From Haiti to Vashon

Music Collective Lakou Mizik performs at Open Space for Arts & Community on March 31

OPEN SPACE FOR ARTS & COMMUNITY – This month, Haiti’s Lakou Mizik is traveling 3,500 miles from one island to another to perform for the first time ever on Vashon. Their positive messages and roots revival music have become one of Haiti’s hottest exports and have gained an international following through their mystical, soulful, dance party-inducing live shows. Experience their thrilling performance on March 31 at 8:00pm at Open Space for Arts & Community, presented by Open Space for Arts & Community and Scarlet Productions.

Lakou Mizik formed in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake as a multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians. The group includes elder legends and rising young talents, united in a mission to honor the healing spirit of their culture and communicate a message of pride, strength, and hope to their countrymen and the world.         

“Their music is so full of energy, I can’t wait for this event to shake us out of winter and usher in the warm months to come” says David Godsey, Open Space for Arts & Community’s director of programming. “This is a seated event spaced for safety, but we’ll make sure there is plenty of room so you can get up and dance.”

Music is at the core of Haiti’s sense of identity, and musicians have always played an important role in society, 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.

Lakou Mizik’s albums have taken them from recording at the Artists Institute of Haiti on their debut “Wa Di Yo” to working with some of New Orleans top stars on “HaitiaNola.” Highlighting Lakou Mizik’s newest album Leave the Bones with EDM producer Joseph Ray, NPR’s Bruce Warren said “through Vodou chants, Rara dance tunes and contemporary protest songs, the album is a mesmerizing, haunting and uplifting journey into the heart of Haitian culture.”

Tickets are $24 online and $27 at the door. $40 Stageside tickets are arranged up front at tables for two and available individually and in pairs. A limited number of free tickets for youth 18-and-younger are available online while supplies last. Tickets are available online until the day of the show, and will then only be available at the door. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit OpenSpaceVashon.com.

Masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test are required for all guests. Please stay home if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone who is. 

In addition to the Lakou Mizik concert, there is another exciting way to experience a taste of Haiti this month. Gravy executive chef Dre Neely is preparing an exclusive, limited-time Haitian feast at Gravy on March 30th at 7:00pm. Menu items include crispy pork griot (pork marinated in citrus and chilis), poul nas sos (chicken stewed with orange, red, and yellow bell peppers), diri kole (haitian beans and rice) and more! 

The band members of Lakou Mizik will be in attendance to talk about the importance of food in the culture of Haiti. Tickets are $100, with a portion of proceeds going in support of the people of Haiti. Seating is limited to 30 guests. The full menus and tickets are available on OpenSpaceVashon.com/event/a-taste-of-haiti

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