As the name suggests, the charity’s mission is to replace the ancient American and Russian instruments that most Cuban musicians have to make do with.
“We’ve sent 237 used upright and grand pianos and tons of related supplies, donated from across the USA,” says a spokesperson. “The instruments are distributed to the wonderful broken-down music schools that dot the island. Occasionally they’re awarded to individual students.”
This has been achieved despite objections from successive US governments who’ve accused them of breaking the Cuban trade embargo. On one occasion, they had to promise that the pianos wouldn’t be used for “torture or human rights abuse”, which is a bit rich given the Metallica and Christina Aguilera albums that Guantanamo Bay have been forced to listen to at ear-splitting volume.
Joining forces the Vicar St. show are Barry Douglas, Joanna McGregor, Micheal O Suilleabhain, Mel Mercier, The Vladamir Karell/Conor Guilfoyle Quartet, Cubanós and MC John Kelly.