The Jazz Créole Festival recently brought the vibrant sounds of the Caribbean to Elmont, supporting children in Haiti while celebrating cultural traditions. Held on August 22 at The Vault Café—an establishment recently renovated and under Haitian ownership—the festival marked a shift to an indoor venue for the first time since its inception by Kedner Stiven in 2008.
Originally called the Haitian Summer Jazz Festival, Stiven rebranded it to Jazz Créole three years ago to embrace a wider array of Caribbean communities. “I want everyone to be involved,” he emphasized, showcasing the rich heritage of Caribbean culture through music, food, dance, and fashion.
Each year’s lineup features fresh talent, with this year’s artists including Shedly Abraham, Ludwine Jo, and Melly Sings, among others. Marjorie Dejour, co-founder of the Kedner Stiven Foundation, highlighted that many performers are internationally recognized.
After the main event, an after-party was hosted by DJ Max Appeal, providing a lively atmosphere for attendees to enjoy Caribbean music until 2 a.m. This year’s admission fee of $50 was aimed at generating funds for the foundation, which operates a school in Haiti to support over 250 children with free education and food.
Stiven and Dejour also contribute to the cultural landscape through their radio show “Caribbean Mixed,” airing Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. on 90.3 WHPC and available on various platforms.
The festival not only entertained but aimed to foster a sense of community and support for a vital cause, emphasizing the importance of cultural continuity.
