Missing from the Grammys...

OK, there were a number of things missing. There was a missing Janet (and her "boobaroon"), a missing (functional) microphone for Celine Dion, and a missing spark. Nobody wanted to take risks.

However, the most disturbing MIAs were a number of musicians from Cuba. Instead, musician/producer Ry Cooder was the only one there to accept their awards.

I was introduced to Ry Cooder in the summer of 1999. Working in a video store, I finally got a chance to see Wim Wenders' amazing documentary, Buena Vista Social Club. In fact, I enjoyed so much that it was my favored movie for in-store play in the morning.

The movie follows Ry and Wim as they attempt to discover the artists of Cuba and their music, which has been missing from the world ever since Castro took over. If you haven't seen the film, it's easily worth (at least) a rental. In addition, Ry Cooder and the musicians of the Buena Vista Social Club worked together for a live performance in the States, as well as an amazing album.

Of course, that was before 9/11... and before the current administration's terror-inspired restrictions. Add to the fact that Cuba is the "big bad enemy" in this hemisphere, and it's a good thing that Buena Vista Social Club was made before the reign of W.

This brings us back last week's Grammy awards. Ry Cooder won the award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Mambo Sinuendo, a collaboration with Cuban musician Manuel Galban. Mr. Galban could not be present to accept the award, because he was denied a visa.

Isolated case? Nope. Also missing was the winner of Best Traditional Tropical Album, Ibrahim Ferrer. Anyone who's seen Buena Vista Social Club will remember Ferrer, an energetic singer whose voice filled Carnegie Hall like few others can. However, despite the fact that he's performed in Amsterdam and New York, Ferrer's visa application was rejected.

But the Terrorists Will Get You! travel guidelines aren't only denying artists their moment of praise. They're also making future collaborations difficult. Speaking about possible future Cuban collaborations, Cooder is quoted as saying, "It's been made pretty clear to me I'm not supposed to consider going down there anymore."

Excellent. It's a good thing that our government is protecting us from a tiny island nation that is no threat to us. It's always good to stifle art for the sake of... what? Not national security. C'mon. It's Cuba. Ohhhh... right, the severe trade embargoes... those old Cuban musicians might slip in some contraband.

Whatever. We can have a military prison in their country, but we can't allow them here to accept a Grammy. What the hell is happening?

Sources: PBS Online, The New York Times (2/9/04, pg. B5), and the wonderful film (and album) Buena Vista Social Club.