February 2012
8 posts
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On The Road In Cuba with Solidarity Rock (Pt 2) →
Canadian photography, Sandy Phimester provides a fascinating portrait of life on the back of the bus in Cuba touring with Canadian punk rock band, Kids on Fire and Cuban punk rock band Arrabioas part of Solidarity Rock’s effort to spread the love in rock & roll Cuban style.
The tour bus, on the streets of Santa Clara, a beautiful city.
Going back to Cuba for a third time in less than a...
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On The Road In Cuba with Solidarity Rock →
Sandy Phimester wrote an awesome article which is being run in on a Cuba Tourism site called Cuba Absolutely. Check it out!
Canadian photography, Sandy Phimester provides a fascinating portrait of life on the back of the bus in Cuba touring with Canadian punk rock band, Kids on Fire and Cuban punk rock band Arrabioas part of Solidarity Rock’s effort to spread the love in rock & roll...
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Sandy Phimester's Vicious Cycles photoset! →
Sandy Phimester is a seriously talented photographer. He has accompanied Solidarity Rock on the last three tours in Cuba, and each time he blows everyone away with his work. Check out his latest series from the Vicious Cycles’ January 2012 Solidarity Rock tour! Unreal.
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Arrabio on Stage. January 2012 Cuba.
Photos by Sam
WatchUltima canción de la gira de The Viciuos Cycles / Last song of the VC tour. Varadero. Cuba. January 2012 Video filmado por Irina
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January 2012
12 posts
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Images from The VC in Cuba.
Photos by Samuel Reina Calvo
Free Time Photos
Imagenes de Solidaridad/Solidarity images
Samuel Reina Calvo (Sancti Spíritus. Cuba)
Pocas palabras, solamente agradecer a Solidarity Rock por darme la oportunidad. Drew, William, Sandy, las bandas que han venido a Cuba, los amigos que han estado siempre.
Few Words, just to thank Solidarity Rock for the oportunity, Drew, Sandy William, the bands that had toured Cuba, the friends that always had been here.
[Drew McIntosh. Santa Clara,...
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This is what Solidarity Rock is, and why it's...
William Garcia - Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
(Photo by Aaron Bocanegra)
I went to the Canary Islands in Spain in October 2006. I was there for three months doing what I could do best working since my second day there till the day right before coming back to Cuba, 14 February 2007. Being there I realized that I wanted to be back home and do music. That is what I do best and what I like the most, do...
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Banda canadiense Vicious Cycles. Un viernes 13... →
Here is a write up from the AHS’s national page about the Vicious Cycles show that didn’t end up making it past two bands, because the power blew. They tried to re-route some juice from the street lights, but it was clear that it wasn’t going to happen. Either way, interesting words from the AHS site.
Banda canadiense Vicious Cycles.
Un viernes 13 con punk-rock en La ...
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Vicious Cycles Solidarity Rock tour in Cuba was...
William Garcia - Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
In my mind I still gat the Vicious Cycles songs, all the good times we had together in this tour, all the good friends we met on this tour. Lots of pics to show and lots of things to write. In the meanwhile I would like to thank all the people who help this tour happened, all the bands and all the people who went to the SR shows in the different cities,...
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Vicious Cycles posted a couple of photos from the... →
We Love You Cuba
The tour was Epic! The people amazing! The shows were all awesome! Still trying to get our heads around the whole thing… here are a few pics to start!
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Cuba Metal is hyping the Vicious Cycles Solidarity... →
Cuba Metal is your portal to all things Cuban and Metal. Seriously, if you ever wondered what a Cuban death metal band might look or sound like, you should check it out. Metal is pretty big in Cuba, and this site is an amazing catalouge of heavy music on the island. From orchestral death metal to straight up punk rock, you can find it all here.
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Akupunktura's Solidarity Rock Victory!
Our friend Ernesto in Cienfuegos’ Akpunktura wrote a few words regarding the help we were able to provide him. Ernesto is the OG Cuban punk rock bassist. He was the first bassist in Eskoria, the seminal Cuban punk rock band that carried the torch alone through the darkness of the 90’s and Cuba’s special period. The discussion he talks about happened on our last journey to Cuba...
December 2011
7 posts
6 tags
Skinny Tim of the VCMC writes about the upcoming... →
Vicious Cycles Cuba Tour - Pre Trip
Cuban invasion, Vancouver’s own rowdy bunch on wheels the Vicious Cycles prepare for Cuba tour. This tour will be the 5th ever rock n roll tour in Cuba, hosted by Solidarity Rock.
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Sweet blog post I just found about the Kids on... →
Entre acordes de Rock Solidario (+ Fotos)
marzo 27, 2011 a las 11:52 AM | Escrito en Solo de noche | 2 comentarios Etiquetas: Canada, Concierto, Cuba, Musica, Rock, Solidarity Rock
La banda canadiense Kids on Fire estremeció la Casa de la Cultura espirituana.
