Promoter, Band Strike Deal To Avert ACLU Lawsuit

A tentative deal struck between representatives of Cuban dance band Los Van Van, the American Civil Liberties Union, and management at a city-owned Miami concert venue will allow the band to play in Miami on Oct. 11. The concert was originally set for another date, but was canceled under pressure from city officials and anti-Castro activists.

Under the agreement, Los Van Van's representatives have until Wednesday (9/22) to provide proof that the band isn't making a profit by performing, according to the Miami Herald. Under the current U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, Cuban bands are allowed to perform in the U.S. because of cultural exchange exemptions, but may only receive a per-diem and may not profit.

Globe Facility Management, which runs the James L. Knight Center, canceled a Los Van Van concert set for Oct. 9 after receiving a memo from a city attorney stating the band has not proven compliance with a U.S. trade embargo. A group that represents veterans of the Bay of Pigs invasion has since rented the building for Oct. 9, and plans to show an anti-Castro movie.

Los Van Van's representatives reportedly were confident that the proper documentation could be obtained by the Wednesday deadline, and that the band would play on the rescheduled date. The venue previously gave the concert's promoter only one day to prove the tour was in compliance, a task she said wasn't possible in such a short time frame.

Los Van Van recently embarked on a two month North American tour. The band's representatives have said that no other city required the documentation requested by Miami officials.

In other news, the AP reported that two members of the Cuban band Sintesis went to a Miami congresswoman's office on Thursday (9/17) and said they wanted to defect. Guitarist Jorge Luis Almarales and drummer Eugenio Doria del Valle, who were touring the U.S. with the band, reportedly said they were seeking asylum because they felt stifled politically and professionally in Cuba.