NoMad Jazz Festival: The KongoNola Project: Presented by Goussy Célestin’s Ayiti Brass

Madison Square Park

This interactive three-part experience, led by Goussy Célestin and her 8-piece AyitiBrass ensemble, invites families into a celebration of jazz, rhythm, and Haitian tradition. Blending classic jazz standards with original compositions, the performance highlights the musical ties between New Orleans Second Line and Haitian Rara, brought to life with horns, traditional Haitian wind instruments, and call-and-response grooves. A lively dance segment follows, with professional dancers leading simple, fun movements for all ages. The experience wraps with a hands-on workshop where kids create their own instruments from recycled materials and small percussion instruments, then join the band in a group jam session that captures the creative, participatory spirit of jazz.