On September 23, First Avenue/7th Street Entry nightclub in
Minneapolis will be the venue for a star-studded musical and dance
benefit for Cuban hurricane relief.

In the past weeks, Cuba has suffered tremendous damage from Hurricanes
Gustav and Ike. Close to one million people were evacuated and more
than 300,000 houses and other structures have been destroyed or
damaged, and the United Nations estimates losses of between $3 and $4
billion. The U.S. government's offer of $100,000 in aid to Cuba is
cruel and insulting; because of the U.S. embargo, ordinary
humanitarian relief is not available to Cuba. However, some
humanitarian organizations are finding ways of filling the gap. Here
in the Twin Cities, a number of well-known artists are contributing
their talents to help raise money for hurricane relief.

The line-up includes:

*The Tropical Zone Orchestra*
*Wayne McFarlane and Jahz*
*Charanga Tropical*, "Salsa Meets Strings," featuring Viiviana Pintado,Cuban-born pianist
*"La Niña" Rivera*, Twin Cities own Cuban diva
*Maria Isa*, bomba/hip hop/R&B fusion recording artist
*Rene Thompson and his Cuban dance group
Social Dance Studio* - Cuban dance and performance studio to get you on your feet

Cuban food will be available for sale, provided by Victor, Cuban chef
extraordinaire, who is coming out of "exile" and back into the
kitchen.

For those who wish to make a larger, tax-deductible, donation for
Cuban hurricane relief, the first person to make a contribution in the
categories listed below will also receive a special gift including
original paintings by well-known artist Lydia Aguilar Sanchez or
Sandra Dooley or a catered dinner in your home by Victor.

category 1: $200 or more - small painting
category 2: $400 or more - large painting
category 3: $600 or more - dinner for 6
category 4: $800 or more - 2 large paintings
category: $1,000 or more - dinner for 10

The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Cuba Committee,
http://groups.msn.com/minnesotacubacommittee