CONCERT: Racine Kreyol

Friday, July 23, 2021 8pm – 10pm

Live at the Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE

Presented in partnership with 516 Arts

FREE, but due to limited seating, reservations must be made in advance • SOLD OUT

Live music is back at the Outpost Performance Space as we re-open safely, and slowly-but-surely over the course of the summer of 2021. Audience sizes will be limited to approximately 50 people in our intimate indoor space and face masks will be required. Featured bands (one per evening) will perform one 75-minute set with no intermission. Doors will be left open and our new UV-emitting ceiling fans with evaporative coolers bringing fresh air in from the outside will maximize air flow. Safety for our bands, patrons, volunteers, technical staff and all remains first and foremost in our minds as we see how things develop as the world opens up. Our new sound system, video capabilities and other improvements achieved during the shutdown, will all be in place.

In partnership with 516 ARTS, Outpost presents a concert by longtime Albuquerque Haitian music-inspired band, Racine Kreyol. This concert is presented in conjunction with 516 Arts’ current exhibition, Dust Specks on the Sea: Contemporary Sculpture from the French Caribbean and Haiti which runs through September 18, 2021. Curated by Arden Sherman with Marie Vickles and Katie Hood Morgan, the traveling exhibition features sculptural works by 27 artists from Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, and Haiti. The exhibit presents various approaches to subject matter, materials, and process that speak to contemporary practices by artists of this region.

A wonderful compliment to this exhibition is the music of Racine Kreyol, whose unique sound reflects the influence of Jazz, Classical, High Life, Compas, Haitian Folklore, and Blues, all with local nuances and “Hot Chile” flavor. The group’s lead vocalist and saxophonist, Duc Germain notes, “The old Griot-Spirit of West Africa embodies us with the essence to enhance Happiness, Peace and Harmony for all of our listeners, patrons, and friends.” Along with Germain, Racine Kreyol features Adolphe Pierre-Louis, congas/percussion and back ground vocals; Mike Swick, bass guitar; Pedro Hernandez, keyboards; Maria De La Huerta, lead guitar and background vocals; Juan Duran, drums; and Allen the blues man, on blues harp and vocals.