Every Tuesday night for 15 years now, lovers of Haitian culture gather under strobe lights at a Lower East Side rooftop lounge to dance to kompa music from a variety of DJs. But there is a lot more than dancing going on. The event, called Kompa Tuesdays at The DL on Delancey St., also serves a a hub for people to network while chowing down on Haitian specialties like a fritay platter or a griot sandwich of fried pork wedged between fried plantains. “I just wanted Haitians and non-Haitians, just kompa lovers, anyone who is curious about the culture, to have a place to get a feel and taste,” said Fred Lherisson, who also goes by the name Freddy Boom Boom, a sales executive who founded Kompa Tuesdays 15 years ago. “For those who are not party people, this is an opportunity to connect, to network. That component is important.” Nicholas Williams / New York Daily NewsKompa Tuesdays founder Fred Lherisson. (Nicholas Williams / New York Daily News) Kompa, also known as konpa or compa, is a Haitian music genre, created in the 1950s largely by musician Nemours Jean-Baptiste. The music incorporates instruments including tanbou, congas, electric guitars and trumpets. Kompa is also an intimate style of dancing inspired by the music that emphasizes slow paced rhythmic hip movement between two people. “It’s romantic, it’s sensual and just a beautiful dance,” Lherisson said. “Kompa music represents so many things. Dance is a form of expression, and I wanted people to come here and express themselves in the form of dance while they connect with like-minded people.” Lherisson, who was born in New York City to Haitian parents, was motivated to start Kompa Tuesdays to make up for what he saw as a lack of social spaces highlighting the nation’s culture. He also wanted to address the dearth of nightlife options on Tuesdays. Nicholas Williams / New York Daily NewsKompa Tuesdays is a Manhattan social gathering and networking space that celebrates Haitian music, culture and food. (Nicholas Williams / New York Daily News) New York City has about 150,000 Haitian-American residents, second in size only to Florida’s community, according to Neilsburg Research. “We want to strengthen and empower the Haitian community. Knowledge is power, but who you know matters, too. If you start here and a year later your network hasn’t expanded, you’re doing something wrong,” Lherisson said. “We have collaborations with some strong organizations out there. Haitian American Nurses Association, Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York. We give people the opportunity to connect and advance their careers.” Kompa Tuesdays celebrated their 15th anniversary last month and a mayoral certificate of recognition. Nicholas Williams / New York Daily NewsKompa Tuesdays founder Fred Lherisson, center, is pictured with coworkers at the event. (Nicholas Williams / New York Daily News) “It’s not just regular nightlife, you get to meet people within the community, people who are curious to the community and connect,” Ernest Barionnette, 51, who works in law enforcement said. “You meet new folks, and you see how small the world can be. There’s promoters, entrepreneurs, nurses that come by.” “It’s not just Haitian people, you get Panamanians, Caucasians, and it’s a mix of different cultures. It’s a great vibe,” said Dany Syd, 45, who has been a regular for 10 years. “I’m a nurse practitioner. I’ve met other nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and I recognize other people who recognize me from the job.” The event draws about 200 people weekly. “If you dress well, you’re not going to be out of place,” said attendee Peter Barnes, a director. “People are very welcoming. There’s a good enthusiasm … I came for the music and dancing … It’s a good mix of socializing, partying and a safe space for the Haitian community.” Lherisson said that he is aiming to launch Kompa Tuesdays in Miami. “People work all week and Tuesdays, this is the way I relieve stress,” Lherisson said. “Fifteen years of this event shows how necessary this event is.” ...read more read less