Pasada las 9 de la noche, el parque Serafín Sánchez se perdía entre las vestimentas negras de los fanáticos al Rock. Como parte de su...
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Vancouver band Vicious Cycles ready to rock Cuba ... →
The Vicious Cycles ‘Solidarity Rock’ Cuban Tour Kick-off
With Rich Hope and his Evil Doers, AK-747s
Friday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m.
The Media Club, 695 Cambie
Tickets: $10 at the door
VANCOUVER — It’s almost a rock ’n’ roll Buena Vista Social Club.
In January, Vancouver rock ’n’ rollers The Vicious Cycles will embark on a tour of Cuba, performing alongside underground Cuban punk act...
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Vicious Cycles connect with Cuban brethern on... →
The Vicious Cycles (pictured) head to a seven-date/10 day-long Cuban tour with metallists Arrabio.
Photograph by: Photo Submitted, The Province
Similar to the former Soviet Union, post-revolution Cuba was not rocking and rolling. The global teenage bourgeousie’s music of choice failed both class and colonialism taste standards decreed by commie culturecrats. If you wanted to mosh not...
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Hang Loose in Cuba - a collection by Sandy... →
Our man Sandy Phimester is one seriously talented photographer and a great guy all around. He’s coming to take photos again on the upcoming Vicious Cycles tour, which makes it his third(!) journey to Cuba with us in the last year. Here is his series of photos from the Hang Loose trip, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can create next. Follow the link for the massive photo...
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One Night, Three Cities, No Doubt
Solidarity Rock is making some great strides across Western Canada in our lead up to the 5th ever rock n roll tour in Cuba. Our pals, Vancouver’s Vicious Cycles are currently revving their engines getting ready for the ride of their lives.
Last weekend, there was a show at the Palomino room in Calgary where The Mandates collected some donated strings and other pieces pieces and donated...
November 2011
7 posts
4 tags
Rock and roll can’t never die.
William Garcia - Sancti Spiritus, Cuba Solidarity Rock keeps bringing more opportunities for Cuban rock musicians and artists in general. What could be better than to have the chance to put a smile in the face of kids? Helping the Cuban new rock generations. Rock and roll can’t never die.
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2012 comenzara con una gira de Solidarity Rock y...
Solidarity Rock no deja ni un segundo a la tranquilidad así que ya preparan todo para la próxima gira en la isla de Cuba. Esta será la 5 visita en manera de gira de una banda de Canadá a la isla a través de los amigos del proyecto. La A.H.S organiza todo desde el territorio cubano, William Garcia prepara todo para que esta gira de la banda Vicious Cycles sea un éxito como lo han sido las demás...
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Solidarity Rock Article in Alternative (Art)...
At Fall Winter 11 Web
Sandy and I wrote this article in Alternative (Art) Trends Magazine. It’s a really slickly produced glossy art mag, and I suggest you check it out. They’re published in Edmonton, but have distribution around the world. We’re on page 12.
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NN/Frolicks/Hangloose
I’m currently working on this tumblr, and a page which will eventually replace it, as well as going through all the photos and videos I’ve shot in the past few years.
Just before we went to Cuba in August 2011 for the Hangloose tour, we had a tour kick off at the Wunderbar in Edmonton. These are some photos I took that night.
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Kids on Fire - Photos by Sandy Phimester →
One of the best parts of traveling and doing this kind of work is the opportunity to work with great people. One of those people is my buddy Sandy. He’s been with Solidarity Rock on our last two tours, documenting everything with photos. Check out his photography from the March 2011 Kids on Fire/ARRABIO Solidarity Rock tour in Cuba.
May 2011
1 post
To Cuba and back
Well, we’ve been back from Cuba for just about a week now, and things are starting to get back to normal. Kids on Fire made Winnipeg proud! The Solidarity Rock tour took us to Sancti Spiritus, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Havana and Matanzas. This tour was especially awesome because our friends and compatriots Arrabio, from Trinidad, Cuba were with us every step. Arrabio is the first...
March 2011
4 posts
4 tags
Solidarity Rock Vancouver Benefit, tonight!
Last weekend brought some pretty harsh weather, and we missed the Winnipeg benefit show. As expected, the Peg came through with a reported turn out of 120 people, and a nice donation haul of several guitars, basses, a drum kit, guitar amp, trumpet, bongos, and more. Next week, Kids on Fire and Arrabio will make rock n roll history with a groundbreaking Cuba tour. This is only the third ever rock...
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Release: SOLIDARITY ROCK BENEFIT BLOWN OFF COURSE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Drew McIntosh Solidarity Rock 780-902-9696 info@solidarityrock.com SolidarityRock.com
SOLIDARITY ROCK BENEFIT BLOWN OFF TRACK BY STORM
Brandon, Manitoba, 12/03/2010 – Solidarity Rock is an organization which partners Canadian and Cuban rock bands, fans and creative people through benefits, gear drives and tours. Solidarity Rock organizers, on their way to...
