American singer, composer, pianist and actress Norah Jones expressed today feeling excited about her first trip to Cuba, in February next year, as part of a cultural and educational exchange.
"I look forward to learning more about the country's rich musical heritage and sharing my music through two shows at the historic Teatro Martí on February 17 and 18," Jones said in making the announcement on social networks.
The program from February 15 to 19, promoted under the name Norah Jones Lives in Havana: Four Days and Nights of Music and Adventures, will also include a master class for students of the Higher Institute of Arts (ISA) in the Cuban capital.
It also invites to experience "a concert by the legendary Cuban musical group Síntesis at Fabrica De Arte" and to savor "a concert by Alain Pérez, the leader of Cuba's most important salsa band".
In explaining the proposal, the website norahinhavana.com recalled that individual travel and tourism to Cuba is prohibited, due to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. government on the Caribbean country more than 60 years ago.
However, "group trips for educational and cultural exchanges are allowed", she said.
Indira Fajardo, president of the Cuban Institute of Music, said in a recent interview granted to Prensa Latina that no blockade can destroy the cultural bridge that links both peoples.
Born in New York on March 30, 1979, Jones, whose music combines elements of jazz, blues, soul, country and pop, has won nine Grammy awards and sold more than 40 million records as a singer.