Chucho Valdes´ Jazz Scats into Cuba´s Jardines del Rey

Four-time Grammy winner Chucho Valdes has taken his jazz to the keys of Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens), off central Cuba’s waters, that have turned out to be one of the island nation’s most sought-after destinations among travelers from around the world.

Mr. Valdes is performing at the Sixth Jazz Event, scheduled from April 26 through May 14, with a turnout of some of the globe’s best-known swing musicians.

The bandleader of Irakere is offering a concert May 6 for sunbathers, tour operators and travel agents visiting the circuit within the framework of Cuba’s International Tourism Convention that opens the first week of May.

Lying 267 miles off the shoreline of the Ciego de Avila province, the coveted travel destination will receive such top jazz bands as Sexto Sentido, Arango Brothers, Havana Latin Millennium, Havana Ensemble, Bellita & her Jazz Tumbata and El Greco Top Secret.

World-class musicians Aldo Masa and Giraldo Piloto will conduct a percussion workshop for foreigners at the Senador hotel compound and the Playa Coco Resort, both in the keys.

Jose Enrique Castro, director of the Ciego de Avila Music Center, announced the performances of local jazz acts Eliseo & his Jazz Night and Plamares.

Mr. Castro also said Jardines del Rey is getting set to host the International Guitar Festival and the Cuban Popular Music Celebration (both in 2004) in an effort to bring culture and the travel industry closer together and target new market segments.