A Musical Journey of Friendship, Culture & Global Jazz Unity

Cubans are known for their warmth, resilience, and hospitality. They welcome you not just into

their homes, but into their lives — with stories, laughter, and genuine interest in who you are.

Whether you’re walking through Old Havana, dancing in a neighborhood plaza, or sipping

strong coffee in a tiny café, you’ll feel the spirit of the people around you.

It’s that spirit that makes Cuba unforgettable. Despite decades of hardship, Cuban people carry

themselves with dignity and joy. They create beauty from scarcity. They build community wher-

ever they go. And most of all — they celebrate life.

As I prepare for this trip, I’m not just going to Cuba as a visitor. I’m going with open arms and

an open heart — ready to learn, to collaborate, and to build bridges through music.

For the past year, I’ve been traveling across the globe to promote the Scottsdale Jazz Festival, the

signature event of my foundation. My mission has always aligned with that of Herbie Hancock’s

International Jazz Day: to use jazz as a tool for unity, diplomacy, and peace.

One of my biggest hopes for this trip is to extend an invitation — to the incredible musicians I

meet in Cuba — to come and join us in Scottsdale. I want our audiences to experience their bril-

liance, their history, and their rhythm firsthand.