Free Event This Friday: Cuban Panel Discussion & Film: "Habana Blues"

Cuba AyUUda is hosting a free event this Friday, February 26 at 6pm:

Free screening of the film Habana Blues, plus a panel discussion with travelers from our ill-fated trip to Cuba last December. *Refreshments will be served.*

In this first public forum regarding the December incident, the trip leaders plus two independent travelers to Cuba will answer your questions about their experience and the future of the Cuba AyUUda Program.

Due to the political climate surrounding that trip (the very recent arrest of Alan Gross as a suspected US spy) five of our travelers were stopped at customs in the Havana airport and immediately expelled to Mexico after interrogation; another nine were detained, spent a harrowing night sleeping on a marble floor, and put onto a plane to Mexico the next morning.

Habana Blues, a captivating love letter to life in Cuba, follows a group of musicians struggling to make the big time. If that sounds like Buena Vista Social Club: The Return, think again. In this dramatic feature, the young musicians play a vibrant hybrid of soul and rock, and their goal in life is to leave behind the politics of their impoverished island, yet hold on to the love of their people.

Refreshments will be available at 6:00; panel discussion runs 6:30-7:30; the movie “Habana Blues” shows at 7:30 at First Unitarian Church, Room B102, SW 12th between Main & Salmon (enter on 12th). Free-will donations are most welcome.

Many thanks to our sponsors Widmer Brewery and First Unitarian!

Ian Sergeant

Outreach Volunteer