Cuban artist Jacob Forever comes to Calgary

Ever since leaving Cuba 15 years ago, Marcos Ravelo has been looking for ways to bring a bit of home to the prairies.

The owner of Havana Cuban Dance Studio has always done this through dance, but now he’s announced a concert for Cuban musician Jacob Forever at the end of August.

“We’ve never had a Cuban concert like this in Calgary,” he said. “But the Cuban community has grown through the years, so to see (Jacob Forever) here, who’s one of the top Latin artists in the world right now, it’s wonderful.”

Jacob Forever’s latest song, “Hasta Que Se Seque el Malecon” landed him a top spot on the Latin Billboard charts, and he has collaborated with artists including Pitbull and OMI.

Since the U.S. and Cuba have restored diplomatic relations last year, Ravelo said he’s seen more Cuban artists than ever finding success and reaching new international audiences.

“It’s amazing,” he said as he recalls hearing a Jacob Forever song play on the radio in Calgary. “There are a lot of Latin people in Calgary, and a lot of people in Calgary who have gone to Cuba, so I think it opens up a lot of new listeners.”

The concert will take place at the Chinese Cultural Centre on August 26, starting with Latin dance lessons and performances before delving into the main concert at 10:30 p.m.

“We wanted to be able to show people that Cuba is here,” said Ravelo. “We want to bring all the communities together for the event and say that the Cuban culture isn’t just here for festivals, it’s in the community.”