Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival

What began in 1974 as a one-day tribute to Harlem has evolved over four decades into a month long celebration of the community’s rich economic, political and cultural history. Things kick off on July 31 with “A Great Day In Harlem” and reach a fever pitch during the bursting-at-the-seams weekend of events held under the banner of “Summer in the City” (August 20) and “Harlem Day” (August 21), including an auto show, children’s festival, small-business expo, fashion show, educational fair, outdoor film screening, a dancing in the street party and the inaugural Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival, an international visual and performing arts, fashion, education and culinary exchange celebrating the rich artistic connection between iconic cities Harlem, New York and Havana, Cuba.

The Harlem/Havana Music & Cultural Festival will first bring world-renowned Cuban musicians, visual artists, dancers, film, chefs and educators to the U.S. this summer as part of HARLEM WEEK activities from August 15-21. In February 2017, an American delegation of artists and cultural leaders (to be announced at a later date) will travel to Havana and take part in a number of curated events.

This new cultural collaboration reinforces the unique and storied history of Harlem and Havana. Through this new program, we look forward to showcasing the vibrant music, dance, culture and culinary offerings these two iconic places share and further strengthening this incredible bond," said Fred Dixon, president & CEO of NYC & Company, New York City's official destination marketing organization.

Among the selected artists are César López, who is considered one of the most important saxophone players in Latin Jazz and leads Habana Ensemble, a super group featuring some of Cuba’s top musicians. Also, Jorge Luis Pacheco, one of the leading pianists of the new generation of jazz in Cuba. In 2015, Vanity Fair noted him among “sensational, young jazz players.” Contemporary artist, Edward Roca Salazar, also known as Choco, deemed by the New York Times as one of Cuba’s “most distinguished printmakers,” will also participate. He is considered a master of “collography.”

"Havana was a Wonderful Life Experience for me. I hope this relationship with HARLEM/HAVANA opens up to the point of free travel between Cuba and the United States. I look forward to returning to Havana," said Smokey Robinson, Multi Grammy Award Winner, Singer, and Songwriter.

Neighborhood Information

·Neighborhood: Harlem, Manhattan
·Neighborhood Hotels: Aloft Harlem
·Dining: Red Rooster Harlem; Streetbird Rotisserie; The Cecil; Minton’s; Lido
·Attractions & Activities: Havana/Harlem Music & Cultural Festival; Sugar Hill Children’s Museum; El Museo del Barrio; Museum of the City of New York; Studio Museum of Harlem; Apollo Theater; Harlem Spirituals Tours