By The Rhythm Foundation

One of Haitian music’s true ‘super groups’, Nu Look, headlines an evening full of big news. Celebrate the long-awaited opening of the Caribbean Marketplace, adjacent to the Cultural Center’s plaza, and enjoy music and specialty crafts vendors in Little Haiti’s iconic building. In the gallery, enjoy a selection of photos from recent editions of Big Night from official photographer Luis Olazabal. The July edition takes place Friday, July 18 at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex.

Nu Look With three studio albums and 8 live albums Nu Look has brought what the old folks call “Kompa Direk (Live Kompa) to a new generation. Together for more than 12 years, they are beloved for their reputation of pleasing crowds with rhythms that range from up-tempo dance music, to beautiful love songs. Led by popular artist Arly Lariviere, the band has enlisted themselves into the hearts of all kompa lovers, with many mega hits. The band has entered a new era, following the recent departure of former frontman Gazzman Couleur. The two new members, Edersse “Pipo” Stanis and Ti-Richard Nemorin, are working closely with the Arly and the band to continue the tradition of great music from this legendary Haitian band.

Caribbean Marketplace Grand Opening The re-establishment of this Marketplace is a collaborative effort of the City of Miami in partnership with the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC), and the Northeast Second Avenue Partnership (NE2P). It is anticipated that new businesses will be created in this cultural hub, resulting in employment opportunities for the local community. The 9,500-square-foot space will include a refreshment and concession area, as well as, a gift shop and beverage station.

Gallery Exhibit Big Night Retrospective, featuring recent photos Luis Olazabal, the Rhythm Foundation official photographer since 2004, will fill the gallery. A follow up to last summer’s show, Olazabal has selected some new favorite shots from recent Big Nights in Little Haiti. His photographic oeuvre is a vivid documentation of South Florida’s burgeoning music and arts scene. Each photograph records a moment of absorption, of an artist being transported by the intense communion he or she shares with his or her instrument, body, supporting musicians, cast, and the audience. These moments are transformed into two-dimensional compositions which embody that original excitement, and convey the soul of the performer. Olazabal captures the grace and verve of performance by some of the most accomplished artists of our time, including jazz masters, pop stars and world music legends. Originally from Huaraz Peru, Olazabal now lives in Miami Beach. He has exhibited photos at the WDNA Jazz Gallery, Miami International Airport for an entire year, CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Arts Foundation), Diaspora Vibe Gallery, Miami Light Project, 801 Projects, University of South Florida in Tampa, Books and Books, and Miami Contemporary Artists at the Freedom Tower during Art Basel. His work has been published in Vibe, Miami Living, Miami New Times, LOFT, El Sentinel, Florida International Magazine, The Miami Herald, Miami Sun Post, and Dance Magazine and Pollstar.

Between sets: DJ Mack DJ Mack consistently provides one of Big Night’s signature sounds – the kompa and Caribbean grooves that keep the crowd dancing between sets. The emcee, he moves the night along with a friendly voice. A Bahamian native of Haitian descent, DJ Mack has lived in South Florida for more than 20 years. When not manning the DJ table at Big Night, he specializes in quality corporate and private events.

Food and drink, Kids Activities The night will feature delicious kreyol cuisine from Leela’s Lakay, a true taste of Haiti in the form of Clairin Rum at the bar, Hyper Malt energy drinks, plus much more. The hands-on art activities for kids are sponsored by Positive Impact Foundation / Kose Famn and the Bass Museum of Art.

Little Haiti Cultural Center Friday July 18, 6PM –10PM In the Plaza Free concert by Nu Look Opening of the Caribbean Marketplace featuring the Tap Tap Band in concert, and a chance to browse specialty vendors Food and drinks for purchase In the gallery through August 8, 2014 – Big Night retrospective photos by Luis Olazabal Family Art Corner hosted by Positive Impact Foundation and Bass Museum of Art

7^th Circuit Studios, 228 NE 59 Street, Miami 7 pm – 10 PM, June 20 – Free open studio 10 PM After show party with Moksha Roots All Stars ($10)

Big Night in Little Haiti is a free monthly event, scheduled each Third Friday. Details at BigNightLittleHaiti.com or 305-960-2969. Big Night in Little Haiti is produced by The Rhythm Foundation and the Little Haiti Cultural Center. Major support is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, through the Knight Arts Challenge Grant. Additional support is received from Hyper Malt, Clairin Rum, Koze Famn media group, WSRF 1580AM, AmericanAirlines, The Miami Foundation, City of Miami, Florida International University’s Latin American and Caribbean Center, Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.