MIAMI, United States. – Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernández celebrated this Friday the cancellation of the Los Van Van concert scheduled for May 19 at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
“For decades, Los Van Van have used their musical talents to promote Cuban tyranny and its violation of basic human rights,” wrote Fernandez on his Twitter account. Unfortunately, ticket sales [de su concierto en el Miami Beach Bandshell] it would redirect dollars out of our economy to help sustain the violation of human rights and individual liberties within Cuba,” he added.
The official also thanked “on behalf of the numerous victims of the repressive Cuban regime” the Rhythm Foundation for heeding his call, “listening with empathy and canceling this offensive concert at the Miami Beach Bandshell.”
Last week, Los Van Van announced in social networks the cancellation of his concert supposedly due to “logistics” issues.
“We regret to inform you that the May 19, 2023 show at the Miami Beach Bandshell is cancelled. Our fans are advised that it is logistically impossible for Los Van Van Orchestra to arrive on time to perform at the Miami Beach Bandshell due to commitments and flight mix in other countries.”
The Los Van Van concert in Miami Beach had been harshly criticized by sectors of Cuban exile, who threatened to hold a protest in front of the Miami Beach Bandshell, something that already happened last year during a presentation of the group in Pembroke Pines.
A large part of the Cuban exiles consider Los Van Van “a music band that historically supported and collaborated with the Cuban dictatorship” and that “has been unconditional to the Communist Party of Cuba.” This was stated in 2022 by the group Actions 4 Freedom, which has launched petitions on the Change.org platform asking for the suspension of their concerts in the United States.
Despite the cancellation in Miami Beach, Los Van Van recently confirmed their presence at the San Francisco Carnival, which will take place from May 27 to 28 in that California city.
