In this edition, the event will live up to its slogan, “From Havana to Santiago,” by reaching stages in the Cuban capital, as well as in Matanzas, Santa Clara, Camaguey, Holguin, and Santiago de Cuba.

At a press conference, the Organizing Committee announced that the festival will pay tribute to dance. For the first time, it will also extend its reach to Mexico, with a new venue opening at the Benny More Mexico-Cuba Cultural Center.

According to the festival’s president, Victor Rodriguez, the 42nd International Jazz Plaza Festival is overcoming the challenges of the current climate to offer the public the country’s most prestigious event dedicated to the genre.

The masterful performance of acclaimed Cuban pianist Frank Fernandez will be a highlight of the opening show, which is also set to feature highly regarded dance companies from both Cuba and abroad.

This year, the festival incorporates the work of Lesbia Vent Dumois—recipient of the National Award for Visual Arts—who showcases her boundless creativity in a piece titled “De angeles y…” (“Of Angels and…”), created specifically for the occasion.

As is customary, the virtuoso Cuban pianist and the festival’s artistic director, Roberto Fonseca, composed the musical piece that serves as the theme for the campaign, titled “Identidad” (“Identity”).

jdt/mar/amr