The renowned Cuban saxophonist and clarinetist, Paquito D'Rivera, expressed his outrage in an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba. He criticized the American jazz club, Blues Alley, for organizing a series of concerts featuring Cuban musicians sponsored by the Cuban Embassy in the United States, labeling the situation as a "bad joke" and "utterly inexplicable."
This incident unfolded at Blues Alley, the historic jazz venue located in Georgetown, Washington D.C. During Hispanic Heritage Month in October 2026, the club scheduled a series of Cuban jazz performances in collaboration with the diplomatic representatives of the Cuban regime on U.S. soil.
Artists Unaware of Embassy Sponsorship
D'Rivera recounted that upon seeing the advertisement for the event, he alerted singer Daymé Arocena, who was set to perform alongside Cuban trumpeter Kalí Rodríguez-Peña. "Daymé, how can you perform at an event sponsored by the Cuban Embassy? It seems like a bad joke," he reportedly said during the interview.
Arocena responded by stating she was completely unaware of the connection. "I had no idea this was happening. I've performed there several times and would never have returned if I knew it was under the embassy's sponsorship." Rodríguez-Peña echoed similar sentiments to D'Rivera, confirming he was also unaware of the embassy's involvement.
Concert Cancellation and Aftermath
Following the artists' complaints, Blues Alley canceled the performance—scheduled for October 13, with two shows—just a day prior, without offering any public explanation. Arocena revealed in a live video that the cancellation aimed to "preserve the club's relations" with the Cuban Embassy, which she described as "the foremost representative of the Cuban dictatorship."
D'Rivera praised Arocena for her principled stance as the only artist to take a stand. "The only one who protested and said no... was honorably Daymé Arocena," he stated. He lamented that other Cuban musicians—whom he chose not to name—continue to participate in embassy-sponsored events without questioning it. "It's a real mess... This is absolutely inexplicable," he commented.
The musician also disclosed his decision not to perform at the club again. "I've played there several times in the past, but I don't see a future there," he remarked.
D'Rivera's Tribute to Arocena's Bold Statement
Regarding Arocena's public denunciation, D'Rivera was full of praise: "It could be said louder but not clearer. Daymé is very articulate, with that swing she has. She reminds me of Celia Cruz."
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between Cuban artists in exile and the regime's representation in the United States. Neither Blues Alley nor the Cuban Embassy had issued public statements about the cancellation days after the episode, as reported by Diario Las Américas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Artists and Embassy Sponsorship
Why did Daymé Arocena refuse to perform at Blues Alley?
Daymé Arocena refused to perform because she was unaware the event was sponsored by the Cuban Embassy, and she did not want to be associated with the regime.
What was Paquito D'Rivera's reaction to the sponsorship?
Paquito D'Rivera criticized the sponsorship, calling it a "bad joke" and expressing his disbelief over the situation. He was particularly pleased with Daymé Arocena’s decision to not participate.
What was the outcome of the artists' complaints?
As a result of the complaints, Blues Alley canceled the concert a day before it was scheduled, without providing a public reason.