© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'Poet of Havana' uses music to address pain of politics

Season 2025 Episode 37 | 9m 01s

As Cuba stands to become even more isolated, many Cubans continue to leave and those who stay remain cut off from family in the United States. Carlos Varela, a singer known as “The Poet of Havana,” has been addressing the pain politics causes. Jeffrey Brown reports from Havana for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Pregnant migrant girls held at Texas center criticized for inadequate care
News Wrap: Federal judge blocks subpoenas in DOJ's Powell probe
Brooks and Capehart on Trump's mixed signals on the Iran war
More Marines heading to Middle East as U.S. continues relentless strikes on Iran
Israelis near Lebanon border try to maintain normal life despite Hezbollah threat
Michigan synagogue attack highlights rise in antisemitic violence
March 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Remembering neon artist and glass-bending master Wil Kirkman
News Wrap: Senate votes down measure to reopen Department of Homeland Security
Iran’s new supreme leader vows continued retaliation across Gulf and oil routes