Manhattan clubgoers celebrate Haitian music and culture during the long-running Kompa Tuesdays event.
For 15 years, every Tuesday evening, aficionados of Haitian culture congregate at a vibrant rooftop lounge in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for Kompa Tuesdays. This weekly event, held at The DL on Delancey Street, showcases the infectious beats of kompa music, a genre steeped in Haitian tradition and rich with cultural significance. However, the gathering extends beyond mere music and dance; it serves as a vital networking hub and cultural experience.
Founded by Fred Lherisson, known to many as Freddy Boom Boom, Kompa Tuesdays was created to fill a perceived void in social spaces celebrating Haitian culture and to enhance nightlife options in New York City during the week. Lherisson, born in New York City to Haitian parents, envisioned a space where both Haitians and non-Haitians could come together to immerse themselves in the culture. The event not only encourages dance but promotes connection among attendees, fostering an environment where individuals can network and build relationships.
Kompa music, often referred to as konpa or compa, has its roots in the 1950s and was significantly shaped by musician Nemours Jean-Baptiste. Characterized by its rhythmic use of instruments such as tanbou drums, congas, electric guitars, and trumpets, the genre is complemented by a unique dance style that emphasizes intimate, slow-paced movements. The ambiance at Kompa Tuesdays allows attendees to express themselves through dance and connect with others who share similar interests.
With approximately 150,000 Haitian-Americans residing in New York City, the event attracts a diverse crowd, averaging between 150 to 200 attendees each week. Participants come from various professional backgrounds, including the healthcare and legal sectors, enhancing the networking possibilities available at the event. Lherisson collaborates with prominent organizations such as the Haitian American Nurses Association and the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, encouraging attendees to broaden their professional connections while simultaneously enjoying the cultural experiences on offer.
Recently, Kompa Tuesdays celebrated its 15th anniversary, marked by a certificate of recognition from the city’s mayor, highlighting its significance within the community. The event aims to empower the Haitian community, emphasizing the importance of both knowledge and connections in professional development.
Attendees have expressed their enthusiasm for the event, noting its inclusive nature and the unique mix of cultures represented. From various backgrounds, including Panamanians, Caucasians, and a multitude of other ethnicities, people are drawn to the vibrant atmosphere that Kompa Tuesdays fosters. With plans to potentially expand the event to Miami, Lherisson reiterates the importance of providing a stress-relieving space during the week, signaling the enduring need for cultural gatherings in an urban setting.
As Kompa Tuesdays continues to grow, it remains a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Haitian culture, bridging gaps across communities and creating meaningful connections through the universal language of music and dance.
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