Haitians in the Bay Area Celebrate 203 Years of Liberation from Slavery; Haitian Band Kalbass Headlines Haitian Cultural Extravaganza at Ashkenaz November 17

Berkeley, CA, October 05, 2007 --(PR.com)-- This November 17, Haitians and non-Haitians alike from across the Bay Area are coming together to celebrate two centuries of independence and to celebrate hope, freedom and peace for Haiti. 203 years ago, Napoléon Bonaparte suffered his first major defeat when he lost to the Haitian revolutionary forces at the battle of Vertieres. That remarkable and decisive victory on November 18, 1803 resulted in the end of slavery in Haiti and marked the conclusion of the only successful slave rebellion in world history.

Kalbass, a high energy Haitian band known for its irresistible dance music, is organizing for the second year a Haitian Cultural Extravaganza to celebrate Vertieres Day at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center on Saturday, November 17.

Kalbass’ repertoire stretches from traditional Haitian styles such as Kompa and Rara to Zouk, Reggae, Salsa and Merengue. Since forming in 2005, the group has performed at the Boom Boom Room, Little Baobab, Hunters Point International African Marketplace Festival, Ashkenaz, the Alameda Art Center, and various other venues throughout the Bay Area.

Guest performances will be provided by Alafia Dance Ensemble and Haitian Rap Artist J-W.

Mariella Morales, a dance graduate from SFSU, leads her ensemble with passion and inspiration. Her performances are a tour de force that tells stories better than most can with words. She owes her love for Haitian dance to the revered Jean-Leon Destine and the late Katherine Dunham.

At the young age of 17, J-W is a consummate poet and an electrifying entertainer. He has performed alongside well-known Rap artists like E-40 and Too Short. Born in Haiti, raised in the US, J-W has combined the best of both worlds to create a unique style that is both soul-searching and upbeat.

The event is designed to give the audience an authentic taste of Haitian culture, from its people to its music and food. Haitian vegetarian dishes will be sold at the show.

Part of the proceeds from the show will go to the Bellot Idovia Foundation, a Bay Area non-profit working to end clear-cutting and replant deforested areas in Haiti. To make a donation to the foundation, please contact Antoine Bellot at 510-452-3726.

Show Time: 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Saturday, November 17 (All Ages)
Location: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702
Cover Charge: $15 @ door / $12 in advance / $12 students
Plus: Free Kompa lesson from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
For more information, contact Fredy Dorsainvil at 510-512-8093 or visit www.kalbasskreyol.com

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