7 830 1011 Cabaña Tel. +(53) 7 861 6130 / 861 5001 Teatro América Galiano entre Concordia y Sala del Oficios y Callejón de Jústiz, La Neptuno, Centro Habana Transporte Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 862 5416 Automotor Teatro Astral Infanta 501, Centro Habana MUSIC Tel. +(53) 7 878 1001 Teatro El Sótano Basílica Menor Oficios y Churruca, La Habana Calle K entre 25 y 27, El Vedado del Convento de Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 832 0630 San Francisco Tel. +(53) 7 862 9683 de Asís Teatro Fausto Prado y Colón, La Habana Vieja Tel. +(53) 7 863 1173 Gran Teatro de Prado y San Rafael, Centro Habana La Habana Tel. +(53) 7 861 3077-79 Teatro Karl Marx Calle 1ra y 8, Miramar Iglesia de San Desamparados y San Ignacio, Tel. +(53) 7 203 0801 / 209 1991 Francisco de Alameda de Paula, La Habana Vieja Paula Teatro Mella Línea entre A y B, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 860 4210 Tel. +(53) 7 830 4987 Jardines de la Avenida Tropical y Rizo, Playa Tropical Tel. +(53) 7 881 8767 Teatro Nacional Paseo y 39, El Vedado Tel. +(53) 7 879 3558 / 879 6011 Liceum Avenida Tropical y Rizo, Playa Mozartiano de Tel. +(53) 7 881 8767 Teatro Nacional Calle M entre 19 y 21, El Vedado La Habana de Guiñol Tel. +(53) 7 832 6262 / 832 8292 page 29 | Feb www.CubaAbsolutely.com