words and pictures by Brian Solis
I have to admit that I’m listening to Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant while I write this post.
Wyclef Jean is someone who moves me musically, philosophically, and personally. His story from Haiti to the Fugees to producer to global superstar to humanitarian is nothing short of amazing and inspirational. His message is humbling and humanizing.
I had the privilege this week to attend a private show hosted by Pereira & O’Dell during ad:tech (thank you Cathy Brooks) at the Barrel House in SF.
Surely someone of Wyclef’s status could have simply played a few songs and then scurried off into a limo to enjoy the remainder of the night with his entourage – it was certainly hot enough in the venue to motivate him to keep it short. Instead, he invested his time, passion, and energy into creating a memorable experience for everyone by playing almost every song he’s ever written, moving the dancefloor as DJ, and finally mingling with guests after the show. If you didn’t know any better, you would swear this was his most important and personal show ever.
Wyclef dedicated the evening to the Yele Haiti foundation, an organization that creates small-scale, manageable and replicable projects to contribute to Haiti’s long-term progress. Each initiative is imbued with Wyclef’s passion, as Yéle Haiti’s founder. Whether utilizing local hip-hop musicians to deliver awareness messages in forgotten neighborhoods or bringing his famous friends to Haiti to support the movement, what Wyclef radiates is profound wishes for the country. Each of Yéle’s projects is conceived to renew hope for Haitians to rebuild their nation. Please help if you can.
I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…
Wyclef sends his first tweet with the help of Chris Sacca
Wyclef sends his first tweet with the help of Chris Sacca
Smoke break
Sharing the love
Cooling off the crowd
Picture of a picture
For more pictures from the Wyclef performance, please visit my album on flickr.
Please see the SF Weekly for additional coverage.
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