The relationship between the United States and Cuba is complicated. Despite the tumultuous history between the two countries, it is undeniable that the Caribbean island shares a love for something made in the U.S.: jazz music. That’s one reason JazzArts Charlotte decided to kick off its 15th-anniversary celebration with a trip to Cuba. The Charlotte-based nonprofit — offering educational programs, live performances and musician support — arranged a delegation of 35 supporters to visit Cuba for the 39th annual Havana Jazz Festival.
“The work we’re doing at JazzArts to support future musicians and artists is tied to not only learning to play the music but learning the history behind the music,” says Lonnie Davis, founder of JazzArts. “When we learn from talented musicians in a country like Cuba that has deep roots in jazz, we pull from that energy and inspire the future jazz musicians in our own community.”
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a member of The Mama Movement and a proud mom to a curious toddler. Krisha is a community advocate and connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Alexandria Gazette among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores.
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