It is a commemoration that, in addition to celebrating and, at the same time, remembering Cubaon this occasion it takes as its central axis the figure of Willy Chirino and the celebration of the 50 years that he has dedicated to music, a vehicle that has served the emblematic singer-songwriter to demonstrate against the dictatorship, which has oppressed the Cuban people for more than half a century.
The author of It’s coming urges that this celebration serve to fraternize those who live in Miami, regardless of nationality.
“For me it is a great pleasure to invite all Latin Americans to come to Cuba Nostalgia this year, because, although it has Cuba in its name, it is actually an event for the entire Hispanic culture of our city. It is a celebration of our roots , of our customs, which for all our countries have a common denominator: family unity,” Willy Chirino told DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS.
“In addition, this year, not only are they celebrating the 25th anniversary of Cuba Nostalgia, but they have dedicated the event to honoring my 50 years in music. At the entrance of the pavilion you will be able to see an exhibition of very significant items from my life and my career: some of the awards I have received, the suits I have worn to my concerts, paintings, personal items and even the suits that Lissette and I wore at our wedding 44 years ago. And, to close with a flourish, my. “The orchestra and I will present a concert on Sunday, May 19, at 7 pm. See you there!” added the musician, who took the opportunity to invite the public to witness his Cuba Nostalgia performance.
Chirino’s legacy inspired Erik Ravelo to create the commemorative poster for the twenty-fifth edition of Cuba Nostalgia.
Lena Burke, Leoni Torres, Leslie Cartaya, Roberto Torres, Los 3 de La Habana, Boncó Quiñongo and Carlucho complete the line-up of performances.
Talking about Cuba awakens in Burke an inevitable emotion that takes her back in time to the smells of her childhood and the sweets of her great-grandmother.
“When I hear Cuba Nostalgia, I think of our Cuban roots and traditions. I think of a celebration of family that remembers places, foods, music, crafts and the joy that characterizes all Cubans,” said Lena Burke.
“What I miss most about my island is walking through its streets, sitting on the wall of the boardwalk, sharing with my childhood friends, the landscapes, the parks and the innocence of those years, the smell of a gallant at night in the house. where I grew up And, especially, I always remember the homemade sweets that my great-grandmother, Dulce María González, whom we called Mima, used to make,” added the singer and pianist.
The granddaughter of Elena Burke, who seduced Havana with her voice, is getting ready to take the stage of Cuba Nostalgia on Saturday the 18th, at 4 pm, in the space that evokes the iconic Havana cabaret Tropicana.
The artist anticipated that she will pay tribute to the unforgettable bolero player.
“It will be a party from start to finish, with dance music, accompanied by my band of great musicians. Together with them I will perform some of my most rumba songs, some songs that cannot be missed from La Lupe. And on this occasion I will also pay a small tribute to my grandmother, Elena Burke. It will be a concert to remember, in which joy, dancing and good music will reign,” she said about her performance.
For her part, Leslie Cartaya also revealed details of what her presentation will be. The singer has a premiere reserved for the audience of Cuba Nostalgia.
“This performance is going to be very special, with a full band and premiering our most recent single, which will also give the name to my third album, I smile again. We are going to premiere this song live, which will be released a week later, accompanied by a video, on all digital platforms. And of course we’re going to play new songs like smile and singo dance, along with the usual ones like Chanchan Walks, Come to the hill y Do not stop“, anticipated Cartaya, who like Burke will perform on Saturday the 18th, on the stage that evokes Tropicana.
Regarding the 25th anniversary of Cuba Nostalgia, Cartaya commented:
“It is very special and we have prepared a unique weekend so that all of Miami can enjoy this exhibition, which takes us for a while back to the streets of Havana and its most emblematic corners such as La Bodeguita del Medio, the Malecón de Havana and Tropicana, which is where we will perform. Not only will they have concerts by incredible artists, but also the closing with Willy Chirino, who celebrates 50 years of career.”
Likewise, Leslie Cartaya highlighted the pride of being from a place that has contributed so much to music. She assured that what she wants most for the island is to see it free from the dictatorial regime that does not allow it to flourish and has turned it into a “lost dream.”
“When I hear Cuba my chest lights up with love. And, when I hear nostalgia, that sadness accumulated over the years that I haven’t experienced it in person returns. Cuba is like a lost dream, like a beautiful utopia that we would all like to enjoy and live, but we can’t. It is also the shining star that all Cubans carry on their chests. The immense pride of leaving that beautiful little island that gave us the key and the flavor,” said Cartaya.
The organizer of Cuba Nostalgia, Peter Regalado, reiterated the importance of this cultural event in Miami.
“It is an event that unites our community around our traditions and values. We are excited to celebrate 25 years of this emblematic celebration, with such an extraordinary program,” Regalado said.
In addition to free concerts, Cuba Nostalgia offers a wide selection of activities and attractions, including sampling authentic Cuban cuisine, as well as immersive exhibits highlighting the island’s history and cultural contributions.
For tickets, visit cubanostalgia.com.
