Lakou Mizik Band Brings New Life to Haitian Roots Music in NYC

Lakou Mizik ("Music from the Homeland") is a powerhouse multigenerational collective from Haiti that blends twoubadou, vodou, rara carnival music, and urban soul. With such legends as master drummer Sanba Zao, and rising stars Steeve Valcourt and Jonas Attis, the group performs an exhilarating mix of traditional and modern roots music. The members of Lakou Mizik range in age from the early twenties to the late sixties and come from across Haiti's musical, social, religious, and geographic spectra. Formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake, they communicate a message of pride, strength and hope. This concert is dedicated to master drummer Frisner Augustin, who was a major force in preserving and popularizing Haitian music in the US.

Lakou Mizik's electrifying shows blend the soulful spirit of a church revival, the social engagement of a political rally and the trance-inducing intoxication of a vodou ritual. After steadily building a passionate fan base, Lakou Mizik recorded its acclaimed debut album on the Cumbancha label, calling out "Wa di yo, nou la toujou" - "You tell them, we're still here." The album, Wa Di Yo, was named one of Songlines magazine's Best Albums of 2016.

Lakou Mizik's music reflects the African, French, Caribbean and U.S. influences that collide in Haiti. The result is a soulful stew of deeply danceable grooves that feels strangely familiar yet intensely new -- and totally Haitian. The spirit-stirring rhythms of vodou drumming, the French café lilt of the accordion, and the joyful percussive punctuation of the rara horns are topped with inspiring, socially conscious lyrics.

Music is at the vital core of Haiti's sense of self and musicians have always played an important societal role, both in documenting the country's history and helping to shape its path forward. Today a young generation of artists is keeping this tradition alive, narrating the world they live in through music that is made in their neighborhoods, villages and post-earthquake camps. Lakou Mizik brings together these musical generations in celebration of the cultural continuum while using Haiti's deep well of creative strength to shine a positive light on this tragically misrepresented country.

In Haitian Kreyol the word "Lakou" carries multiple meanings. It means the backyard, a gathering place where people come to sing and dance, to debate or share a meal. It also means "home" or "where you are from." In the wake of the earthquake of 2010 with all its catastrophic news and images, Lakou Mizik, or "Music from the Homeland," has defied the negative and become the musical expression of Haitian pride and hope.

Made possible in part with public funding provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State legislature.

For tickets and more information, visit http://www.robertbrowningassociates.com/lakou-mizik.html.