Cuban band back in Miami after violent '99 protest

(AP) — Cuban salsa stars Los Van Van drew hundreds of protesters and thousands of fans to their first concert in Miami since protests of a 1999 show turned violent.

The Miami Herald reports that about 350 to 400 protesters were outside the downtown concert venue Sunday, some carrying signs calling the nearly 4,000 concertgoers traitors and communists. Protesters associate the band with Fidel Castro's communist regime.

Fans appeared undeterred. Police say no arrests were made.

Protesters chucked eggs and batteries at concertgoers in October 1999, following weeks of protests by Cuban exiles who believed Cuban artists performing in the U.S. bolstered Castro.

Debbie Ohanian produced the 1999 show, which saw about 3,000 protesters. She says Sunday's protests didn't bother her.

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Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com