Let me just preface this article with this directive: “Every Haitian-American should attend a Big Night in Little Haiti event.” Period.

A cultural event held monthly every third Friday, Big Night In Little Haiti is a one-stop social event for authentic Haitian food, live music, art, and much more.

Within one hour of arriving to Fete de la Musique, I was greeted by a hearty crowd of locals including Haitians, Haitian-Americans, non-Haitians, collegiate, art enthusiasts, and children.

Of course, singer Stevy Mahy was in attendance, performing songs from her “kreyol folk” catalog of music on an outdoor stage with a live band.

The crowd particularly loved the intimate experience as they sung along with Mahy and ate traditional Haitian food from Leela’s Restaurant.

And were given the opportunity to channel her eclectic style, as she had a pop-up store. Guests could purchase her colorful, oversized earrings that came in Clarissa Explains It All-approved patterns. Many of which were shaped in the Egyptian sign of ankh and triangles representing deity.

One of the most commendable aspects of the venue included the inclusion of traditional Haitian objects that added a sense of authenticity to the show.

Case-in-point, the venue’s outdoor segment’s economical and culturally relevant source of air-conditioning, i.e., an evantay, a medium-sized hand-held fan courtesy of the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance that’s perfect for fanning oneself.

On one side it plainly asks in cursive script, “I’ve been to Little Haiti…What about you?”

Now, I could truly say, “So have I.”

Inside, the children were in heaven as they were offered face paintings and balloon animals.

As for me, my creative side went into overdrive as I had the opportunity to indulge in a one-stop Haitian art exhibit. Through Donna Karan’s partnership with the Discover Haiti Exhibition, the fashion designer curated Urban Zen an exhibit that featured original pieces from Haitian artists like Philippe Dodard, Marie-Therese Dupoux, Jean Paul Sylviance, and Karine Faubert Villard just to name a few.

Being that Haiti is a nation with specific styles of craftsmanship centralized in various cities, many of the artworks such as the metal pieces were crafted in Croix des Bouquets and the smooth soap-stones were polished in Leogane.

And for my die-hard stylistas, the exhibit included wearable art-like jeweled sandals and accessories from Pascale Theard; over-sized papier mache totes from Papier Mache by Caribbean Craft, and Donna Karan’s spring 2012 collection of curve-hugging midi dresses. The coolest part? The dresses were designed by Philippe Dodard and included his Caribbean mythological iconography merged with modern art.

After acquiring a month’s worth of knowledge within the time span of four hours, I reached for a couple of pamphlets and brochures about the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

It’s always nice to know that at any given moment I can experience Haiti through any one of the Little Haiti Cultural Center’s activities, events, art exhibits, or workshops.

Did you attend Fete de la Musique? If so, share your experience!