This annual celebration of accordionists returns with a rare New York City appearance from the Louisiana-based, three-time Grammy-nominated Zydeco star Dwayne Dopsie, on the heels of a guest performance with Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones at New Orleans Jazz Fest, as well as the Merengue Tipico-infused Latin soul and funk from Afro Dominicano and and powerhouse Haitian collective Lakou Mizik.
Curated by Ariana Hellerman
2024 Grammy Award nominee and “America’s Hottest Accordion” winner, Dwayne Dopsie plays high-energy zydeco that keeps you wanting more. Dwayne hails from one of the most influential Zydeco families in the world. Although inspired by tradition, he has developed his own style that defies existing stereotypes and blazes a refreshingly distinct path for 21st century Zydeco music. Dwayne attributes his musical abilities to his father, Rockin’ Dopsie, Sr., a pioneer of Zydeco music. He has played the accordion since age seven and states, “This is my calling – Zydeco music is in my blood and it is my heart and soul.” This singer/songwriter and accordionist has performed in 40 countries and also in hundreds of cities across the United States, Europe, Brazil, Panama and Canada since debuting his band at age 19.
The tropical funk-fusion combo Afro Dominicano infuses their songs with Merengue Tipico and Afro-Caribbean soul: a blend of Dominican folkloric styles and pop influences that includes bachata, samba, reggae, punk and R&B, all filtered through a uniquely New York sensibility. The group's mix of sweet vocals, accordion, guitar, traditional percussion and electric bass sparks high-energy riffs and romantic balladry that eludes the pigeonhole of genre in favor of genuine human connection. The social justice-inspired collective of Dominican-American musicians celebrates the forthcoming release of their newest album with a night of fresh jams and good times, featuring music by DJ Bembona.
Lakou Mizik is a powerhouse collective of Haitian roots music with a soulful energy and a mix of styles that feels mystical and familiar at the same time. While entirely unique in sound, Lakou Mizik pays homage to the Haitian accordion traditions of Twoubadou (from "troubadour," music inspired by guajiro traditions of Cuba that were brought back by Haitian migrant laborers and performed by a singer-composer who sings about the bitterness and humor of love), and Kontradans/Contredanse (18th-century European social dances strongly influenced by African musical sensibilities and movement and musical vocabulary). In the wake of Haiti’s devastating earthquake the band came together to show the world that their country was much more than the sum of headlines that were being shot around the globe. Today with their positive messages and roots revival music, Lakou Mizik has become one of Haiti’s hottest exports and have gained an international following with their critically acclaimed debut album Wa Di Yo and their mystical, soulful, dance party inducing live shows.
Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America is a free outdoor festival that welcomes all New Yorkers to experience the city’s vibrant arts and culture. The series provides a platform for extraordinary artists and serves as a vital outdoor venue for a wide array of New York’s cultural institutions.
