Youth gather in Parc de Lafayette for performance celebrating electronic music and dance.
Parc de Lafayette Jam presented its ninth year as part of Festival International de Louisiane Friday night. This intimate stage is home to the event that features music by DJs mixing in their purest form combined with the talents of dancers. You won't find washboards, fiddles and accordions on this stage, but rather two turn tables and a microphone.
This year's event featured DJ Prima, DJ Digital, DJ Andino, DJ Funky Mojo and DJ Agent Downbeat. An additional performance by a funk band named Machete and Desert Shadows Belly Dancers were also in the lineup. None of this would be possible without the passion of Terrance Morgan who coordinates the event. Morgan had a vision for the Jam after attending Festival years ago and became inspired to be part of the festivities by showcasing a different style of performance not yet featured.
Today his vision is still alive and growing. The music genre presented is hard to define into one category, but mostly a blend of electronic, rare funk and classics like Michael Jackson and James Brown. When mixed together, they create a unique sound that attracts a younger generation not always familiar with the history of the sounds. "We are creating music with music. It's like a festival within Festival," DJ Digital says. That's the bottom line.
These artists have an appreciation for those who have come before them and are able to take the sounds they have a passion for and create new ones reflecting a modern vibe with a classic twist. New and old merge and the sound is epic. The energy can be felt throughout as everyone present seems to have a sense of appreciation for the art created on stage by joining in break-dancing on a linoleum floor in the middle of the Parc. This space normally features only the sound of a tranquil waterfall, but this night it was alive with lights, sounds, and a joie de vivre.
Photos by Robin May
DJ Funky Mojo showcasing his musical works
Crowds fill Parc de Lafayette on Friday during Festival International
DJ Andino mixing groove and electronic sounds
"Bboy-ade Ahmed" exudes the spirit of Parc de Lafayette Jam
Festival goers gather around freestyle dancers
Ryan Johnnie break dancing at Parc de Lafayette Jam
DJ Agent Downbeat gets the crowd on their feet