17480: Haitian Times: Haitian independence Celebration: New York

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Haitian Times <publisher@haitiantimes.com>

For Immediate Release

Contact

Mario DeVolcy @  516-872-6777
Darlie Gervais @ 718-230-8700
Maggie Goldstein @ 718-2848458



NEW YORK - If you're not going to Haiti for the bicentennial
celebrations in January, do not despair. The Haitian Times, Muzik Arts,
Haitian American Alliance present a musical and artistic soiree at the
Colden Center for the Performing Arts on Friday January 2, 2003. The
evening will celebrate 200 years of Haiti's musical and artistic
contributions to the world. This event will take you back over the years
through Haiti's music. The line up includes notables such as the Haitian
diva Emeline Michel, Beethova Obas, Ralph Tamar, Raymond Cajuste, as
each artist will perform a rendition to Haiti through well known songs
that have been etched into the country's history. Backing the artists
will be the Metropolitan Big Band Orchestra, a 16-piece ensemble with
versatile skills. Also in the cards for the evening are the Haitian Mass
Choir and Yannick Etienne. After this performance on the grand stage,
join us at the nearby Panda House for an evening of dance as Miami's Top
Vice and the legendary Johnny Pacheco will provide smooth danceable
sound.
"This is going to be an evening to be remembered," said Mario DeVolcy,
the show's artistic director. "We want to give New York an event that
has never been done before."
DeVolcy, a former drummer with Bossa Combo, who is now producer at Muzik
Arts, said that the evening will feature a highly acclaim dance troupe
to open the show. In addition, there will be an art sale. Tickets are
$50 and $100.  A $100 ticket includes access to the dance and free food,
wine and soft drinks. Free Parking for everyone.
Parts of the proceeds will go toward the youth program of the Haitian
American Alliance and Haitian American United For Progress.