Recorded April 16, 2004
Below is the original description of the event.
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1989, Cuba lost its main source of economic support and the capacity to maintain its centralized system of basic social services. As a result, neighborhood welfare projects began to emerge, built on the collaboration of decentralized state urban development institutions with community self-help groups. Projects designed to confront growing problems have benefited from the participation of Afro-Cuban religious leaders, who are respected figures at the neighborhood level.
This talk considers the spiritual basis for this respect, looking in particular at the fortification of community relationships through sacred ceremonial music.
Adrian H. Hearn is an associate lecturer in applied anthropology at La Trobe University, Melbourne, and a professional percussionist. His research in Senegal and Cuba has focused on the capacity of urban community-based organizations rooted in religious, musical and medicinal traditions to deliver social welfare services.
Michael Spiro is an internationally recognized percussionist, recording artist and educator, who specializes in Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musical forms.