By Dessalines Ferdinand
LITTLE HAITI – It is a fact that Sounds of Little Haiti, a free outdoor concert held at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex in the heart of Downtown Little Haiti, continues to attract more music lovers month after month. But the monthly event that helped make the Haitian neighborhood a cultural icon for local Miamians and tourists is struggling due to lack of funding.
Organizers are struggling each month to secure enough funds to pay bands and staff in order to keep up with the event’s growing budget. Due to a lack of city funds and local sponsorships, the organizers have to turn to private sources of financial support. It’s an unfortunate reality that culturally Haitian entrepreneurs have so far failed to support these local activities that bring community spirit and awareness to the very neighborhoods they serve. When some do vow their support, the donation is essentially insignificant.
Sounds of Little Haiti has become more popular, drawing more music fans to the region, but the challenges the organizers are facing are also becoming bigger. Part of the struggle is that the artists/bands won’t settle for what organizers call a ‘community price’. The organizers won’t dispute that the bands deserve fair pay, but the restraint of a free event does not permit the organizers to pay the top dollars that the artists are asking for.
“As you know, Sounds of Little Haiti is one of the best ways to showcase the rich Haitian culture in Miami,” said Sandy Dorsainvil, executive producer of the event. “It’s also an opportunity for the Haitian diaspora to celebrate authentic Haitian culture abroad and its influence on the local community. Therefore, we cannot afford to lose it, especially at a time where non-Haitians are progressively making their way in the neighborhood.”
Ms. Dorsainvil also added, “Of course, we cannot complain about the turnout since music lovers always show up in big numbers to enjoy an immersive cultural experience every third Friday of the month, but the big challenge remains the lack of our budget, which means no money to pay the A-list bands to perform.”
“Contrary to what some people are saying, the City of Miami does provide the venue free of charge; they pay for the DJ, the security, some tech support and cleanup team. We, as organizers, must find the money to pay the bands, staff and marketing.”
Asked where the money to pay the bands and other fees associated with the events come from, since it’s free concert, Ms. Dorsainvil explained, “Ideally, the rest of the money should come from the revenue generated at the bar. I have to mention that the hottest bands attract more people than some other bands which reflects on the bar revenues. If we make a little extra one month, we manage to save it to cover another month where we don’t make enough money to cover the expenses.”
The organizers tried to generate a little revenue by setting a VIP section in front of the stage where guests could sit up close and enjoy the performance, but the result is not what they hoped for. Some guests cause staff frustration by not wanting to pay or bringing more friends with them into that section than is permitted and refusing to adhere to the rules set for the VIP section. The goal is to generate funds and not let guests in for free just so they can be seen.
The dilemma the organizers have also had to deal with is those concert-goers who illegally bring their own alcohol, hiding it in their pockets or bags. This situation reduces the amount of revenue the event generates and thus puts the entire event at risk of continuing.
For Dorsainvil, it’s unfortunate that people (managers and other local promoters) in charge of booking the bands are somehow insensitive when it comes to the community. According to her estimation, they don’t have the sense of giving back. “They are not willing to reduce their price; they charge us like people who are looking to make money as any regular promoters, not taking in consideration that the free event is for the community,” she added.
“Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping,” said Dorsainvil, the head of SOUNDS OF LITTLE HAITI.
Gradual economic decline has affected organizations seeking private sponsorship. And recently Sounds of Little Haiti sponsors have ceased their financial support of the event. The organizers worry that it will reach a point where they can’t continue.
“I don’t want to be pessimistic,” said Sandra Morisseau, who oversees the event on behalf of the center. “But this year is the toughest for the event yet. It’s very important that we preserve the standard of this outdoor free concert, which is an evening of fun and entertainment for the whole family, and a good community gateway in Little Haiti.”
Sounds of Little Haiti is a free cultural event held at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. It’s held every third Friday night of the month from 6 to 10 p.m.
These events are a vital aspect of the lifeblood of the community. Local businesses have not only an opportunity to gain exposure for themselves, but also a responsibility to step up and support events that draw people to the area.
Local businesses and civic leaders need to step up and do their part to support this community and it must be more than token donations. When communities rally together, amazing things happen. Sounds of Little Haiti has been a growing part of the cultural uniqueness that is this part of South Florida, but without strong, supportive businesses stepping up, we could all lose an amazing event for future generations.
The outdoor concert is a good opportunity for business owners to showcase their products and services to a larger audience. For more information, contact Sandy Dorsainvil at (305) 960-2969.