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Jean-Claude Eugène:
Actor, Singer, Director

Community Theater : Gouverneur de la Rosée

Claes Gabriel art exhibition

Haitian-American Identity

Haiti Independence Concert

poetry

Edwidge Danticat:
The butterfly's Way

Oasis of Silver Spring

WATTCH: Cultural Show '00

TROPICAL
NIGHT
IN OCTOBER

The night was billed as "Automne Tropical," and it lived up to its promise. The beautiful Clarice Smith Performing Art Center of the University of Maryland was the setting where Jean-Claude Eugene and friends warmed a cold Autumn night in October 2001. The show provided a variety of talent from a classical guitarist to traditional dancers. Among the variety of talents, the IBO Dancers emerged as the crowd favorite.

The show flowed very professionally, without a wasted moment. Dancers and singers merged and collaborated on stage seamlessly. Jean-Claude Eugene headlined the beautiful night, but surrounded himself with an amazing group of musicians and artists. With a strong voice and a style that is reminiscent of warm moonlit nights in Haiti, he commanded the stage with great presence.

Marc Mathelier equally wowed the audience with his classical guitar style. Marc has a presence on stage that seems to be comfortable, and he easily put the audience at ease. They listened carefully and was appreciative of the music. Very seldom does a Haitian audience demands more from an artist. It's unfortunate that Marc Mathelier didn't have more time for the audience.

Another part of the show was the short set of FanFan and Micheline. FanFan is an excep-tional guitarist, with experience from Reggae to African music. He has played with different bands, including the Image Band, a local reggae band. On his own with Micheline, the reggae and rock influence can be heard mixed in with a Haitian flavor. The sound is fresh and new, and with time the audience will catch up to FanFan modern style.

Throughout the night, the Ibo dancers, with Paulette St. Lot, captivated the audience with renditions of traditional Haitian dance. Although area promoters don't believe there's enough interest to promote a racine show, but, "lè tanbou frape," the people get excited. The group is made up of several young enthusiastic and energetic ladies who dance to Paulette's singing and spirit calling drumming. In all, it was a very enjoyable calm and cool night of dancers, guitarists, and singers.

© echodhaiti.com, october, 2001