Promoter Sues Miami Over Bill For Cuban Band's Concert

update: The promoter of a 1999 Miami concert by the popular Cuban dance band Los Van Van has filed a civil rights suit alleging that the city and Miami-Dade County officials infringed on her free speech by billing her for extra security at the show. The band's October appearance at Miami Arena sparked a heated battle between a large faction of anti-Castro protestors in the city and those who supported the band's freedom of expression.

Promoter Debbie Ohanian, with aid from the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a suit in a U.S. District Court this week seeking the return of $39,000 in security fees the city and county charged her. The ACLU plans to file a suit against Miami-Dade County next week in an attempt to overturn a local law that prohibits the county from doing business with Cuba or with any group that does business with Cuba, according to local press reports.

The current U.S. trade embargo against Cuba allows Cuban bands to perform in the U.S. because of cultural exchange exemptions, but band members may only receive a per-diem and may not profit. Ohanian secured papers before the concert that proved that the band was not profiting from its appearance.

Under pressure from city and county officials and anti-Castro activists, the James L. Knight Center in Miami pulled a concert by Los Van Van from its schedule last October. The show eventually took place at the Miami Arena, where the management of the quasi-public facility said they had no legal grounds to reject the show.