Local music great Nachito Herrera was taken off a ventilator Saturday, two weeks after he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and was hospitalized in intensive care.
A native of Cuba and longtime White Bear lake resident, Herrera, a classically trained pianist, regularly performs at the Dakota jazz club in Minneapolis. He tours worldwide and founded Cubanismo!, a Jazz/Afro Cuban band. He is undergoing treatment at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Family members report he is in stable condition and breathing on his own, with some oxygen assistance.
“After two long weeks, we can finally have hope that his return home may only be a matter of time,” said his daughter, Mirdalys Herrera Tweeton. “God in His mercy has granted us an Easter miracle. Now that he can talk, he would like to thank all of you for your continued prayers for him.”