If you’re of a certain age (or even if you’re not, but you know music), you probably remember Blondie, the innovative pop-rock group that hit the big time in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They reformed in the 21st century and continue to churn out an interesting mix of music. And now, they’re taking their musical creativity on the road to Cuba, and inviting travelers to come along for the ride on March 14-18, 2019.
Hosted by a company called Dreamcatcher Events, “Blondie in Havana” is a four-day cultural event that features two Blondie concerts, performances by a variety of Cuban artists and musicians, and guided visits to several museums and cultural institutions in and around Havana.
“We’ve never been to Cuba,” says Blondie founding member Chris Stein, “though we’ve always hoped to get there someday. We’ve been talking about it for ages and now it’s finally happening. Havana is such an incredible scene, such an incredible city. I’ve always been fascinated by their music and their wildly creative culture. It’s going to be an amazing trip and we’re all really looking forward to it.”
Highlights of BLONDIE IN HAVANA will include two unique Blondie performances at Havana’s renowned Teatro Mella, both featuring classic songs from throughout the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers’ hit-packed career. Blondie will be joined by some of Cuba’s most compelling and influential musicians and bands, including Alain Perez, David Torrens, and the acclaimed Afro-Cuban progressive rock band Sintesis. As if that weren’t enough, guests will also engage with a number of leading Cuban visual artists, including exclusive visits to their private studios and galleries.
This announcement follows the US State Department’s recent upgrading of Cuba from a Level 3 to a Level 2 in its travel advisory system, putting the country on the level of nations like France, Italy, Germany and the UK. Though individual travel for U.S. Citizens to Cuba is currently discontinued, Dreamcatcher Events is fully licensed by both the U.S. Government (Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control) and Ministerio de Cultura de la República de Cuba to lead this Cultural Exchange.
As is common with most Cuba tours, Blondie in Havana isn’t cheap. Prices start at $2,999 per person, based on double occupancy, for the four-night package, which includes accommodations at the Melia Havana hotel, all meals, seats at Blondie’s two concerts, daily sightseeing in and around Havana, nightly entertainment and all ground transportation, guides and translators. (You can get a five percent discount if you register by October 15, 2018.)
For information and registration: blondieinhavana.com.