Varadero Josone Festival combines tradition and modernity

The second night of performances of the 4th Varadero Josone Rumba, Jazz & Son Festival, held at Josone Park in the Varadero beach resort, turned into an exquisite combination of sounds ranging from salsa, jazz, fusion music, rumba, pop and urban genre.

During Thursday's performances, the emblematic Muñequitos de Matanzas, a group whose rumberas essence is still going strong after 72 years of existence, took the stage.

Alfredo Smith, producer of the Muñequitos, told the press that it is important to combine what we do with other genres and that all kinds of audiences enjoy it because it brings us closer to the people to whom we always intend to transmit the Cuban spirit.

In Varadero Josone recognizes the value of rumba as a basic sonority within Cuban music, and thus all those who listen to it and dance to it will know that Los Muñequitos not only defend the tradition, but also enrich it with more modern rhythms, Smith added.

Rodrigo Garcia, a young pianist accompanied by his group Espirales, participated on Thursday in the Festival with special guests such as flutist Orlando Valle “Maraca”, saxophonist German Velazco and Aldo Lopez-Gavilan, also on piano.

Garcia expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be for the first time in Varadero Josone, an event that has opened the doors to his project and that defends the new talents of the country.

On this stage, quality artists converge and trust in what young creators defend, so that the public can enjoy a unique sound environment.

Issac Delgado, musician and president of the Varadero Josone Rumba, Jazz & Son Festival, told the press that the essence of the event during its first two nights of concerts has been the diversity of audiences attending the facility to enjoy its artists.

This festival is also varied in terms of musical genres where all preferences fit, which gives a distinctive touch to the event, its president stressed.

Varadero Josone Rumba, Jazz & Son, which will conclude on August 25, is an event organized by the Cuban Ministries of Culture and Tourism, with the support of institutions such as the Recording and Music Publishing Company, the Cuban Institute of Music and the Provincial Government of People's Power in Matanzas.

The projects Musica Punto Cero, OLA, La Rueda Producciones and the company Four Wives are also taking part in the initiative.