'Love is the way': Visiting musician hopes for U.S.-Cuba breakthrough

As a multicultural fair opens in St. John's, one visiting performer says events like this are a way of spreading love in a conflicted world.

Adonis Puentes is a Cuban-Canadian musician performing at the Tombolo Multicultural Festival in St. John's. He said that as Cuban-American relations begin to thaw, he's optimistic about the future.

"It's about time that both countries get together and work out their difference," he said.

"Hate doesn't take us anywhere; love is the way. And that's what we do. I'm here spreading the message of love and hopefully these conversations really help the future of the Cuban people."

The Tombolo Multicultural Festival runs from Friday through Sunday at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John's. It features workshops, concerts and an international food and craft fair.

Puentes performs with his seven-piece Voice of Cuba Orchestra on Friday. His latest album was nominated for World Music Album of the Year at last year's Juno Awards and he has also been nominated for a Grammy.

Puentes says that Cuba's island setting contributes to its strong musical culture.

"Music is part of our life in Cuba. We breathe music. It's very important we take it very seriously," he said.

Puentes performs next in Halifax, before playing at the Pan American games later this summer.