Reconnecting with his musical uncle
His talented uncle and godfather died three decades ago, but pianist Yanatha Desouvre has reconnected — himself and music fans — with late Haitian classical guitarist Daniel Charles Coulanges through a newly released recording.
A duet performance of the classic “Ne Me Quitte Pas” (Don’t Leave Me”) — featuring the late Coulanges and his nephew Desouvre — is part of “World Finest,” a new 18-track album highlighting works by Coulanges.
Haiti-born Desouvre was just 11 when he last saw his accomplished classical guitar-playing uncle alive. But Coulanges’ works, talent and spirit have been revived in this duet, featuring rare footage of the late musician.
In 2016, Desouvre — who was raised in Brooklyn and moved to Miami — received a package from France containing a videotape of Coulanges performing musical tunes, including an unaccompanied classical guitar adaption of “Ne Me Quitte Pas.” Coulanges died of HIV/AIDS in 1989. He was 28.
“When I saw the video, with each guitar string my godfather plucked, I cried and cried,” recalled Desouvre. “With my uncle’s newly found music I was able to record and produce an album and a multigenerational duet.”
The 1950s Jacques Brel tune was previously recorded in America by Nina Simone, Wyclef Jean, Celine Dion and others.
Pledges were sent to the fund-raising Indiegogo website to create the album, which was released in April.
Desouvre, executive producer for the project, said the recording was made at the University of Miami Frost School of Music L. Austin Weeks Recording Studio.
To buy the album, visit yanatha.com. The album is also available on Apple Music, Amazon and other services.
All proceeds from the album sales and donations will go toward establishing and funding the Daniel Coulanges Memorial Scholarship Fund, said Desouvre.
Guyana patriotic concert
The music of Valerie Rodway — known as Guyana’s greatest composer of national and patriotic songs — will be featured in a benefit concert in Brooklyn on Aug. 25 at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 331 Hawthorne St.
The concert is a benefit for the Guyana Cultural Association, which is presenting the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the educator-composer’s birth. Church choirs scheduled to perform include St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, New Life Center of Truth, Restoration Temple Assembly of God Church, Victory Assembly of God, the Church of St. John the Evangelist, Union United Methodist Church and St. George’s Cathedral, Guyana.
The concert will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit eventbrite.com and search for “Valerie Rodway Centenary Concert.” Call (718) 209-5207.
VP celebrates at SummerStage
VP Records continues its 40th anniversary celebration with a free concert at Central Park’s SummerStage entertainment series next Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Former Black Uhuru vocalist Junior Reid, Grammy-winning English singer Estelle, “Pon di River” singer Elephant Man and the Grammy-nominated roots-rock-reggae Raging Fyah band are the special lineup during VP’s very special year.
The SummerStage shows are held at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield — located off Fifth Ave. near the E. 69th St. entrance to the park. Visit summerstage.org for information.
Immigrants’ art exhibit
“In Our Own Words” — a wide-ranging art exhibition bringing “multifaceted immigrant perspectives to the foreground while challenging narratives imposed by the dominant culture”— Is on display in Brooklyn at the Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Ave., through Aug. 31.
Co-curated by Larry Weekes and Rey Naldo, featured artists in the exhibition include Pamella Allen, Doba Afolabi, Kennis Baptiste, Chandelle Carter, Odette Chavez, Francks Deceus, Adriana Garcia, Lisa Harris. Julia Justo, Watson Mere, Donovan Nelson, Claudia Reyes and Ava Tomlison.
For information, call (718) 756-5250, ext. 300, or send email to info@weeksvillesociety.org
A truly ‘Great Adventure’
Bassment Entertainment is presenting performers Machel Montano, Aidonia, Skinny Fabulous, Elephant Man, Nadia Batson and Tedddyson John in a special show at Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari Park in Jackson, N.J., on Aug. 18.
All this music, free amusement rides and access to the Wild Safari are the attractions for the family event.
The bus leaves from Caribbean Power Jam Radio, 169 Remsen Ave. (at E. 53rd St.) in Brooklyn, at 10 a.m.
For tickets and information, visit eventbrite.com and search for “Six Flags Caribbean Concert Series Bus Ride.”
For more information, call (917) 5247163 or send email Events@BassmentEntertainment.com.