In March of 2001 I spent several weeks in Havana,Cuba taking photographs and
playing "tourist". I had a wonderful time. A big part of the charm of "Old Havana",
or Habana Vieja as the locals call it, is the Cuban music which emanates from the
numerous clubs, bars and cafes throughout this part of Havana. Roberto (above)
and his group "FENIX" was a fun part of this music scene. I would classify FENIX
as a "party band". They're high energy and fun! They make you want to order
another round of mojitos (Cuban National Drink) and get up and dance!
FENIX was playing at a bar named O'Reillys which was on O'Reilly Sreet in
Habana Vieja. Don't ask me how the Irish got this foothold in this Spanish
enclave. I spent a lot of time at O'REILLYS and got to know Roberto and his
fellow band members.
The day before I was to return to the U.S. Roberto asked me if I would set up
a "web site" on the internet for his band. For local Cubans, communication
with the world outside of their country is very limited. It seemed to me that,
among the various hardships Cubans face, the worst might be the sense
of isolation they feel. Quite frankly, I think Roberto was pretty naive about
the world wide web. But I did understand his desire to expose himself, his
music and his fellow band members to an audience outside of Cuba.
And that's what this web page is about---honoring the request of a friend. If you
have broadband capabilities or a kick butt 56 modem and quicktime capabilities
try going to this link and you can watch and hear Roberto and his band at
O'REILLYS. If you're lucky enough to visit Havana--by all means go and hear
FENIX. And tell Roberto "hello from Don & Connie" and also that he does have
a web site on the world wide web. I think he will be pleased!
Thanks for visiting,
Don Tremain
