Horns for Haiti fundraiser at Caffe Lena
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Haitian music and Caribbean cuisine will be the focus of an upcoming local fundraiser to benefit the charitable efforts of Horns For Haiti.
Traditional Haitian roots band Chouk Bwa will perform at 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Caffe Lena in downtown Saratoga Springs, following a 6 p.m. dinner featuring an array of authentic Caribbean hot dishes prepared by Vashti’s Kitchen Delights.
Proceeds from the event will go to Horns for Haiti, a Saratoga Springs-based non-profit organization that brings music to the people of the island nation.
For almost three decades, Bill Cole, the proprietor of Saratoga Springs music emporium Cole’s Woodwind Shop, has donated used saxophones, clarinets and other musical instruments to communities in Haiti.
Four years ago, Cole learned that many of the instruments had fallen into disrepair. He began traveling to the Caribbean nation a few times each year to not only repair the instruments but, more importantly, to teach the young people of two mountainous villages a new trade: musical instrument repair.
Cole’s first students are now teaching others. And so was born the brand new non-profit organization Horns For Haiti.
Cole began his outreach under the umbrella of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Troy’s “Empire Haiti Coalition.” But in the summer of 2019, with a growing number of customers wanting to support his work, Cole launched the independent charity Horns For Haiti.
“In April, 2016 I traveled to Haiti for the first time to do a two day instrumental repair seminar at the St. Esprit (Holy Spirit) School in Lascahobas,” Cole shared in a press release. “To no surprise I found the people there are people in need. But instead of finding despair and sadness I found hope and happiness at the school and church in this mountain town. In fact, I discovered Haitian treasure….their youth! The six young men who participated in my workshop, along with their maestro and translator, were bright and engaging. It was one of the most successful workshops I’ve ever done. Now, Horns For Haiti plans at least two trips per year to Haiti.”
Saratoga Springs concert venue Caffe Lena, located upstairs from Cole’s shop, is lending support to their neighbor’s charitable work.
“When I got the opportunity to host Chouk Bwa, a spirited seven-piece folk music ensemble from rural Haiti, I reached out to Bill,” Caffe Lena executive director Sarah Craig said in the release. “The band was delighted to learn about Horns for Haiti and agreed to join us for a fundraising dinner prior to their show. The opportunity to share a meal together will add a great deal to this wonderful cultural experience.”
The $25 dinner ticket will support the work of Horns For Haiti. Cole will present a slideshow that illustrates the impact of his work on young Haitian musicians. Members of Chouk Bwa will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences as musicians in Haiti.
“Since travel to Haiti has been difficult as of late, it’s wonderful to bring authentic Haitian music to the heart of Saratoga Springs,” Cole said in the release. “To date, our fundraising efforts have been directed to helping the people of Haiti through music. But on November 8th, thanks to Caffe Lena, we will celebrate the rich culture of the Haitian people right here in Saratoga Springs.”
Attendees are encouraged to stay for the 8 p.m. Chouk Bwa concert for an additional $20.
Tickets for the dinner are available at Cole’s Woodwind Shop at 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs.
Dinner and concert tickets are available online at www. CaffeLena.org.