I am Lois, and I blog on behalf of La Troupe Makandal. As you walk through our virtual space, you’ll note that a collective of performing artists who specialize in the classic drumming and dance traditions of Haiti constitute Makandal. We use these traditions to educate and enlighten the public about what most see as “the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.” By virtue of her culture and spirit, Haiti is the wealthiest.

I do this because thirty-four years ago I met a spectacular, and deeply spiritual drummer named Frisner Augustin. He transformed my life, and together we created and ran Makandal. Frisner passed over to the other side three years ago. I’ve spent the time since his passing trying to figure out if and how I should continue to steer Makandal. A blog has the potential to clarify my ideas.

My woefully few posts to date promote current Makandal events, usually performances. But a persistent little bird (Frisner?) tells me I can achieve more by going beyond the practical. I can write about the exquisite people who inhabit my Makandal universe, I can take the reader out dancing, I can share powerful true stories that link music and the spirit.

I am Lois, and I blog on behalf of La Troupe Makandal. I welcome your feedback.

Featured image: Lois and Frisner at the Third Street Music School, June 1983
Photo by Chantal Regnault