Chicago-Cuba Musical Exchange Continues
(CBS) – Some of the last remnants of the Cold War have begun to thaw with the United States, easing relations with Cuba.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports that's especially apparent as a group of young Cuban musicians visits Chicago this week.
Last December, Orbert Davis from the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic was visiting Havana and met students at Cuba's University of the Arts.
"We spoke a language that's beyond words," Davis says.
Davis knew he'd battle mounds of red tape to bring the talented musicians to Chicago on a goodwill tour. This week, some of those same Cuban musicians are visiting Chicago.
From a rehearsal hall at Chicago State University to individual practice rooms, the Cuban musicians shared not only their country's musical traditions but also their hopes for the future.
"This is a dream of a lot of generations, not just mine," says Wendy Oram Galvez of the Universidad de las Artes.
There are about 40 musicians here. They are performing with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Friday night at the Auditorium Theater.
The musicians are looking forward to deep-dish pizza, touring skyscrapers and also strengthening relations between the two countries.
