Afro-Cuban styles enliven the Waldron Tuesday

Audience members danced in their seats as they felt the spirits of Havana Tuesday night at the John Waldron Arts Center. \nThe non-profit group, Jazz from Bloomington, celebrated ArtsWeek Tuesday night with performances by the Grammy-nominated Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana. A crowd of about 40 people attended the show.\nJohn Lawson, Jazz from Bloomington’s treasurer, said the Canadian musician was chosen to perform because her performance tied in well with the political theme of ArtsWeek. \nFour members of the Spirits of Havana are originally from Cuba and had to relocate in order to continue playing, said Monika Herzig, founder of Jazz from Bloomington.\n“(They are an) example of how politics can prevent art from flourishing,” Herzig said. \nThe group played six of its lengthy numbers, most of which were traditional African-Cuban songs.\nAll of the songs featured vocals by every member of the group. Band members encouraged audience members to sing along, but they were reluctant to do so. \nBunnett traded off between playing on the flute and soprano saxophone. In between songs, she provided background information about the music.\nBloomington resident Matt McConahay said he liked the song “Carnival.” The upbeat song is based on a traditional party in Cuba. \nThe group mixed jazz and traditional Cuban musical elements together in its songs, which sophomore Nick Halgren said was his favorite part of the show. \n“(I liked) seeing these incredible musicians playing jazz and mixing in traditional Cuban elements,” Halgren said. “Great to see jazz that makes you want to dance.”\nBunnett first began mixing jazz with Cuban rhythms after she took a trip to Cuba in the early ’80s. Bunnett soon started playing with local musicians in Cuba. Before she knew it, she began to incorporate Cuban rhythms into her music. \nHalgren said he is jealous of Bunnett for having the opportunity to travel to Cuba. Because of the U.S. and Cuba’s strained relations, Halgren said he will not be able to play in Cuba any time soon. \nThis is why IU faculty member Gergana May decided to attend Tuesday’s concert.\n“I like to hear artists from around the world,” May said. “Especially visiting artists that we otherwise would not be able to hear.”