Havana Jazz Fest: Artists, music fans flock to Cuba for international meet

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Now let's move to the Cuban capital, Havana where music lovers have gathered for the 34th International Jazz Festival. CGTN's Luis Chirino was there.

Havana nights lit up during a week of jazz performances by some of the world's best musicians, with both local and foreign artists taking to the city's stages.

Renowned Cuban jazz band leader Orlando Valle, better known as "Maraca", was a festival highlight, as were appearances by the Grammy award winning American trumpet player Brian Lynch and Puerto Rican flutist Nestor Torres. During rehearsals, Maraca talked with me about this standout performance.

ORLANDO "MARACA" VALLE CUBAN BAND LEADER "It is homage to Roy Hargrove and Dave Valentin, two giants of Latin Jazz who once played at this festival and have already passed away."

BRIAN LYNCH AMERICAN BAND LEADER "The central core of the sensibility of jazz comes from the African music sensibility, so this is something that the US and Cuba really share."

The concerts were held at Havana's main downtown theaters, and drew huge crowds from near and far.

LUIS CHIRINO HAVANA "Jazz has always built bridges between the American and the Cuban people, and this festival is a clear example of that reality."

Many American fans timed trips to Havana just so they could attend the festival.

MARK KILBY FAN OF AMERICAN JAZZ "Music is another form of communication, right? So it's a beautiful way for us to communicate with the Cubans and vice versa."

Cubans and Americans enjoyed the jazz stage together when the creator of the festival, Maestro Bobby Carcasses, was joined by US jazz musicians Scotty Barnhart, Roger Glenn and Dick Griffin.

Another memorable performance came from British soul singer Joss Stone, who brought a special touch to the jazz fest with her mezzo-soprano voice.

An emotional moment came during an improvised duet between Joss Stone and Cuban singer Omara Portuondo. Their Spanish-language collaboration an embodiment of a festival theme bringing Cuban and world musicians together.

Luis Chirino, CGTN, Havana.