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This section focuses on publicizing and reviewing information relating to movies, television, music, events, books, and other aspects of Haitian culture. All of the articles will be written either by a Prodg team member, or a guest writer. If you would like to contribute to this section, please e-mail us.

Performance Review:
Nasyon Soley brings class, culture and total ambiance to the Haitians in Boston
By Jenny Elie

Cambridge, Massachusetts was privy to a magnificent cultural soiree on Saturday August 5, 2006 at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center hosted by Nasyon Soley Productions, entitled "Cultural Crossroads: An evening of Haitian Sounds, Rhythms & Colors". (Nasyon Soley's mission is to promote the Haitian culture through various cultural events such as spoken word poetry, visual and performing arts and literary gatherings for the Boston community). A fabulous line-up made up of multi-lingual spoken word poetry by Haitian-American poet Makendal of the Florida-based poetry group "The Maroons" and Nathalie Guillaume who also performed poetry and vocal jazz. The evening of culture and artistic ambiance also included from Haiti a live performance of Kreyol Jazz by Reginald Policard accompanied by Richard Barbot and Joel Widmier. An exhibit and silent auction of superb paintings was also held by Myrtelle Chery, a Haitian-born artist residing in Montreal, Canada.

Saturday, August 5, 2006 was truly an innovative event in Cambridge as a myriad of backgrounds attended this upscale affair where the culture of Haiti and the pride of her art were displayed in honor of a beautiful and distinguished heritage. At the start of the program, guests were welcomed by a cocktail hour that included a spectacular display of Myrtelle Chery's artwork which was in tandem with the event's title of "Haitian Sounds, Rhythms & Colors". Following the art exhibit, guests were ushered into the grand ballroom where they prepared themselves for a regal night of culture. Reginald Policard, Richard Barbot and Joel Widmier serenaded and soothed the crowd with pieces from their latest work "Detour".

One of the high points of the evening was dual performance of heartfelt substance by Makendal and Nathalie Guillaume. Makendal began with a multi-lingual intro paying homage to Haiti and then flowed into his poems "My People" and "Awake". He then proceeded on to a segment with Nathalie and performed the poem "I Don't Look Haitian", which is a piece that has to do with the awe-struck responses we as Haitians get from individuals when they discover our nationality. This particular piece (I Don't Look Haitian) has been circulated all over the globe and internet. From there, the duo launched into a drum/jazz vocal acapella /poetry piece called "Spirits", followed by a French/English piece entitled "Si Je Te Donnerais Ma Vie", which alluded to male-female love as well as the love of Haiti.

It is impossible to get your arms around an event this grand. It can only be suggested (and remembered) episodically, in vivid snatches of music and selective flashbacks. If you are among those who've missed it, we advise you to catch Makendal along with the rest of the Maroons on Saturday August 12, 2006 at the Pembroke Pines Private Luncheon and Caribbean Week Kick-Off Celebration. They will also perform at the Broward Main library Caribbean Culture Festival.