By Karla Arguello, Big Night in Little Haiti

The March 21st edition at Big Night in Little Haiti launches a very cool national initiative at the Little Haiti Cultural Center:  Little Free Libraries.  This “take a book, return a book” gathering place is a community spot where neighbors can share their favorite literature and stories.

In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two), and bring back another book to share.  But, where in Little Haiti stops at basic form?  The beautiful book boxes – which will be found at the NET Office, at Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church, and at the Cultural Center – are designed and painted by local artist Rara Kuyu, known for the amazing murals in Tap Tap Restaurant and other venues, and feature colorful Haitian paintings.  It’s part of the national Little Free Libraries movement to promote literacy and love of reading by building free book exchanges.  LHCC Director Sandy Dorsainvil invites you to “Take advantage of the books provided by your neighbors and show your support for the project by stocking these libraries with some of your favorite books, too.”

And another special this month, both the music and art will focus on one of our community’s most talented renaissance men.  Jude Papaloko Thegenus is known as much for his work as a visual artist and gallerist, as for the Haitian roots band he has led for 22 years — Loray Mistik.  Thegenus will be the featured visual artist in the gallery during the entire month, with his “Black & White” exhibition of painting and sculpture.  And Loray Mistik will headline the big free monthly show in the plaza.  A double dose of mystical Haitian roots from a great talent.

Loray Mistik (The Mystic Thunder) is one of Miami’s signature world music groups.  Named Best Haitian band by Miami New Times, their sound mixes traditional Haitian voudou (raisin) rhythms, West African percussion, soukous, and rock and blues.  The group is preparing for the release of their new record, Black and White.  The opening set in the plaza will feature Kazoots, a popular young indie-Haitian group led by Inez Barlatier and Jayan Bertrand, both children of iconic Haitian roots musicians.

Thegenus has run the respected Jakmel Gallery since 1999.  It has been located in the heart of the Wynwood art district since 2006, and along with his own work, it exhibits leading Haitian and Caribbean visual artists. His own art is a mystic life journey through the lens of Haitian vodou spirituality.  Born through deep meditative trance, his painting and sculptures are characterized by sinuous female forms that transmute into earth elements.  Goddess figures flow into trees and sky.  His works – haunting portraits and murals of Haitian life and mysticism, are included in the collections of numerous museums across the world, as well as in myriad cultural spaces throughout Florida. Thegenus also creates innovative outreach projects through his non-profit organization, Papaloko4Kids, whose mission is the empowerment of youth from all communities through the arts.

Like all Big Nights in Little Haiti, the evening will feature delicious kreyol cuisine from Leela’s, and ice cold Prestige Beer at the bar. The hands-on art activities for kids are sponsored by Positive Impact Foundation / Kose Famn and the Bass Museum of Art.  Between sets, enjoy music from DJ Franky.

Big Night in Little Haiti takes place free, every Third Friday, at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, produced by the Rhythm Foundation and with major support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.