What is a Kompa Festival? Haitian music at its best!

June 30, 9:04 AMOrlando Family Recreation ExaminerLisa McDonald

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A unique way to spend Independence Day in Orlando is at the 2nd annual Kompa Fest. Multicultural Promotion and Entertainment group had such a successful first year with the festival they decided to bring it back to celebrate the Haitian community that is prominent in Central Florida. They wish to highlight the city through several festivities which are geared towards tourists, the Diaspora and residents alike, making the Kompa festival just as comparable to any theme park Orlando is most famous for.

"Orlando's Haitian population is amply growing on a yearly basis and these hard working individuals want to reconnect with their culture and their music from time to time without having to travel to Miami, New York, Canada and even Haiti, this is why we wanted to bring a little bit of Haiti here," said Joseph Neptune, one of the organizers.

This year, the Kompa Fest is offering more than just music as entertainment for those who come out. They will be taking advantage of the warm summer weather for the entire weekend of celebration. "We know how much our culture and heritage is surrounded by music and sports lovers, thus this year we have intertwined both favorites and are hosting a Soccer Tournament, alongside the festival," continued Mr. Neptune.

Bands and artists include T-Vice, Djakout Mizik, Carimi, Nu Look, Kreyol La, Baricad Crew, Tempo, Zenglen, Harmonik, Gabel, Hangout, Kontwol La, Bel Rara, Rara Lakay, Revelation, Envangelle, Vites All Stars and many more. Orlando Kompa Fest has a feast of music planned for all those who enjoy the traditional sounds of their culture, as well as those that would love to discover something new.

Kick-Off Parties are as follows: Thursday, July 2, 2009 - Kreyol La & Tempo at Rotary Night 475 S Kirkman Rd Orlando, FL 32811 and Friday, July 3, 2009 Carimi & Djakout Mizik for the first time at the Pegasus Banquet Hall 6394 Silver Star Rd Orlando, FL 32818. The first Soccer Match is between Association Des Journalists Haitian vs Selection Des Musicians Haitians and the Finals on Sunday are against Veteran Force One d'Haiti vs Veteran Munich de '74. The last event will be held on Sunday night July 5, 2009 with T-Vice & Nu Look at Pegasus Banquet Hall 6394 Silver Star Rd Orlando, FL 32818.