Pompano Beach Arts Plans Multiple Events to Honor Haitian Art and Culture
By Kay Renz
Pompano Beach Arts is proud to celebrate Haitian Heritage month with a dazzling lineup of events including Dessalines Lives!, a concert by world-renowned jazz trumpeter Jean Caze, and a fun-filled dance event entitled Konpa Pompano. For a full lineup of events, visit www.pompanobeacharts.org
“During the month of May we are honored to focus the spotlight on the artistry of the Haitian community,” said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director. “We are offering an array of thrilling events celebrating the vibrant Haitian culture through paintings, dance, music, film, poetry and more.”
One of the highlights of the month is a Dessalines Lives! This is a free concert by Jean Caze on May 26, 2023, at 7:30 pm at Ali Cultural Center. A prodigious talent, he has emerged as one of today’s most exciting new voices in jazz, touring with Michael Bublé and having performed with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Najee, Arturo Sandoval, John Fadis, Randy Brecker, and Bob Mintzer, to name a few. Jean also played with the legendary rock group “Chicago” live on NBC and has opened for the Wynton Marsalis Quartet. Caze is known for his original blend of Haitian American music, with rhythms inspired by Rara, Konpa, Racine and American backbeats. The lyrics tell the tales of heroic freedom fighters that shaped the fate of millions, while the show itself engages the audience by inviting them to sing, move, and even dance, as they discover the richness of Haitian culture. Jean Caze’s latest CD, Amedé, features his blend of Haitian American musical styles and features the Queen of Haitian song, Emeline Michel, among other talented artists.
Jean has received abundant praise from critics, peers, and jazz enthusiasts alike who have taken to Jean’s lyrical tone and tasteful ideas. He has been hailed a “True Improviser” and even compared to Miles Davis by fellow trumpet player Carl Saunders. Though his roots are solidly planted in jazz, Jean can flawlessly switch between genres.
With a sound compared to the likes of Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis, it is no wonder that Jean Caze has achieved such astounding success as a trumpet player. Look out for this young and upcoming artist for is no limit to where his talent can take him.
Another key event, early in the month is Konpa Pompano at 7 p.m. at the Ali Cultural Center. This high-energy event intended to introduce participants to Haitian music and dance cultural. Konpa (compás) is a dance-style that originated in Haiti during the 1950s. Konpa Pompano will follow the format of our popular dance events, “Sabados de Salsa” and “Baila Pompano,” beginning with a one-hour instructor led dance class with instructors from KOTR Konpa Dance Studio followed by a dance party with the band 5Lan and DJ Mike Cooley.
Our list below includes other outstanding events and visit our website for the latest updates.
Haitian Heritage Month Events:
Exhibition | ANN APRESYE ZEV ATIS AYISYEN (LET’S APPRECIATE THE WORKS OF HAITIAN ARTISTS)| April 21 – July 19, 2023 | Reception April 21
May 4 – Lunch w/ Art Poetry Edition | Haitian Heritage Month |FREE | Pompano Beach Cultural Center
May 6 – VIRTUAL Story Time at the Blanche Ely House Museum | FREE
May 6 – Konpa Pompano | 7PM| $20| Ali Cultural Center
May 9 – Haitian Heritage Month Film Screening | 7PM| FREE | Pompano Beach Cultural Center
May 21 – Art on a Platter (in partnership w/ Be Eccentrich, Inc.)| 3p – 6p| $40| Ali Cultural Center
May 25 – Montage Virtual Film Series| Boy with Angel Wings by Frantzy Moreau| FREE | Virtual (Zoom)
May 26 – Dessalines Lives! Concert by Jean Caze| 7:30 PM | FREE| Ali Cultural Center
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