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The prize-winning pianist expressed that there will be important concerts that jazz lovers should not miss, particularly the concert of Tanía María, from Brazil -the same pianist who inaugurated the international festival Jazz Plaza 25 years ago (prior to 1983 the festival was a national event). "I remember Tanía Marías visit," said Valdés, "she was undaunted by the winter rain and gave a concert that matched that unforgettable evening perfectly. Ronnie Scott and Dave Valentín also participated that year, in1983."

During the concert, in the Carl Marx theatre on Sunday Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m., Tania María will share the stage with Chucho Valdés, bassist Jorge Reyes and drummer Gerardo Piloto. Cuban Television is expected to record the concert in order not to allow such a special occasion to slip by.

The festivals vice president Alexis Vázquez, for his part, pointed out that some 16 jazz bands or musicians were not accepted. "All places were already taken. Wed like to include everyone who is interested in participating, we reject no one, but wed have to organize a far lengthier festival. Many US musicians are not coming due to restrictions imposed by their government. Many jazz stars recognize this event as the highest expression of Afro-Cuban jazz.

Abel Acosta, vice president of Cubas Music Institute said: "Most visitors cover all their expenses. They want to participate in this prestigious festival organized by Chucho Valdés -a prominent figure in Cuban culture. Musicians all over the world know that the Cuba festival is an important, prestigious event. Wed like to have US jazz stars here, sharing the stage with their Cuban counterparts. Wed be more than honored with the presence here of such prestigious musician as Winston Marsalis --a friend of Cuba. US authorities dont let Cuban musicians travel there to participate in festivals either. We want to meet with musicians from New Orleans. We are open to the world."

Chucho Valdés will dedicate a concert to Oscar Peterson in March. He is also organizing a tour with Irakere and a new CD, dedicated to the groups 25 years. He is also very interested in the concert and the new CD with Pablo Milanés that will be presented at the Mella theatre on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. "The CDs history dates back to 2000 with unpublished pieces I kept and in 2002 it won a Grammy in the instrumental category. We played three pieces in the Jazz Plaza festival in 2005 and now at this coming event we will play all ten pieces with Pablo."

The colloquium will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of NG la Banda and its director José Luis Cortés -one of the festivals most eagerly awaited events. They will again show their documentary "Tosco, el Rey de la timba." There will also be master lectures, conferences and the sale of CDs and magazines at the Casa de la Cultura of the municipality of Plaza (Calzada and 8th St., the El Vedado neighborhood).

Also eagerly awaited are the performances of salsa orchestras like NG la Banda, los Van Van, Manolito Simonet, Bamboleo, Klimax, Chispa y los Cómplices. There will also be "Un Tambor para Tata Güines," with big screens placed outside of the Amadeo Roldán auditorium. "This years festival will again be lavish, stressed Chucho Valdés, President of the Organizing Committee."

(Cubarte)

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