Let's Talk Music: The Compas Direct 70th Anniversary Celebration

Join us for an enriching celebration of Haitian culture and music history as Island SPACE Caribbean Museum and Le P'ti Club Inc. present The Compas Direct 70th Anniversary Celebration & 1st Annual Diaspora Debate Talk Show. This event highlights the evolution and impact of Compas music—a genre that has shaped Haiti’s musical identity since the 1950s.

The evening will feature a thought-provoking panel discussion with renowned musicians and cultural experts, debating whether Compas music still holds its influence in Haitian society or if it has given way to modern genres like fusion jazz, Afrobeats, and Racine music, including the vibrant sounds of Rara and vodou-rooted rhythms.

Featured Debate Panelists:

• Mr. Smith Jn-Baptiste Musician with the original Shleu Shleu band, representing Compas
  
• Mrs. Carole Maroulé Demesmin - Solo singer and vodou practitioner, specializing in Racine/Roots music.
  
• Mr. Mushy Widmaier - Jazz musician from the Zèklè band, bringing a contemporary perspective.

The panel will be moderated by Mr. Philippe Montas, a seasoned musician and professor, and hosted by Mrs. Elizabeth Guerin, co-owner of Island TV.

Highlights of the Evening:

• Art Silent Auction featuring works by Helene Boisson, Guylaine Lafontant Danache, and Yael Talleyrand.
  
• Live Music Performance by Victoria Johnson, 2023 Tri-Rail Kids Got Talent Show winner.
  
• Food and drinks on sale.

Come ready to discuss, dance, and celebrate the rich musical heritage of Haiti.

Reserve your spot today!

This event is generously supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund and Samuel F. Morrison Community Impact Fund.

1. Enter at the northeast doorway, where Broward Mall meets the old SEARS building (construction zone) near the red stop sign.
2. Once you get inside the mall, Island SPACE is the first storefront on the left.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is the only pan-Caribbean heritage museum in the world. The facility features a historical archive filled with information and artifacts from across the Caribbean region, a fine art gallery and multipurpose spaces.

The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.

Host or Publisher Island SPACE