Fanm Spring Garden Performances
Haiti Cultural Exchange presents Haiti | DIASPORA NOW at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Join us for exciting events this Spring:
Sunday, April 17 at 2pm
Jonathan Michel celebrates Haitian women composers with special guest Talie Cerin
Jonathan Michel – Born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut Jonathan Michel is a bassist, composer and arranger of Haitian descent.
Based in New York City, Michel is an eclectic artist known for his work as a producer and arranger, as well as performances all over the world. Some associated acts include Billy Paul, Laurin Talese, Soul Science Lab, Melanie Charles, Godwin Louis and Orrin Evans.
Currently teaching artist with Carnegie Hall, Jonathan was a 2019 Haiti Cultural Exchange Lakou Nou Artist in Residence.
Talie Cerin (Nathalie Cerin) is a Philly based singer-songwriter, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her music, a unique blend of Haitian folk music and Soul, delivered through her alto vocals and acoustic guitar, bring a fresh sound to the Philly music scene. She recently released her sophomore project, Solèy Midi (midday sun), a collection of originals and traditional Haitian folk songs.
Sunday, April 25 at 2pm Traditional Haitian folksongs and drumming featuring Mia and Okai
Okai Fleurimont is a vocalist/percussionist who embodies all the music of the African Diaspora. Brooklyn born with Haitian descent, Okai’s cultural background shaped him into being the full round artist he is today. He is currently the lead singer and percussionist of Brown Rice Family who won “The Battle of the Boroughs” in NYC in 2012. Okai is also co-founder of Strings N Skins who are currently finishing an album to be released in the fall. He is an active percussionist in New York always sharing his voice and energetic rhythms. Okai has had the pleasure of performing before audiences at Brooklyn Museum, the legendary African art auction exhibition at Sotheby’s, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall and venues throughout the States.
Saturday, May 8 at 2pm Riva Precil featuring Monvelyno Alexis & Markus Schwartz perform a fusion of Haitian Rasin/Roots, Jazz & African rhythms
Riva Precil is a music artist, dancer, author, and jeweler. When Precil was 5, she moved to Haiti where she resided for 10 years. While in Haiti, Riva was exposed to traditional Haitian music & culture, which greatly influenced her eclectic music & fashion palette. At the age of 18, Riva moved to New Orleans to attend Loyala University New Orleans where she graduated with a Music Therapy degree. Riva performs in New York City alongside her band Bohio Music.
Thursday, July 1 at 6:30 pm Jessica St. Vil and KaNu Dance Theater present Haitian folkloric dance
Jessica St. Vil is a first-generation Haitian American dancer, educator, and choreographer who grew up in Queens, NY. A graduate of Lehman College, Ms. St. Vil received her B.A. in Mass Communications and Dance. She continued her training on scholarship with the Alvin Ailey School’s professional division. She has worked with choreographers (Christopher Huggins, Martial Roumain, Marcea Daiter, and more); performed with several dance theater companies (Feet of Rhythm, Joan Peter’s Dance Company, and Vissi Dance Theater, and National Ballet Folkloric of Haiti). Jessica has collaborated with Unimix films to choreograph a short film (“One More Try”) and their award-winning feature film (Forever Yours). She was honored by the National Museum of Women and the Haitian Embassy in recognition of her choreographic work. Jessica is the artistic director of KaNu Dance Theater, a co-founder of Danse Xpressions ”Center for the Arts”. She is featured in Dance Portal, an ongoing exhibit providing instruction in traditional Haitian dance at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan with her work “Let’s Dance”. She recently choreographed an original dance drama, “Zatrap,” written by playwright Jean Claude Eugene. Currently, Jessica is on the faculty of the Alvin Ailey School’s Professional Division teaching Dunham-based techniques and is also a Teaching Artist with various Arts in Education programs throughout New York City. Miss St. Vil is currently enrolled as a 3rd-year certification candidate with the Institute for Dunham Technique and Certification.
Advance tickets are required. Limited FREE community tickets available here.
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