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Kids on Fire write up in Stylus Magazine →
Kids on Fire sat down with Stylus Magazine to talk about the Solidarity Rock project and their upcoming tour! Check it out.
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Winnipeg or Bust!
Well, it’s 10:30, and I’m about to load my van and head out to Winnipeg with my good friend Mark Hayes for a Solidarity Rock benefit. The truth is, I am looking forward to this weekend more than I can say.
The Winnipeg guys have been the most amazing people to work with. Winnipeg has a great DIY ethic and vibrant creative communities. They’re one of the most continuously...
February 2011
6 posts
4 tags
William talks about the gear drive
(Photo: Bryan Kulba)
WELCOME TO SANCTI SPIRITUS
A big billboard says when you are riding along the road: This is the city I live in, not a city where in the next corner you will find an instruments store; this is the city where the nearest instrument shop is 365 kilometers away. As unbelievable as it is, 365 kilometers away, in Havana city, the capital of all Cubans as a slogan says. Can you...
Release: CANADIAN MUSICIANS UNITE TO RAISE MONEY...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Drew McIntosh Solidarity Rock 780-902-9696 info@solidarityrock.com SolidarityRock.com
CANADIAN MUSICIANS UNITE TO RAISE MONEY AND EQUIPMENT FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN CUBA
Edmonton, AB, February 23, 2001 – Solidarity Rock, a non-profit society based in Edmonton, Ab, which partners Canadian and Cuban rock bands and fans is pleased to announce its upcoming benefit...
Solidarity Rock Valentine's Day SockHop!
Big thanks to everyone who came out to the Valentine’s Day SockHop. We raised some good cash, had a sweet raffle and I think everyone had a blast. One of the best things about Solidarity Rock is that every time we come together with the idea that we can do something great, we will. Yes, it’s about changing the world, but in a community basis. We are not only bringing support to bands...
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Valentine's Day Sockhop →
Friday night, we’re throwing an old fashioned Sock Hop to raise some money and have a good time to benefit our friends in Cuban rock bands. Starting at 8PM at the Rossdale Community hall, right beside Telus Field in Edmonton we’re going to be sending our love to Cuba. Come down and enjoy signature cocktails (The Jefe and the Pinko), beer by Steam Whistle, food my Michael Wilson-Scorgie...
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Kids on Fire write up in Up Town Magazine →
(click the title)
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MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT! KIDS ON FIRE TOUR!
Major announcements!
I’m very pleased to say we’ve been working diligently on the Solidarity Rock project. Over the past few months, we’ve managed to make good connections with musicians, promoters and fan, and will be hosting several Solidarity Rock benefits, tours and parties between now and the summer.
Amazing things are happening in Edmonton, as well as Winnipeg....
January 2011
1 post
6 tags
Solidarity Rock - The Story So Far Pt 4
OK, so, getting back to where we were. Everyone flew home, and began getting settled back into life. Four days after the tour ended, there was a show on the street in Santa Clara, in this outdoor area with big murals on the walls. Eskoria played their last show ever that night, and apparently it was the best ever. When the show was done, William Fabian got his gear together and was leaving. The...
December 2010
2 posts
6 tags
Solidarity Rock - The Story So Far Pt 3.
#CUBA #ROCKnROLL # MUSIC #PUNK #DIY #YEG #SR
(photo: Justin LaFontaine)
We had a Solidarity Rock show lined up on August 15 at the Palomino Room in Calgary. We got a posse together, and SLATES, Falklands and a bunch of Edmonton’s finest came down for the evening. Calgary band Jenny brought some Calgary folks. No one made plans for a place to sleep, so about 15 people crashed at my...
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Solidarity Rock - The Story So Far pt. 2
#Solidarityrock #Cuba #music #rocknroll
After returning home from Cuba in December 2008, I was working on releasing the two films I had made.
Now, in the winter of 2009, I was set to screen the two films. February 21, I screened Una Vez at the Stanley Milner Library Theatre in Edmonton. We had an after party which was a solidarity rock benefit at New City on Jasper ave. 7and7is and...
November 2010
13 posts
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Solidarity Rock - The Story So Far pt. 1
#CUBA #SOLIDARITYROCK #ROCKnROLL
(photo: Aaron Bocanegra)
For the past 3 years, we have been working with our friends in Cuban rock bands, helping them with equipment donations, friendship and moral support as they try to grow a self sustainable punk scene in the centre of the country. I personally have been more concerned about doing it than talking about it, and haven’t really written...
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November 13 Solidarity Rock show - Sancti Spiritus
Adictox, Al-Strike and Limalla Review by William Garcia
Adictox is a new punk band from Santa Clara. Two members of Eskoria are the root of this band and of course they play William Fabian songs as the hymns of Cuban punk. This was the first time for this band to play in Sancti Spíritus, the show was opened by Al-Strike and then everything was ready for Adictox to make their show.
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