Paz Sin Fronteras

Despite controversy surrounding musician Juanes’ intention to perform in Havana, he will apparently go forward with the concert, which he is calling “Paz Sin Fronteras” (Peace Without Borders). Critics call the move ignorant, cynical, and naive. Some who oppose the show have even sent the singer death threats.

But what is the harm in a concert? The New York Philharmonic will play in Cuba this year, not as a show of support for the regime, but as a means for connecting two estranged populations (and perhaps achieving “paz” between them) through cultural exchange.

Juanes’ first Peace Without Borders concert took place in March 2008. That show drew tens of thousands to the border between Venezuela and Colombia when tensions were high over a Colombian commando raid into neighboring Ecuador that killed a leading rebel commander.

This show will take place in the Plaza de la Revolucion in Havana, with performances from such musicians as Danny Rivera and Olga Tanon from Puerto Rico, Miguel Bose from Spain, and Silvio Rodriguez, Amauri Perez, and La Orquesta Los Van Van from Cuba (among others), for a four hour concert event. It will be transmitted live by the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) at 2 PM ET on Sunday, September 20 on several networks across the country.

Check here to see if you will be able to watch the live show in your city.