The Bar at Buena Vista

Overview

The Bar at Buena Vista, Cuba's Grandfathers of Music [and Grandmother], brings the music and spirit of 1940s and 1950s Havana, the golden age of Cuban Jazz, to the State Theatre in Sydney. This is when the musicians of the now infamous Buena Vista Social Club first began playing together. They were re-united in 1997 to record an album, which spawned a concert and also the hugely successful Wim Wenders documentary. This in turn brought many of Cuba's exceptionally talented veteran jazz stars to our attention, most of whom went on to tour and to record albums with seemingly tireless enthusiasm, while our appetite for their magical music has remained similarly unfettered.

The show, written and directed by Toby Gough, promises to recreate the 'bar' at the Buena Vista Social Club, giving us a unique chance to experience the magical atmosphere and infectious sounds of this legendary venue. Cuban masters: Reynaldo Creagh, 93, lead singer; Maestro Rubalcaba , 84, on piano; and Maracaibo, 83, on guitar, will be taking the stage with Cuba's original diva, the singer Siomara Avilla Valdes Lescay. The scene will be completed with a full band and troupe of dancers.