We were hosted by the Cultural Comunitaria, which is the central organization for all the Casa De Cultura's on the island. This was a great opportunity, because we studied in community centers that were filled with neighborhood folks, who were persuing their own cultural activities there, and who also presented us with several wonderful programs.
In Matanzas we studied with the Baros family who live in a small rural town called Jovellanos. It is about an hour outside of Matanzas. This family has managed to preserve much of the culture and language that they brought with them from Benin to Cuba during the slave trade. We were very honored to be the first group of foreigners that they had decided to teach, having kept their music and culture inside of their family until now.
Our time spent with the Baros family was very special, as it was a true cultural exchange amongst all of us.
Then we went to Havana, which is a very international, and cosmopolitan city. We studied with masters of Yoruban folklore, including Amelia Pedroso, Regla and Aleida Nani from Ibbu Okun, Christobal from Clave y Guaguanco, and Michael Aldama. We visited many places including Callejon De Hamel, and enjoyed the music, culture, art and architecture that abounds in this beautiful city.
NEWS FLASH! Amelia Pedroso will be in the Bay Area from March through June 2000. For a schedule of her classes and concerts, go to: http://www.afrocubaweb.com/Amelia.htm
