Salsa!! Mayito Rivera, former singer from Santiago de Cuba with Cuban supergroup Los Van Van, will be performing in London with two other singers from Los Van Van, Angel Bonne and Pedrito Calvo, and a timba orchestra on 1 August. Tickets on sale soon from http://www.havanatolondres.com/

I couldn't make it to the opening day; so I saw much of what happened that day on the television. However, I experienced that feedback, that sensation of enjoying what lives on in the place, in the imagination of locals, because this town by the sea has a special meaning for me. I spent my first years of life crossing the Bay of Havana, and the story of my life connects me with the towns of Regla and Casablanca. So, in spite of the passing of time and my few visits – when I felt disheartened seeing places that mean a lot to me becoming deteriorated- it has been very gratifying to see a community now invaded by good art, with a positive change of its environment.

Cuban writer Leonardo Padura won the Princess of Asturias Prize for Letters in Spain last Wednesday.

Barack Obama has made no secret of his desire to visit Cuba. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters: I know there's one person in particular who hopes President Obama will be in Havana at some point in the relatively near future, and thats President Obama himself.

Docklands Sinfonia will once again break new ground with its exciting July 10 concert, "Cuba Fantastique", featuring a programme of exuberant music that beautifully captures the spirit of Cuba. The concert at St Anne's Limehouse begins with George Gershwin's colourful "Cuban Overture", which sets the scene for the World Premiere of Eduardo Martín's "Concierto Mestizo".

Cuban feminist author Aida Bahr read from her collection of prize-winning short stories, Ophelias/Ofelias , to San Francisco Bay area audiences at two special events in May.

The coolest jazz from Cuban singer Haydee Milanes

A Cuban artist known for whimsical public sculptures received a new award from a U.S. foundation in May during the Havana Art Biennial in a reflection of warmer relations between the countries.

"Why wait for ambassadors when we have poets?"

Manuel Mendive, one of Cuba's best known artists, created an amazing work for the Biennial in Havana called 'Colours of Life'. Performers painted by Mendive moved like a whirlwind from the port to the new Victor Manuel Gallery by the Cathedral, representing a flight of uncertainty and transformation to the sounds of Bach's Fugue, carrying bundles at times for comfort and at times as a burden. Not to be forgotten.

If you missed Pupy y los que Son Son when they performed in London and Glasgow at the end of May, check out their latest video here

Just one small part of the Havana Art Biennial is 'Detras el Muro'/'Behind the Wall' with sculptures, interactive installations and performances along the Malecon seawall by over 50 Cuban artists and artists from other countries.

Brownswood are delighted to announce that Daymé Arocena's debut album "Nueva Era " is released 8th June 2015.

Exhibition 20 May – 29 September 2015, Atkis Gallery, London

Renowned Cuban artist Arturo Montoto will present the projects Jardines invisibles and Sitio del agua at the upcoming 12th Havana Biennial, which opens on May 22.