andPOP » cuba

New York Philharmonic Concerts Cancelled

Vanessa Baker — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:04:58 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra has had to cancel two concerts planned for Havana, Cuba on Oct. 30 and Nov. 2, due to American travel restrictions, reports CBC.

“This shows that the U.S. government is the only party responsible for the failure of this major cultural project,” said Alejandro Guma, vice-president of the Cuban Institute of Music. “This is a project, by the way, that was not conceived by Cuba, but by the American institution, and we imagine that at this point, the organization must be disappointed.”

U.S. President Barack Obama said he will not lift a trade and travel embargo against Cuba that has been in effect since 1961 unless there are democratic reforms put in place.

While the musicians had been approved for the trip, approximately 150 patrons and sponsors who paid $10,000 each will not be allowed into the country. Without this support, the orchestra will be unable to play.

Representatives of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra say they still hope to play in Cuba at a later date.

The Killers, Amy Winehouse Contribute To Latin-Flavoured Benefit Compilation

Eva Lam — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:42:28 +0000

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Some of the world’s biggest artists have teamed up with Cuban band Rhythms Del Mundo for a benefit album that puts a Latin twist on well-known songs.

The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Fall Out Boy, Jack Johnson, KT Tunstall, Keane, Cat Power, Kaiser Chiefs, OneRepublic and the Rolling Stones are among the acts featured on “Rhythms Del Mundo Classics,” which is set for release July 13.

The album aims to raise awareness and funds for climate crisis projects and natural disaster relief through the U.K.-based charity Artists Project Earth.

Covers include the Killer’s “Hotel California” (originally done by the Eagles), Amy Winehouse’s “Cupid” (Sam Cooke), John Mayer and Fall Out Boy’s “Beat It” (Michael Jackson) and Keane’s “Under Pressure” (Queen). Each act reimagined their tune in collaboration with Rhythms del Mundo, which is made up of some of Cuba’s top musicians.

“Classics” follows the similar 2006 album “Rhythms Del Mundo Cuba,” the idea for which emerged out of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

That compilation featured Buena Vista Social Club musicians reworking tunes from such acts as Coldplay, U2, Maroon 5, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.

andPOP Interviews Cuba Gooding Jr.

andPOP Staff — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:33:48 +0000

Posted on andPOP:

Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. takes over for Eddie Murphy in “Daddy Day Camp,” the sequel to “Daddy Day Care.”

This time, Charlie Hinton (Gooding Jr.) and Phil Ryerson (Paul Rae) take over a summer camp with no knowledge of the great outdoors. Chaos is guaranteed.

Cuba spoke to andPOP recently about the film, working on comedic projects vs. dramatic roles and, of course, hockey! Does Cuba Gooding Jr. want to own an NHL team? Watch the interview to find out.

Daddy Day Camp hits theatres Wednesday, August 8.