Although New York City is heralded as a global city (and it is), it can be close to impossible to witness different cultural aesthetics on the nightlife scene. In a city that witnesses the execution of a plethora of events every night, you'll usually find in abundance the edge meets glam personality that the city is renowned for. But after one too many VIP happy hours on the rooftop of palatial hotels and launches for products and indie publications whose names you won't be able to recall the morning after, one starts wondering if this is as good as this scene can get. Well, I'm to tell you, no -- not quite.
On Thursday night, I ventured to a quaint yet charming art space in the heart of Brooklyn called Five Myles. Local organization, Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX), was hosting what would be a night filled with amazing performances of spoken word and music, great food, and excellent company. The main attraction of the night was a young, Brooklynite writer by the name of Melissa Beauvery who performed personal and reflective pieces from her brand new spoken word album, "My Grandmother's Tongue," with the aid of accomplished musicians, Buyu Ambroise and Obed Jean-Louise. After the stirring live art pieces and discussion between Ms. Beauvery and the audience-at-large (the event was part of HCX's monthly event series: An n' Pale (Let's Talk), exquisite dishes by Dudley Peltrot were brought out, and the crowd feasted and mingled together. What was refreshing about this night was that unlike most events in the city, this was truly about learning, reflecting and having an overall good time. People were not simply out to see and be seen, but were there to forge new relationships, solidify old ones and support a fantastic organization.
If my account has you jealous in even a minute way, don't fret! Haiti Cultural Exchange is about to celebrate their 3rd anniversary and plan to do so in style at Gild Hall located at the Thompson Hotel in Manhattan on Thursday, June 30th. The extravaganza is building up to be one of the events that one simply cannot miss this year. The music will be enticing, the food delectable, and the company will make you want to never leave. Check out HCX's website and Facebook page to keep tabs on the emerging details on what's sure to be a night you may never forget.
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