This event is free and open to the public.

Quisqueya is the precolonial term used by Indigenous Taíno people to refer to the island that would later be called Hispaniola, and which today hosts the two modern nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This name, Quisqueya, refers to the island as a whole and connotes shared lands, shared histories, and shared traditions. This musical conversation, with New Orleans-based Haitian-American artist Leyla McCalla and New York-based Dominican artist Yasser Tejeda, and guided by Professor Nathalie Joachim, will feature discussions of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions, such as Haitian rara and Dominican palo, and meditations on how the artists mesh them with jazz, rock, and other genres to create unique sounds. The conversation will feature interspersed musical performances by each artist.

Join us in welcoming these world-renowned musicians to campus to discuss the musical traditions of Quisqueya, and the experience of practicing those traditions in the United States. 

What critics are saying: 

On Leyla McCalla’s album Breaking the Thermometer:

“One of 2022’s most compelling albums… A historical journey that honors a nation born in revolution and still fighting.” - Ann Powers, NPR

“An ambitious, accomplished piece of work.” - Neil Spencer, The Guardian

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On Yasser Tejeda’s album La Madrugá:

“A masterful musical statement that incorporates jazz, rock, folk music, traditional and contemporary African music, all on top of rhythms from both…the Dominican Republic and Haiti.” - Felix Contreras, NPR

“Se distingue por sus mezclas de soul, R&B, guitarra congolesa, y armonías de jazz.” - Diario Libre

PARKING INFORMATION:

Free visitor parking will be available after 4pm in Princeton University Lots 20, 28, and 10 (map). These parking locations are about 10-15 minutes (walking) from Taplin Auditorium. 

Parking outside of university lots is managed by the Municipality of Princeton.