Seven Nights and Eight Days in Cuba with Byron Stripling

One of the Great Jazz Masters of Our Time!

TRAVEL TO HAVANA AND CIENFUEGOS – MAY 23-30, 2018

JOIN BYRON STRIPLING, NEIL BIRNBAUM AND WOODY WILSON AS THEY LEAD ANOTHER REMARKABLE ENCORE MUSICAL ADVENTURE WITH CUBA’S MOST CELEBRATED MUSICIANS IN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE PERFORMANCES

LEGAL, SANCTIONED TRAVEL TO CUBA

Cuba is just a few miles south of the United States, but to most Americans it might as well be the far side of the moon. As the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Republic of Cuba evolves after 56 years of embargo, the sanctioned People-to-People cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries are now the only legal opportunity for Americans to visit Cuba. And, there’s much to see, learn and inspire you.

Now in its fifth year of taking People-to-People delegations to Cuba, CR&V is pleased to have the opportunity to present this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine Cuba’s top musicians in a truly intimate and distinctive venue performing just for you. You will be uplifted by the music, make new friends and mingle with world-class musicians who just shared their sublime artistry with you.

Download Trip PDF   Download Application PDF

Byron Stripling

Cuba Rhythm and Views is honored once again to have master trumpeter, band leader and jazz educator, Byron Stripling join us to lead this important cultural exchange. Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He has also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Dave Brubeck, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson, and Buck Clayton in addition to the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and The GRP All Star Big Band.

As soloist with the Boston Pops, Stripling has performed frequently under the baton of Keith Lockhart, as well as being featured soloist on the “Evening at Pops,” with conductors John Williams and Mr. Lockhart. Currently, Stripling serves as artistic director and conductor of the renowned Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

With his signature “Louis Armstrong Tribute” show, Byron has performed with over 50 orchestras across the country, including The Boston Pops, Detroit Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Seattle Symphony and many others. His previous trip to Cuba and accompanying performance at Teatro Tomás Terry in Cienfuegos with Cuba’s most celebrated musicians was nothing less than sensational. For our 2018 trip, Byron will perform a “Tribute to George Gershwin” in Havana with the acclaimed Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán and his jazz ensemble.

As part of Cuba Rhythm and Views’ cultural exchange with Cuba, Byron will return to the Instituto Superior de Arte for a master class with some of Cuba’s most promising musicians.

Price Includes:

• 5 nights in Havana’s most prestigious 5-star hotel, Meliã Cohiba. In Cienfuegos at the beautiful Hotel Jagua
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners including gratuities (4 NIGHTS and 3 AFTERNOONS for you to explore local dining options on your own)
• Roundtrip airfare between Miami-Havana and Cienfuegos-Miami
• A different private performance most days with Cuba’s most celebrated performers in all genres
• VIP seating at Byron’s Salute to George Gershwin with Aldo Lopez-Gavilán Quartet
• All activities and events include admissions and ground transportation
• Baggage transfers and handling at airport and hotel arrival and departure
• Cuban visa fees, departure tax, and medical insurance while in Cuba

Not Included:

• U.S. domestic airfare & passport
• 4 dinners and 3 lunches so you may explore local dining options
• Independent and private transfer for activities not on the itinerary
• Any baggage charges or fees
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Personal items such as internet access, telephone services, laundry

Downloadable Documents
Tour Application PDF, please print and return
Trip Information PDF

Payment: (check and credit cards accepted)
Check – Submit your deposit to Cuba Rhythm and Views, 1982 E. Oxford Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283.
Credit card – 3% of any credit card transaction will be added to your final invoice.
Call 602.679.0590 or use the secure link below.

FINAL PAYMENT due 60 days prior to departure.

$1000 deposit required

Reserve Now

WHY CHOOSE CUBA RHYTHM & VIEWS?

This trip is different from all the others. Our delegations experience distinctive and intimate exchanges in private residences, exclusive performing spaces not generally accessible to Americans, behind the scenes at Cuba’s great concert halls, and visits to leading arts schools and conservatories. This 7-night trip includes the finest hotels and private restaurants (Paladares), in addition to offering up close and personal experiences with Cuba’s most celebrated musicians, dancers, and visual artists. Our group size is limited to ensure that the experience is unique and memorable.

This is the only People-to-People trip designed for passionate lovers of music and the arts…and Cuba has some of the best in the world. Other trips may, on the surface, appear to be less expensive, but we encourage you to take a closer look and examine hotel accommodations, whether your visa and round-trip Cuba airfare are included, the number of days of the trip, etc. Once you compare, we are confident you will conclude that Cuba Rhythm & Views is an incredible opportunity and a great value!

Your hosts, veteran music producers Woody Wilson and Neil Birnbaum, have more than 70 years of combined experience presenting the world’s finest music and artists. Together, they have spent the past five years exploring Cuba’s creative arts, engineering major cultural exchanges, and building cultural bridges that have helped to break down the barriers between our countries. Both men are dedicated to offering the highest attainable artistic excellence and a truly distinct experience. The result is a cultural exploration of Cuba that is the new benchmark for People-to-People tours of this remarkable and isolated nation.

Itinerary of Activities

IMMERSE yourself in intimate and exclusive experiences hosted by Cuba Rhythm and Views.

MEET professors, diplomats, artists and musicians at exclusive receptions and private dinners.

ENJOY some of the most vibrant cultures in the world along with expert-led tours at museums and in the cities, as well as special government-approved visits to schools, and historical sites not generally available to Americans.

