Miami Reggae Legend Jean P. Jam Kicks Off New Live Music Series at Lakou

In Haitian culture the lakou looms large: It is the communal space where neighbors and families not only share meals and music and rituals and celebrations but also the space in which they forge closer bonds and offer mutual support.

And now, nestled across the street from the Villain Theater in Little Haiti, Miami has its own Lakou — a rising multifunctional space dedicated to the "convergence of art, food, and cultural expression" which kicks off its new Saturday night live music series this week with a performance by Miami reggae legend Jean P. Jam.

"There's been a lot of talk about the whole Little River district popping off," Lakou owner Aaron Goldstein tells New Times. "And we just thought there was a good opportunity to pay homage to the big piece in the mosaic of Miami that the Haitian community is. This city has been so influenced by this food and culture, almost by osmosis. We are just trying to create a beautiful space for the essence of that to rise to the surface."

"Miami really is a shared home to so many cultures," General Manager Joseph Jebelean adds. "We just want to be a place where everyone one is invited; where everyone is welcome to showcase their roots and their art and their ideas and learn from one another."
You can see this intent, spirit, and commitment to diversity come to life throughout Lakou’s three distinct yet interconnected hubs: The Kitchen, The Yard, and The Mapou Tree. It’s in the cuisine of celebrated Haitian-born executive chef Davidson D. Destinoble, and in the Caribbean spices and tropical fruits featured in their signature cocktails. (All menu items have Creole translations.) It’s in the local Haitian artist–centered show they hosted during Art Basel last year, as well as the donation-based Sunday morning yoga program. It’s in the Sunday evening jazz sessions. And it’s in the pricing, which is decidedly not South Beach.

The Saturday live music series — which opens with DJ Cavaliere spinning from 6 to 9 p.m. ahead of Jams' set — is designed to be a similar conduit for the concept.
"We're all locals, so Monday nights back in the day at Purdy Lounge run close to our hearts," Goldstein says. "Jean P. Jam was a staple of that night — the master, really. So, it's an honor to bring him back. He's the perfect artist, actually, to launch what we see as a quintessentially Miami venue welcoming local acts of all genres and backgrounds to an intimate atmosphere."

Thursday nights service and events are not far off but for now you can experience Lakou from 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays the venue opens from 10 a.m. to noon and then 5 p.m. to midnight as well.

"Lakou is not just ours; it's yours," Goldstein says. "Come settle in, listen to some amazing music, enjoy some amazing food and cocktails. Just kind of vibe with us and let's see where it takes us."

JP Jamz. 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturday, August 16, at Lakou, 207 NE 59th Street, Miami; lakou.miami. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 day of show at Eventbrite.