Thus the members of Buena Vista Social Club became the first Cuban based musicians to perform in the White House. During the recital, organized by President Obama, the band played some of the most popular pieces from its repertory, such as “Chan Chan,” “Veinte años,” and “El cuarto de Tula,” according to reports by the accredited press in Washington.

One of the protagonists of the event was 84 year old Buena Vista diva Omara Portuondo, who on various occasions thanked the audience in English for their applause and invited the public to sing along to hits like “Quizás, quizás, quizás.” During the concert, organized in the context of activities to celebrate Spanish Heritage Month, Omara was accompanied by many of her compañeros such as singer and guitarist Eliades Ochoa; lute player Barbarito To rres; trumpeter Manuel “El Guajiro” Mi rabal and trombonist Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos.

Buena Vista arrived at the White House during its Adiós (Farewell) World tour, which will see them bid farewell to the stage for the last time, but as we have learned over the years, you never know with Buena Vista.

(Granma)