We provide joint programs of exploration in the arts, sports and education. Essentially what we do is bring together people who have a curiosity about each other. We are highly experienced in arranging sports and performing arts tours, conferences and events. Cuba is our home and this site is about CUBA. We also work in Canada and throughout Latin America. All enquires are most welcome.Canada Cuba Cultural and Sports Festivals (CCS&CF) is pleased to sponsor visits to Canada by two of Cuba’s most respected musicians: Bobby Carcasses´ (Oct. 20 to Nov. 30, 2006) and Alina Orraca (Sept. 15 to Oct. 21, 2006).Take advantage of this rare opportunity. They will be available for conference presentations, clinics, workshops, and performances. For more much information on either of these two outstanding Cuban musicians simply google “Alina Orraca†and/or “Bobby Carcasses´†on the world-wide-web.
If your group has been thinking about Cuba and looking for the perfect reason to make us part of your future travel plans we would love to hear from you. We invite your inquiries and proposals.Read what a professional association of anthropologists had to say about an event they attended in Cuba.You have been marked on my profile map! Click to zoom-in.
make your own map at: www.modmyprofile.comBOBBY CARCASSESThe ‘legendary’ Bobby Carcasses´ is one of Cuba’s most revered jazz musicians.
BOBBY CARCASSES“He's been described as Cuba's best kept secret and overwhelming on stage to the extent that it's been said that he has left Eddie Palmieri and Tito Puente along with the New York jazz fraternity speechless after his performances. Influenced by jazz luminaries such as Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin and Sarah Vaughan as well as Beny More´ and Enrico Carusso, Cuban jazz guru, multi-instrumentalist and scat master Bobby Carcasses´ takes you on an eclectic musical journey passing through India, Havana, New York and the mother of all...Africa.â€
(Notes from his 1998 recording Jazz Timbero)As a performer, recording artist, and entertainer, Bobby is extremely versatile: vocalist extraordinaire, percussionist (conguero), flugelhorn player, pianist, visual artist, actor, and dancer. In addition to performing, Bobby makes it his mandate to mentor young musicians and is a cultural leader and icon in Havana. He is the founder and past president of the Havana Jazz Festival. He has recorded and performed with Cuban jazz masters Chucho Valdes, Changuito, Cesar Lopez, and many more.Workshops with Bobby Carcasses´Session 1 -- Three "Rs" of Cuban jazz - Roots, Religion, and Rhythm
Learn the basics of Afro-Cuban and Cuban jazz through a highly engaging and interactive encounter with the cultural heritage of Cuban music. Along with traditional Cuban and Afro-Cuban genres such as son and guaguanco, the importance of the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz and blues are also addressed. With an emphasis on the percussive and rhythmic roots of Cuban music and an understanding of how it permeates every aspect of Cuban life, your approach to Latin jazz in classes, rehearsals, and performances will take on new life.Session II -- Don't Just Sit There
In Cuba, musical performance involves the whole body. Cuban music is best enjoyed with a generous amount of movement. In a participatory and interactive workshop, Bobby demonstrates the Cuban approach to developing the unique interpretations of phrasing, accents, articulation and dynamics that define Afro-Cuban jazz. Dance, sing, and clap your way back into the classroom with a new component to add to your music classes.Session III -- Unlocking Your Inner (Performing) Artist
Unlike musicians in some other genres, classical and jazz musicians usually focus primarily on the performance of the music, but frankly, “the floor show sucks!†In his performances the multi-talented Bobby Carcasses´, endeavors to be a creative artist and express himself to the fullest extent possible. Bobby says, “First and foremost, I am a performing artist, an entertainer, a showman.†Bobby uses his formidable talents and skills as a jazz vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, actor, and visual artist in his performances. He also practices meditation and yoga in his search for personal and artistic expression. In this session, you will explore your own inner artist and find new ways to express yourself artistically.Bobby Carcasses – Performer
Bobby is available for a limited number of performances with professional, university/college, and high school instrumental and vocal jazz ensembles. School ensemble directors will find Bobby an inspirational and dynamic guest artist and thoughtful, beautiful human being. He is also available to perform with professional big bands, jazz combos, salsa and Afro-Cuban bands.Perform, Workshop and Interact in Cuba Since 1988 we have been developing opportunities in Cuba, for international performance ensembles of all ages and proficiency levels. This ongoing cross cultural project for the Choir, Dance, Instrumental and Others provides a superlative platform from which to perform, interact, share and socialize with your counterparts in Cuba. Coming to Cuba with your ensemble has many advantages. Read what music directors, educators and managers who have been to Cuba say Click Perform and Interact With Cuban Counterparts Whether for band, choir or dance, each journey is custom designed to meet your ensemble’s specific objectives. We have all the major contacts in Cuba from artistic directors, conductors, educators and government officials. Our Havana staff meet personally to work out the details of your request, and are on hand while you are in Cuba to make sure they are carried out. Exciting Venues and Enthusiastic Audiences Cuban audiences are renowned for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether you are taking down a high school band, a community choir, a professional orchestra or anything in between we will arrange joint concerts in a variety of venues. Selecting from premier colonial and contemporary concert spaces, theatres, top jazz and dance clubs through schools and community centres we ensure the perfect balance. A Collaborative Learning Experience We can arrange for your ensemble to participate in workshops and clinics relative to Cuban rhythms, instruments and musical traditions. Prior to your arrivaI we can facilitate joint rehearsals and combined performances Explore the Cultural Heritage Cuba has an added attraction. It's the chance to become involved first hand in a deeply rich and welcoming culture. This nation of 11 million inhabitants have a rich, multi faceted culture, drawing upon 500 years of European influence. Add to that a major African influx, Caribbean and Asian migrations and Cuba has a mixture of cultures as interesting as it is diverse. Interested?... May we send you our free videos “Cuba-Focus on the Arts†and “Choral Focus on Cubaâ€, a sample itinerary, ball park pricing and information package? Fill out the Free Video request form and we’ll send it off right away with the performance arts information you asked for. Canada Cuba Sports & Cultural Festivals 7171 Torbram Road, Suite 51, Mississauga, ON Canada L4T 3W4 Tel: 1-800-818-8840 Fax: +1.905-678-1421 CCS&CF 1989 - 2005© All Rights Reserved