Xiomara Laugart
 
Those who have entered Cuba through Jose Marti International Airport in Havana will know that upon arrival, they are greeted by beautiful video images of Old Havana on TV screens and the sultry voice of Xiomara Laugart singing “Hoy mi Habana”. And it is no coincidence because Xiomara Laugart is “The Voice of Cuba”. She has been representing her country and her people, performing at venues around the globe for over 30 years and with the greatest of international talents. She is a living legend in her native Cuba where she has recorded more than 15 albums. Born with a fusion of rhythms in her veins, she began her career at the age of 15. Soon thereafter, her voice categorized her as a true prodigy, gifting her with the remarkable flexibility to interpret musical genres from the traditional to contemporary Cuban music. From the moment she took the highest award in the “Adolfo Guzman” contest for Cuban music in 1980, she has become one of the most brilliant representatives of Cuban song.
 
Axel Tosca Laugart
 
Born on January 27, 1984, in Cuba, Alex Tosca Laugart is one of the most dynamic young pianists on the scene. At the age of seven, Laugart became interested in the piano. He was influenced by Miriam Valdez, sister of the famous Cuban virtuoso Chucho Valdez, and Rosa Maia Tolo. Laugart credits Tolo with helping mature his style and musicality. Laugart benefitted from a wide range of musical experiences growing up in Cuba. Amadito Valdez, the great timbalero with the Buena Vista Social Club, was a musical mentor and an important part of Laugart’s decision to come to the United States in July of 2005. His arrival came with the opportunity to perform with “Havana Night” in Las Vegas for two years. During that time, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic scouted discovered Laugart. They began rehearsing, and Laugart performed with the group in Washington, DC, on New Year’s Eve, 2007. The gig was at BB King’s, and is still one of the most memorable in the young pianist’s career.