© 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
Dermatologist explains benefits of newly approved sunscreen ingredient
Amy Walter and Jasmine Wright on the Iran war's lasting impact on midterm politics
How Israelis are responding to Trump's Iran peace plan
U.S.-Iran deal a 'strategic defeat' for Israel, Middle East expert says
Trump hails Iran deal as G7 summit begins in Europe
News Wrap: Newsom says Trump ordering DOJ to investigate him and wife
Monica McNutt reflects on the decades-long wait for a Knicks championship
New book explores America's history of celebrating freedom while excluding millions
June 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
June 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode