Calle 13 to Perform in Havana

Taking a cue from Juanes, who last September organized and headlined what was billed as the "Peace without Borders Concert" in Havana, the Puerto Rican urban music duo Calle 13 has announced that they too will be giving a free concert in the Cuban capital backed by their entire band.

On March 23 Calle 13 will perform at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist bandstand, located along the famed seawall El Malecón. According to Calle 13 members Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. 'Visitor,' and René Pérez, best known by his artistic moniker 'Residente,' they had been trying for two years to perform on the island but were twice hindered by politics and visa denials. The announcement appeared on Residente's website, where he stated that, "Were going for the people because I want them to listen to me and I want to listen to them."

While in Havana, Calle 13, the winner of two Grammy Awards and ten Latin Grammys, will be awarded with the 2010 International Cubadisco Award, which is given out by the Cuban Institute of Music; it's the country's highest musical distinction. Two days after their presentation the controversial duo will give a concert in Miami.