Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell

Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell

HAVANA, Aug. 7th On December 4, 1969, Juan Formell created the great Cuban band, Los Van Van, with

such a strong legacy that it is still one of the most important Cuban popular music groups.

The first Formell Forever International Timba Festival, dedicated to the maestro who died on May 1, 2014, closed with a great concert and the placement of a plaque that marks the place where this “all-time legend of Cuban music” began.

Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell
The unveiling of the plaque where Juan Formell and Los Van Van gave their first concert in 1969. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez

The first Timba Festival, organized by his son and current director of Los Van Van, Samuel Formell, began on August 2, Formell’s birthday.

Formell’s immense contribution to Cuban popular music places him as an artist who changes the regular course of things and takes them to a higher level, never seen before.

Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell
Minister of Culture Alpidio González unveiled the plaque. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.

Formell’s family and friends were present. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.
Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell
Formell’s widow, Yaimara González Gastelúa and Lorenzo, Formell’s youngest son, participated in the tribute. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.
Plaque unveiled in Havana to remember Juan Formell
From left to right: Samuel Formell; Juan Carlos Formell, bassist of Los Van Van and Formell’s eldest son; José Luis Quintana “Changuito,” drummer and illustrious timba musician founder of Los Van Van; behind, the founding flutist of Los Van Van Orlando Canto and on the right trombonist Edmundo Pina “Mundele.” Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.
(Oncuba)
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