Festival International de Jazz de Port-au-Prince

The Haitian International Jazz Festival was co founded by Joel Widmaier and Paul Levy seeking to promote the unique form of Haitian jazz. The best musicians from Haiti and their international family of jazz musicians showcase their talents. Haiti uniquely draws on the musical traditions of Latin America, Africa, North American and Europe. The program features concerts in the open air and gigs in a club setting that continue on after hours. At the 2008 edition the festival expanded to include more bands with embassies sending bands to represent Brazil, the US, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Spain, Switzerland, France. Haiti’s representatives incuded Mushy Widmaier, Les Freres Courtois, Mark Richard, Jowee Omicil, Thurgot Theodat, Richard Barbot Azor, among others. The 2008 edition drew 13,000 Haitians.