Hotel Jagua and Meliã Cohiba Hotel

Our headquarters for the Havana leg of our trip will be the five-star Meliã Cohiba Hotel on Havana’s historic Malecón. Meliã Cohiba is one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean. After a busy day in Havana, Meliã Cohiba is the place to relax, have a cold drink, check your email with available Wi-Fi, look at the sea, or take a stroll along the Malecón at sunset and be inspired by Havana coming to life after dark. In Cienfuegos, our group will stay at the Hotel Jagua on Cienfuegos Bay. With its magnificent location in the well-known residential area of Punta Gorda, the Jagua is considered one of Cuba’s most famous hotels. Its comfortable rooms are characterized by the spaciousness of the 50’s and offer beautiful panoramic views, which showcase the nature and wildlife of the Caribbean.

Classical Music & Dance

In Cuba, the classical arts are revered by every walk of life. During our trip, patrons will experience performances by such renowned groups as: Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional; Ballet Nacional de Cuba; Ballet español de Cuba; Ballet Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba; Camerata Romeu; Cantores de Cienfuegos; Orquesta de Cámara de la Habana; and more. Events will include opportunities to attend rehearsals as well as performances, mingle with the performers as well as sharing a meal. These People-to-People experiences will be truly awe-inspiring.

Traditional Cuban Music

Traditional music and its evolution over the centuries is at the heart of the Cuban soul and mystique. The history of music in Cuba is the story of its people; from slavery, political upheaval, revolt and a joyful celebration of Cuban life. As part of our Cultural Exploration, noted Cuban musician and University of Cienfuegos Professor Giraldo Pérez will teach the origin of Cuban music and dance. Cuban jazz begins here.

 Benny Moré School & Instituto Superior de Arte

Cuba is committed to arts education and training from primary school to the university level. To see firsthand how artists and musicians are cultivated, we will visit Escuela de Arte Benny Moré and Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) where you will experience Cuba’s arts education system with private performances by school orchestras, chamber ensembles and dance classes. You will also visit visual arts studios at these schools. In addition to the performances, you will have the opportunity to communicate with the students and their teachers in a round table discussion that will enlighten you on Cuba’s robust arts education.

Cuban Jazz & Nightlife

Cuba has some of the finest young jazz musicians in the world. The Afro-Cuban tradition has evolved into a robust jazz scene that has a solid foundation in the classical music training musicians receive at the prestigious music schools throughout the country. In Havana, jazz thrives. Our patrons are not only immersed into Havana’s jazz nightlife, but will be treated to private, one-on-one concerts from the best and brightest of Cuba’s jazz elite. This unique exposure to one the world’s most active jazz scenes is a Cuba Rhythm and Views exclusive.

Architecture and Historic Preservation

Some of the most exquisite historic buildings in the Caribbean are in Cuba. Despite the 57 years of embargo, Cuba has managed to preserve and restore some of its most important heritage structures, neighborhoods and monuments. Using tourist dollars and financial incentives, much of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is gradually being rehabilitated to its former beauty. A noted Cuban architect or urban planner will provide our patrons with an insight into what it takes to gradually restore one of the world’s great cities, one building at a time.

Visual Arts

As part of our People-to-People exchanges, our patrons will visit leading Cuban artists’ studios and homes. They will discuss their work and their artistic visions. Among the many artists patrons will meet are: Vladimir Rodríguez, Santiago Hermes Martínez, Kadir López, Villaluilla, and many more. These personal encounters will help you understand life in Cuba before the Revolution as well as today.

Cuban Cuisine and Paladares

The growing movement of private restaurants, or paladares, in people’s homes is flourishing in Havana. This movement is at the vanguard of economic change in Cuba. The best dining in Cuba is in paladares along the backstreets and alleyways of Old and New Havana. The restaurants are being reviewed internationally and Havanaphiles are slowly finding their way to these wonderful free-enterprise culinary destinations. Most of our meals will be in paladares. And, for the meals not included, you will be given the names and locations of Havana’s best private restaurants, all within a ten-minute cab ride from the Meliã Cohiba.

Other People-to-People Activities

Meet with former European Union Ambassador Carlos Alzugaray for a talk about US/Cuba relations; Mr. Alzugaray is a professor at University of Havana International Relations School, and an expert in US studies. Visit a day care center run by The Sisters of the Love of God, visit a classroom in session, learn about the remarkable work the sisters do for single mothers.

Eligibility

Anyone who as a passion to explore and learn about Cuba, its people, politics and culture. An interest in Spanish language skills are preferable (but not required) to join this delegation. There is limited space available since the group size will be limited to 30 to enhance your intimate experience. To secure your space, please fill out the application packet or call 602.679.0590 Priority will be based upon the order in which we receive deposits.

Don’t take our word for it! Here’s what people said about our recent trip:

From day one, we were given intimate glimpses into the hearts and souls of the dancers, singers, musicians and teachers who shared their lives with us. We have been on many “tours” to other countries but have never experienced anything as moving and beautiful as this. —Thomas and Sally K. Tempe, AZ

Where do I start??? The trip you provided for us in Cuba was nothing short of a miracle – the musicians, dancers, students etc would never have crossed our paths without your superb and thoughtful planning. —Sue W, Montreal, Quebec

The Cuba Rhythm and Views trip to Havana exceeded my high expectations, in terms of the quality of the music programs, hotel, meals, and logistics. A professionally-managed program that was truly a great value for the money! —William W, Miami, FL

The obviously deep, abiding connections that the CRV team have made with their colleagues in Cuba translates into the opportunity for CRV’s travelers to see inside the Cuban society and meet its people, heart-to-heart. —Hugh H, Tempe, AZ

As a long time lover of Cuban music and culture, this trip was a dream come true – amazing musical performances with the chance to meet and talk to the artists, exploration of Cuban culture and history, and an overall greater appreciation of what the magical isla has to offer. —Linda R, Tempe AZ