A Tuba to Cuba (2018) Online

This is a must check for anyone interested in culture, music and history. I had the opportunity to see it at the NOFF and was completely blown away. Growing up in New Orleans I was not aware of the similar roots in music that Nola had to Cuba. Once the music starts the language barrier disappears, that's one of the themes of this beautiful doc. Check it out if you have the chance. I give it 1000 stars!!

A Tuba to Cuba has a double timeline. Covering the band's visit to Cuba to engage with their Cuban counterparts, the film also goes backward in time to tell the story of Preservation Hall's birth in the early 60s in a New Orleans that had little interest in the jazz legends that still lived there but had no place to play or make a living. It's an important story, not only about music but about race in America.

So, engaging with both past and present seems part and parcel in what the film records: the band's embracing a future that for the first time includes original music, music that in character is as traditional as the music that they are known for, deeply rooted in New Orleans syncopated rhythms and forms, but is also informed by Cuban rhythms and forms. They came back from their trips to Cuba and, to the surprise of many here in New Orleans, announced that they had learned something *new* about rhythm--not something masters of the New Orleans tradition would say lightly. The evidence of this learning experience is recorded in the film and in the albums which emerged from their visits to Cuba: So it Is! and That's It! Great film, great albums. Great windows into both New Orleans and Cuba and their considerable music achievements.

This is a beautiful film about the power of music and the shared humanity that exists between every citizen of the world. The story of the world famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band travel from New Orleans to Cuba, (which share a lot of musical and cultural history I learned), to travel across the island meeting Cuban musicians, performing concerts, and experiencing life-changing moments with those they encounter and the places they travel.

Staying away from a trite sermon on the social issues between the two countries or in Cuba itself; the filmmakers instead focus on the bonds that tie all us as people together, and show us some truly amazing music and real life moments along the way. One scene that stands out in particular (without giving anything away) is when an African-American musician has an amazing experience jamming and learning history with an African-Cuban musician, though the two don't speak the same language.

No matter what your feelings are on Jazz, Cuba, or music documentaries, this film will have an impact on you, and make you leave the theater feeling that anything is possible.

This film tells the beautiful story of the inter-connectedness of music, culture and humanity. Preservation Hall is a national treasure and today's Preservation Hall Jazz Band takes the best of the past and blends it with new flavor, making it all new again. Don't miss this film -- it's a feast for the eyes, ears and heart. Brilliant direction and cinematography. And I dare you to sit still while listening to that soundtrack!

If you liked the Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways" series on HBO a few years back, then you'll really enjoy "A Tuba To Cuba!" In the ways the Foo Fighters explored their sound and drew inspiration from their experiences in the cities they visited, A "Tuba to Cuba" is The Preservation Hall Jazz Band's version on steroids.

Beautifully shot in New Orleans and across Cuba, the film provides us a deeper understanding of how music really connects us all. It also gives you an appreciation for The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and their historical significance to the world of music.

The characters, sights, and sounds in "A Tuba to Cuba" make this documentary film and journey worth taking.

I am from Louisiana, half of my family is from New Orleans, and I am a music buff so I do know a lot of the history of New Orleans music. However, there seems to be no end to the depth of New Orleans music history as I keep learning more. This film proved that. If you have any interest at all in New Orleans, jazz music, international music, or all of the above, you will love this film. Even if you just have an interest in documentaries, I feel that this one is very powerful. It will keep you entertained with colorful, New Orleans and Cuban cultural visuals as it tells its story about family roots/history, the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and the bond of music.

The emotions of joy, loss, passion and culture interwoven with the language of music was beautiful to see in the theater.

Very rarely have I seen a film that moves me like this one. It gives you hope for humanity and focus on what connects us, Music! This doc is beautiful shot and edited with extreme craftsmanship! A beautiful love letter to New Orleans Jazz, I would see it on the big screen if you have the chance!

WHAT AN AMAZING FILM! I had the pleasure of watching A TUBA TO CUBA during its domestic premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival 2018. The energy in the packed Paramount Theater was electrifying and to say that this is a great documentary is an understatement. With all of the hatred and hasty political news that's been going on in our World today, A TUBA TO CUBA does a wonderful job putting the root of what humanity should be into perspective. This is a film about LOVE and UNITY. It's a film about how alike we are as a human race. To top it all off, after the movie was over, we experienced a second line parade with over 1400 people down 6th Street. I have never experienced anything like this in my life. I highly recommend you see this without hesitation when it comes to your town. The Director of the film quoted during a Q&A "We want to build bridges, not walls."

A Tuba for Cuba was extremely warmly-received in its world premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. It is well-made and charming music documentary about New Orleans's Preservation Hall Jazz Band's tour of Cuba. It is beautifully-edited with sweetness and joy. The most intriguing part of the film is the connection that film makers and the musicians are trying to draw between the New Orleans Jazz traditions and the Afro-Cuban traditions. Without directly addressing the political issues, they are trying to breakdown the walls that have separated American and Cuba for 2 generations. I'm not particularly a fan of music documentaries which I often find a bit slow and directionless. I think this one had some of the same flaws although it is better than most of the ones I've seen. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you love music documentaries and particularly if you love jazz, I would recommend it.

What treat... never been to either, but this was such a close up view of the people and the music. Definitely will watch again.

Tuba to Cuba is absolutely stunning footage to watch; you could take screen grabs, frame them and put on your wall. The imagery captures the heart and soul of these musicians and radiates to the head bobbing audience. The history of jazz having a link between two similar aged clubs in New Oreleans and Cuba will make your heart warm as we are all together here. Go see this movie!

This is my first review on IMDB & I have to say, this film is a beacon for the power of documentary film making. Through the history of jazz, this visual love letter reminds us of the interconnected life force behind one of humanity's most beloved gifts: music.

At a time when our world can feel so racially divided, it is a breath of fresh air to learn about the love and positivity that was cultivated at Preservation Hall in New Orleans. The faces, the colors, the sounds, the the culture, the mastery of craft. It's all there in gorgeous 4K detail as we follow the journey of jazz prophets who take a pilgrimage to their motherland. And just when I thought that it ended with Cuba, they discover something else.... and I've never been so emotionally shaken by a tiny rock!

Just go and see it. You'll be so glad you did.

I saw this doc in NY! This is more than just a music film. The filmmakers chose to set aside the antics of politicians and instead encourage us as viewers to look past our differences and try to celebrate and then build on what we have in common. Cuba and New Orleans have seen their fair share of hardships and injustices. Both are a resilient people who, when times get tough, always seem to turn to their music and culture.