Jazz musician Bobby Carcassés and other performers started the Havana International Jazz Festival in the late 1970's. What began as a small, local event at Casa de la Cultura de Plaza has grown into one of the most popular jazz events in the world, with performances at several large theaters and nightclubs throughout the city.
The festival features jazz bands and soloists from more than 50 countries. Notable past performers include festival president Chucho Valdés, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Steve Coleman, Michel Legrand, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Armando Romeu and Charlie Haden.
The Havana Jazz Festival, sponsored by the Cuban Institute of Music (ICM), also boasts exhibits, a colloquium, lectures, conferences and workshops.