Each year, the publication The Haitian Times stages Kreyolfest, a music festival to introduce and showcase Haitian music and bands to New York. This year’s Kreyolfest show is going to take place in Wingate Park in Brooklyn on June 28th. DJ Fabulous Fabby will be in charge of the turntables for the day.
Not sure whether you should go? Besides church, there’s no better place to be on that date. Here’s why…
1. You’re a domino master, or would like to see domino masters at work
Oh, yeah…that game with those little rectangles…you probably have seen some of your Brooklyn, Miami or Chicago uncles play it. And perhaps you know how to play? Well, you can show the whole world just how good you are by participating in the Kreyolfest Domino Tournament. Winners will be given cash prizes. What fabulous way to make pocket money!
2. You can take advantage of a free check-up
A health fair will be in motion during the festivities. Get a handle on your blood pressure, your vision, the health of your ears and nasal passages. Where else can you go, jam and take care of your well-being at the same time?
3. See Tonton Bicha
You know you and your grandma watched I Love You Anne until you could recite—parrot-like practically—the movie’s entire script. Come see Tonton Bicha, one of the sources of the laughter. As the host of the festival, he’s bound to crack a good joke or two.
Left: Singer-songwriter Wanito
4. Come support Haitian music and Haitian artists
Whether you can name-drop the names of a few Haitian bands, or whether you’re just now getting acquainted with Haitian music, Kreyolfest is the place to get your Haitian music on. Scheduled to perform are the bands System Band, Zin, Phantoms, Kreyol La, Djakout Mizik, Wanito, Kool Off, Tania Ligonde, and Lakou. If some or just a few of these names are familiar to you…all the more reasons to go!
5. Get A Taste of Culture
The Mabina Dancers, a dancing troupe directly from West Africa will be on hand to show off some traditional dance moves. According to anthropologists, a great many of the Haitians’ African ancestors came from the Congo, so get ready for some serious cultural connection. Paintings, and craft by Haitian artists are also part of the cultural experience.
So, kindly mark your calendars! In the meantime, you can keep up with Kreyolfest, by following The Haitian Times….
Kreyolfest Page| Haitian Times on Twitter| Haitian Times on Instagram| Haitian Times’ website