Dayramir González Performs Phenomenal Concert to Support Medical Aid for Cuba

LA US Hands Off Cuba fundraising effort for medical aid sells out at Alvas Showroom.

“Jazz concert for Cuba,” in August, brought an afternoon of remarkable entertainment —and fundraising — to Alvas Showroom, featuring internationally acclaimed Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Dayramir González and Afro-Cuban music and dance Company, Omo Aché.

Dayramir is a three-time Cubadisco award-winner (Cuba’s Grammys) and the first Cuban national to receive Berklee College of Music’s “Presidential Scholarship” and the 2013 Wayne Shorter Award for most outstanding jazz composer. In 2012, he was a headliner in Carnegie Hall’s Voices of Latin America Series, invited by Chucho Valdes to represent the young generation of Cuban jazz pianists. 

As Cuba’s economy continues to suffer due to the unjust U.S. blockade and sanctions, these actions have had a devastating effect on Cuba’s ability to get medical supplies for its people. All proceeds from this fundraising concert were directed to medical aid for Cuba in collaboration with Global Health Partners.

Omo Aché opened, with a dance from the Bantu tradition from Africa. A member of Omo Aché told the story of how some of the Congo people, who were captured as slaves, ran away from plantations and made a life in the woods. The powerful dance that commenced was that of warriors, with the message, “You are not my enemy. We have the same enemy and we have strength in solidarity.” 

The second dance, rumba Columbia, is usually performed by a male as a show of prowess. Omo Aché’s dancer treated the audience to a spectacular version of rumba Columbia with grace, astonishing isolation and prowess, indeed. In a repeated sequence he moved his shoulders forward and back so fast, so fluidly, akin to pop locking but way faster — fast like an animal’s shake off. Through his flair, you might’ve expected to see majestic wings rise up from this dancer’s back like flicking open a fan with an elegant gesture of hand. 

After these exuberant performances Dayramir’s entrance quenched the audience’s anticipation of his extraordinary playing. For a few refreshing moments before he began, concert goer’s got to hear from the composer, arranger and producer. He discussed his early life and how his parents created an environment to be able to practice his craft. Dayramir noted that he had a personal desire to succeed in music because he saw his friends doing “bad things.” He credited the stellar Cuban system that he grew up in (he started touring at about 14-years-old) for his success. 

Dayramir said to create a career in the U.S. you need resources. In Cuba, he noted he did not need money; he had opportunities there, to study as famous people here, in the U.S. have.

“Everyone has their own Cuba,” said Dayramir. “In my experience, it was one of opportunity and I can build on the education I got in Cuba.”

Then he told a personal story. Sadly, his younger brother died at 22 years-old of cancer. Dayramir revealed he could not get the medicine he needed because of the U.S embargo against Cuba. 

“Don’t let anyone tell you about Cuba,” Dayramir said. “You can go see with your own eyes. I want my child to have a similar education as I did in Cuba.”

With that, the composer introduced his first number, Guantanamera, a favorite with a long history. Guantanamera (the woman from Guantánamo) is a Cuban song of national pride, which features a poem by poet José Martí for its lyrics. Writing credit goes to Joseíto Fernández, who first popularized the song via radio in 1929. Notably, the song has been covered or interpolated by Pete Seeger, Celia Cruz, Wyclef Jean (feat. Lauren Hill), Jose Feliciano and many others. Dayramir’s version, strikingly soulful, mesmerized. It brought a symphony of mood, expression, power and peace all through his hands. His musical transitions evoked an epic journey within this one approximately eight-minute song. 

For four more numbers, plus encore, the remainder of Dayramir’s concert was as far ranging, complex and beautiful as his first number. He interspersed numbers with surprising, playful chords. Several times, you could hear him play different rhythmic patterns synchronously, with each hand fluently. At one point, Dayramir’s piano adopted the tonal serenity of a French horn. 

All together the event presented virtuosic performances, straight from Cuba, a country rich in artistic measure and edification. A country that shares freely its creative and humanitarian abundance with the world. 

In fact, Dayramir directs his altruistic efforts to the next musical generation. The artist provides educational outreach, through his website, covering topics from music theory and performance to personal and career development. Performing for this fundraiser falls in line with Dayramir’s philosophy and vision to give back; he explains on his site, he is passionate about making quality music education accessible to young people. He is also co-founder of the Art School of Contemporary Performance and Creativity, which provides comprehensive music education to New York City elementary school students.

Indeed, the artist is building on the education he received in Cuba, and paying it forward.

“I’m proud to be here supporting this cause,” Dayramir said as he began to play.

If you would like to make a donation for medical aid for Cuba, go to: https://ghpartners.org 

(Global Health Partners., 39 Broadway, Ste 1540, New York, NY 10003)

And to help raise money contact: UShandsoffcubacommittee.com

Details: dayramirgonzalez.com and www.youtube.com/@DayramirGonzalezOfficial