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A co-production by Anyway Organization and Afromondo Productions, two top international promotions entities, the event lured an eclectic audience to SOB’s; many were French Caribbean expatriates living in New York City looking for a nostalgic connection to their native land. Starting off with a dinner of traditional Creole cuisine and then transitioning into a film screening, the night easily gave way to a spectacle of legendary performances.

Jacques Schwartz-Bart brought a strong vibe to the stage with a slow and steady jazz groove stealthily combined with the traditional Gwo Ka rhythms of the island. He is one of the first musicians to ever experiment with the connection between the traditional Guadeloupian beats and jazz. Based in New York for the last few years, the tenor saxophonist had no troubles channeling the energy of the butterfly shaped island. With a rock star quality, he wooed the audience into a fervor.

Next to hit the stage was a true Gwo Ka master. François Ladrezeau (Fanswa Ladrézo in Creole) and his drumming group Alka Oméka. The fleet of drummers served as the perfect accompaniment to Ladrezeau’s poignant lyrics and confident presence.

A quick interlude with Ivory Coast singer Angelo, who has made remixes of popular Zouk songs, served as the smooth opening to the last act of the evening. PANIK played an unbelievable set of Zouk, Compas, Biguine, and Cadence Lypso, to close out the evening, First the band was joined by Luc Léandry, an infinitely influential musician in the Zouk scene, donning a crisp black suit and a mellow rhythm. Next to join was the effervescent Jeff Joseph, a native Dominican best known for his energizing carnival rhythms. The night ended in a state of euphoria almost unprecedented in this concrete jungle.

Georges Henry-Léo, director of Anyway Organization, recognizes the significance of the event for the musicians of Guadeloupe, to all play together in New York City- “a dream” as described by most. Plans are already in the making for the second edition in November2009 that promises to be as exciting and dynamic as the first.

Rayme Samuels is a freelance cultural journalist and documentary filmmaker. Visit her website on fresh global culture at www.raymesamuels.wordpress.com.

Photo by William Farrington