CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR LARGER VERSIONS!
MC's of the Evening, Tamara, Jo and Estéban
Jane Ivanova and Kira Koshelanyk talk about their experience travelling with the Che Guevara Work Brigade to Cuba in 2006
Jane Ivanova and Kira Koshelanyk talk about their experience travelling with the Che Guevara Work Brigade to Cuba in 2006
Noah Fine, Coordinator of the Free the Cuban 5 Committee Vancouver
Liz Kendler of America Latina al Dia
John Waller, Coordiantor of Pastors For Peace Caravan to Cuba
Jo and Esteban
Thomas Davies and Esteban Gonzalez
Randy Carravagio of Victoria Goods for Cuba
The beautiful music of Joaquin Ernesto - the host of Coop Radio's Romantic Tango program
The melodic Latin guitar music of Beto and Nicanor
Our favorite Dj: Su Commandante!
Sarah greets party goers with info on Cuba
The evening began with the film Bloqueo, an interesting film about the 2001 Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba and the effects of the US blockade against Cuba. Next, MCs Tamara Hansen, and Estéban Gonzalez welcomed everyone. Tamara told a story about the victory of the rebel fighters in Cuba in 1959, getting the crowd in the mood for an evening of revolutionary celebration.
One of the goals of the evening was to raise funds to help at least 15 people from Vancouver to volunteer in Cuba next summer with the Che Guevera Volunteer Work Brigade and the Pastors for Peace Caravan. The first speakers, Kira Koshelanyk and Jane Ivanova spoke about their experiences in Cuba on the Che Brigades, encouraging everyone to come next summer!
Following Kira and Jane, Colleen Glynn, President of the Richmond NDP and VCSC organizer, spoke about the gains of the Cuban revolution, and how we must continue to defend them. John Waller, coordinator of the Pastors for Peace Caravan spoke next, about the US blockade of Cuba. Noah Fine, the coordinator of the Free the Cuban Five Committee Vancouver, followed John, giving a dynamic explanation of the case of the five Cuban Heroes, and how their fight for freedom is a continuation of the fight of Cuban revolutionaries of 48 years ago.
After Noah spoke, the crowd enjoyed the melodic Latin guitar music of Beto and Nicanor. This was followed by Randy Caravaggio, who brought a solidarity greeting from Victoria Goods for Cuba. MC Estéban Gonzalez was joined by VCSC organizer Thomas Davies on stage, they introduced a new idea to the night, which was the positive changes happening in Latin America today and how Cuba is leading the way for countries like Venezuela, Bolivia and others. Next up, Liz Kendler brought warm solidarity greetings from the Coop radio’s ‘America Latina al Dia’. From there, the room was swept away by the beautiful music of Joaquin Ernesto, who organizes Coop radio’s ‘Romantic Tango’.
Getting everyone on their feet and turning up to volume, DJ Su Commandante started to spin records and favourite dance hits. He kept everyone dancing until midnight, when a shower of balloons, a sea of waving Cuban flags and cheers of “Viva Cuba!” images of the revolutionary forces entering Havana played and the spirit of the Cuban revolution filled the room!
Dancing, chatting and eating delicious food until the early hours of the morning, every one who attended agreed- we can’t wait for next year!
12MIDNIGHT - The Balloons Fall, while footage of the triumph of the revolution is played on a film screen!
Banner of Fidel, which was won in a raffle later that night
Lots of delicious food!
MC Tamara Hansen, Tech Wiz Alison Bodine, and DJ Su Commandante hard at work!
Master Chef of the evening, Shakeel Lochan
Both young and old enjoyed the night together
Mike Chimenti serves food to the hungry crowd
Shannon Bundock discusses Cuba with a participant
Nicole Burton passes the guestbook to be signed
Noah Fine and Tamara Hansen greet guests
ITS MIDNIGHT!
Event coordinator Sophie Ziner chats with Vicotria Goods for Cuba organizer, Judy
Nita and Kim draw names for the Raffle!
One lucky winner...