Playing my tuba in Cuba!

[David Richoux]

Well, as the first official Cultural Exchange band to perform in Cuba since the changes in policy, we had a pretty big impact on Cuba! (And the reverse is also true.) If you google [ "california repercussions" band Cuba ] you will find quite a few news articles and photos... We had 4 Sousaphones but mine was slightly damaged somewhere between Tampa and Havana so the valve cluster was a bit flopping around - hose clamps made an emergency repair. Quite an interesting week!

[windshieldbug]

Down in Havana there's a funny-looking booba
Who plays the rhumba on the tuba down in Cuba
Now any sap can sell an apple
but this chap would rather grapple
with his oompah oompah oompah
they prefer it to the boopa doopa doopa
They love the rhumba on the tuba down in Cuba!

[bigtubby]

Cool! Any cell phone videos on youtube?

[bort]

So what's the general vibe down there? Oppression, contentment, ambivalence, happiness...? The good news about the tuba damage is that if anyone knows how to make do with limited resources and repairs, its the Cubans!

[David Richoux]

We had so little downtime between events - I just made do with some hose clamps and will get it fixed when I get home this week. The Cubans are still really upset about the embargo, much less about Guantonamo. They do have frequent shortages of common items, medicine especially and a very creaky internet. The average citizen is not very political - only 2% or so are active party members, but the levels of government still control many parts of their life. We went to several music schools, they have a shortage of instruments as well, but the quality of education seems very high.
I will post some video links soon.

[doublebuzzing]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ds8b8aBEbE" target="_blank

[David Richoux]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ds8b8aBEbE" target="_blank

I did an impromptu on that song while walking back to our bus after a set - nobody in the audience knew it!