![\"DSC_0514\"](\"https:\/\/afm47.org\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/DSC_0514.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nViolinist Doug Cameron shares his eye-opening musical journey to the Caribbean nation<\/strong><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: Cuban culture comes from a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa, and their influences on the rhythmic flavors of the island\u2019s music is unmistakable. After the 1959 revolution, the government pushed an expansive education campaign, offering free education to all and establishing rigorous music, sports and dance programs. With travel restrictions newly loosened to the lively Caribbean nation, Local 47 Member Doug Cameron recently accepted an invitation by National Symphony of Cuba conductor Enrique P\u00e9rez Mesa to spend 10 days working with the young musicians of Cuba. Deeply inspired by his 10-day adventure, Cameron shares the following account of his eye-opening journey.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n By Doug Cameron<\/em><\/p>\n From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could tell I was in a different world. The signs, the excitement, and most of all, the music! As a jazz musician, it\u2019s the music that attracts me to different parts of the world, and Cuba has always been number one on my list. I have always loved Latin and especially Cuban music. My CD \u201cMil Amores\u201d<\/em> was my tribute to this music and featured a lot of my original music written in a Latin style. I was invited to Cuba to by the conductor of the National Symphony of Cuba, maestro Enrique P\u00e9rez Mesa, to teach master classes and perform.<\/p>\n Two of my master classes were held at La Escuela de las Artes,<\/em> which is akin to our Juilliard. I was knocked out by these enthusiastic, talented young musicians. They were all so eager to participate and learn what I had to show them, and they had jazz a feel for the music in their blood. I was honored to be one of the first American musicians, to teach at the school. I even played my jazzy version of \u201cAmerica the Beautiful,\u201d and they loved it! Interestingly enough, this lovely campus was once a private golf course with a landing strip where well off folks would fly in to play golf. When the revolution came, Castro turned it into a music and arts academy.<\/p>\n I was given a rhythm section to perform with which included some truly amazing musicians. Man could these guys play, and their feel for Latin music\u2026 well, what can I say! Incredible! I did two concerts, one broadcast on the Cuban jazz station in Cuba and over the Internet throughout the world. I was the first American musician to be invited to perform on this program. It was a blast. Among other pieces I performed one of my original songs titled \u201cCuban Spice,\u201d a piece I wrote over 20 years ago from a dream I had. Here I was, playing it 20 years later, IN CUBA! Was this a dream? I had to pinch myself \u2014 which is hard to do while you\u2019re playing the violin.<\/p>\n Cuba is changing rapidly. You can see young people all over the streets on their phones and tablets searching the Internet. That concept is only a few months old. When I was there the Pope was visiting, and the people were so excited. I have traveled literally all over the world, and I have never visited a country so captivating, so enchanting and rich with style and history as Cuba. It is truly a country lost in time. If you are interested in hearing more, I invite you to check out my website at dougcameron.com<\/a> where you can see a documentary I\u2019ve put together on Cuba. I think you\u2019ll find it quite fascinating, and the music\u2026 wow!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n