Comments on: 27th Annual International Jazz Festival in Havana: Should you go?

By: Drea

Drea — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:44:58 +0000

Thanks Tex and thanks Sterling!

I’ve just sent you an email Sterling.

Looking forward to chatting about the opportunity in further detail soon!

drea

By: Tex Dworkin

Tex Dworkin — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:12:01 +0000

Hi Sterling,
Thanks for your interest. Carol has a new job now in Cuba, so is no longer working here at Global Exchange (though she remains in the GX family!) The best person to contact about Cuba trip is Drea. She can be reached at drea@globalexchange.org or via phone 415-255-7296 ext. 211. Thanks! Tex

By: Sterling Wiliamson

Sterling Wiliamson — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:48:59 +0000

Dear Carol,
I am very interested in going to cuba for the jazz festival. I am a saxophonist in Maine, but also have a day job as an orthopedic surgeon. Can you tell me how to proceed, and if there is still room?
Thanks
Sterling Williamson

By: Carol Steele

Carol Steele — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:25:44 +0000

Hola Maria!!!

Gracias, Gracias for your kind words. I’m so glad that you had a wonderful trip. I loved working with all of you, and love being able to share my knowledge and love of Cuban music and culture! You and Gil were a great addition to the group, and thanks for your willingness to fully participate, as well! It was a wonderful trip, and my absolute pleasure to get the opportunity to be there with you!

Que Viva la Musica Cubana!

Un abrazo fuerte,

Carol

By: Maria

Maria — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:24:41 +0000

Hola! Just got back from Cuba where we did a customized trip with a group from work and we had a fantastic time with Carol. As the others mentioned Carol is amazing. I had no idea I was going to be in the midst of an experienced musician and lover of Cuban music and culture! She showed us more than I thought we were going to see and do. I would go to Cuba again especially if Carol is to be our guide. I came back with a renewed sense of appreciation and knowledge from this trip and I hope to pass this along to others.

Carolina – espero vernos pronto!

By: Deborah Sherman

Deborah Sherman — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:41:59 +0000

Carol is an amazing leader – knowledgeable, vivacious, tireless, talented and fun. My experiences with her on two trips (Galapagos, 2008 and Cuba, 2010) were totally positive. It was a privilege and an honor to be with her in Cuba, where Carol knows so many people, so many special places, musical venues, happenings, and ways to get things done, that the entire trip was an effortless (for us travelees), magical adventure. I can’t imagine seeing Cuba any other way than with Carol. It is a truly special place, and Carol makes you feel like an “insider.”
My only regret is not being able to go back this year! But I promise, so long as Carol will plan the trip and guide me, I will do so again!

By: Carol Steele

Carol Steele — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:44:28 +0000

Hey Sebastian!!!

Thanks so much for your kind words! You know that it is my love and passion, and absolute pleasure to share my love of Cuba and Afro-Cuban Culture! I love doing this work! I hope that I’ll have the chance to do some more music and dance trips in the future, and will let you know!

Que Viva la Musica Cubana!

All the best,
Carol

By: Sebastian Guerrero

Sebastian Guerrero — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:15:36 +0000

Great blog Carol!! I wish I could go! I urge anyone who is considering this trip to go!

I traveled on a trip to Cuba designed and led by Carol in January, 2000. It changed my life….for the better. She exposed us only to the finest artists, musicians, and local culture possible. What’s unique about her trips is that you feel like you are being guided by a local with all of the knowledge of the local hangouts, jam sessions and excursions that many high end tours don’t know about. Of course, as a professional musician, I really lucked out with going to Cuba with Carol because of her musical training and contacts. Her network of musicians and artists is vast and of the highest level. She was always open to hearing people’s “dream scenarios” and tried to work out lessons or special visits for us. Her love of Cuba, its people and just having a good time is infectious and she enables you to get the most out of your trip there.