AFP - Kool & the Gang, the venerable US rhythm and blues group, played Havana to a rapturous welcome in the first concert by a US group in the communist nation since 2005.

"They just bring back so many memories. Their music influenced a whole generation of Cubans, my generation," glowed Ana Estevez, 50, who turned out and got down with her whole family including her two-year-old grandson.

About 30,000 Cubans boogied to Kool & the Gang, which has been getting down on it since the 1960s, at an open air concert venue on Havana's waterfront boulevard.

The band let loose a string of hits including "Celebration" and "Joanna," prompting hordes of middle-aged Cubans to dust off decades-old R&B dance moves.

Fans waved signs like "After 30 years, we still love you."

While the US and Cuban governments are at political odds, cultural exchanges have seen an uptick since US President Barack Obama took office.

"Tell them all to just keep coming," concertgoer Lourdes Bueno, 44, told AFP, referring to US artists. "We've got a lot of love for them over here, and some fierce dance moves," she said with a smile.