Jalopy Theater’s particular takeover of the Queens venue’s widespread International Mashup sequence will function Haitian dance and Salsa music
Picture courtesy of Flushing City Corridor
Are you prepared for a novel mashup of fantastic Caribbean music and dance this Could? Flushing City Corridor is internet hosting one other version of their widespread Global Mashup Series, the place Haitian dance meets Puerto Rican salsa music on stage this Saturday, Could 4.
Brooklyn-based Jalopy Theatre, will take over Flushing City Corridor, bringing the energetic Haitian people dancing troupe La Troupe Zetwal, Latin jazz artist Willie Martinez and the NYC Salsa All-Stars to the neighborhood.
Viewers members are inspired to reach early for a 7 p.m. dance lesson with the troupe. At 8 p.m., they will put their strikes to the take a look at as they get pleasure from units from every efficiency group main as much as a “mashing up” grand finale that includes the last word international jam session.
Sherley Davilmar-St. Fort, inventive director and choreographer with La Troupe Zetwal, defined how the dancers inform the historical past of Haitian tradition by way of their performances. “The dance items are from throughout totally different elements of Haiti to characterize totally different factors in historical past and you’ll see it by way of the standard Haitian costumes we put on and the motion by way of the items,” she mentioned.
Davilmar-St. Fort mentioned the viewers can stay up for studying extra in regards to the faith of Haiti, together with the voodoo parts of the tradition. She added that she was excited for viewers members to listen to how properly the sounds from Haiti and Latin America would mix collectively within the last efficiency. “We’re all linked, whether or not from Haiti or any a part of Latin America. We’re not solely linked by way of the place we’re from; we’re linked by way of the devices and the music as properly,” she mentioned.

Based in 2001, La Troupe Zetwal is a multicultural dance group that has been primarily based in New York for over a decade. The troupe focuses on conventional Haitian dance accompanied by stay drumming and percussion. The troupe has produced an array of commissioned and sponsored occasions all through the town and NYC colleges. The applications are sponsored by the Division of Cultural Affairs and Brooklyn Arts Council.
Martinez, a longtime fixture in NYC’s various music scene, expressed his eagerness to take the stage and showcase Latin music to the area people. He gave a sneak peek as to what the viewers can count on on Saturday. “It’s principally a basic New York Metropolis fashion salsa band. We name ourselves the New York Metropolis Salsa All Stars as a result of most of the group members are leaders in their very own proper.” he mentioned. “We simply come collectively as a cooperative to play the very best Latin music that you just’re going to listen to in New York Metropolis.”

Martinez, 62, mentioned his love for music developed at a younger age. At 10 years outdated, he fell in love with listening to his father’s vinyl information and knew he would later pursue music as a profession. Martinez is a drummer, composer, arranger and vocalist specializing in Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban music. He mentioned Saturday’s occasion is an ideal approach to deliver collectively the ‘world’s borough’.
“One factor that I really feel very strongly about is that Latin music, and I’d suppose Haitian music as properly, Caribbean music in a variety of methods as a result of it’s primarily based in African rhythms, dance is an enormous a part of the element of this music,” he mentioned. “I actually love that we’re going to be offering a world-class dance teacher to get the viewers concerned, and hopefully, they’ll be capable to have enjoyable not solely listening to our music however collaborating in it with their ft.”
Saturday’s efficiency is an early sneak peek for Jalopy Theater’s upcoming Brooklyn International Music Festival, which can take place in early June. The pageant will showcase the variety of the worldwide Caribbean diaspora proper right here in New York Metropolis.
Tickets for the efficiency are $20 for Basic Admission and $15 for members, seniors, and college students with ID. Tickets will be bought here or by calling the field workplace at 718-463-7700 extension 222.