by Alan Hoskins
Time is running out on community members wishing to join the Kansas City Kansas Community College Jazz Band at the 2014 Havana Jazzfest in Havana, Cuba.
A final organizational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at the Conference Center adjacent to the Campus Lake on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Ave.
The final day to be a part of the entourage accompanying the Jazz Band is Friday, Aug. 1. Any persons signing up after Aug. 1 will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements.
Because of restrictions flying to and from Cuba, the KCKCC band will be flying through Dallas to Cancun, Mexico, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, where it will connect with a Cancun to Havana flight arriving in Havana at 5:25 p.m.
The return trip will depart Havana Monday, Dec. 22, and include a night’s stopover in Cancun before returning to Kansas City Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Air space is limited so any persons wishing to make the trip should plan on attending the final organizational meeting July 29 or contact Tour Coordinator Bill Yeazel at [email protected] or 816-665-0296.
A complete itinerary is available online at www.kansascityjazz.org and selecting the Havana Jazzfest link. Offered through Authentic Cuba Travel, a $300 deposit (non-refundable) is required to confirm space.
The price for the land tour in Cuba is $1,769 and includes hotel (double occupancy), some meals, daily activities with tour guides, buses, tours and an all-access pass to the Havana International Jazz Festival. However, it does not cover air fares, licensing fees and a $20 Cuba Tourist Visa. Also, all participants must have U.S. passports.
Persons wishing to make reservations may call Authentic Cuba Travel at toll free 1-877-280-2054, or send a $300 deposit check (per person) to Authentic Cuba Travel, 108 Earl Place, Toronto, Canada, M4Y 3B9 Canada.
