A Grand Opening to Remember
Saturday, June 28, marked a monumental evening in Brooklyn’s Haitian Music Industry (HMI) scene with the grand opening of LK Lounge—a dynamic new venue set to become a cultural cornerstone for the community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was more than just a celebration—it was the realization of a dream shared by Robinson K Joseph Sr., Robinson K Joseph Jr., and Gary Maurent, and the latest symbol of Haitian pride and progress in New York.
Elected officials, community leaders, artists, and HMI influencers gathered to inaugurate the lounge, marking the beginning of a new era in entertainment and community building. The evening reflected the spirit of resilience and togetherness that defines Brooklyn’s Haitian population.
Brooklyn Comes Out in Support
From City Council members Farah Louis (45th District) and Rita Joseph (46th District) to notable promoters and entertainers, the turnout was nothing short of spectacular. The venue quickly filled with buzzing conversation, laughter, and music as people from every corner of the Haitian cultural spectrum came together.
The event was a networking haven and cultural celebration rolled into one, attended by prominent figures such as Richard Urbun, Moses St. Louis, Karl Bently, Gary Sylvain, and media personalities, partygoers, and many music enthusiasts, including Cisco the Bash, Quel Affaire, and Pe Gigit.
HMI stars graced the room as well—King Kino, Stanley Toussaint, Shabba, Clinton Benoit, Tony Mix, Wanito, Emmery, Jeanmax Valcourt, and the Ti Youri’s backup crew were all in attendance, offering their support to what is already being hailed as a landmark venue for Haitian music and nightlife in New York.
Reclaiming History, Reimagining the Future
Located at 1819 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, in the former site of the legendary Club Venus—an iconic name from Brooklyn’s 1990s nightlife—LK Lounge reclaims a space that once pulsed with cultural energy and now breathes new life into it. According to Philippe Saint Louis, who hosted the night, LK Lounge is “on a different level.” With its elegant decor, stellar service, and immersive atmosphere, the venue impressed even the most seasoned of eventgoers.
Live music and DJ sets kept the crowd energized well into the night, while a spread of delicious Haitian hors d’oeuvres offered a flavorful reminder of home. For many, it wasn’t just about the music or the ambiance—it was about being part of something bigger: a vibrant and growing cultural movement.
A Cultural Home for All
The founders envisioned LK Lounge as a welcoming space for families, friends, and new connections—a place where Haitian identity could be celebrated in all its richness. That vision has taken root. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or discovering the scene for the first time, LK Lounge promises to be a hub of culture, creativity, and community.
As the HMI Magazine witnessed firsthand, the energy, warmth, and unity that filled the room on opening night are just the beginning. Brooklyn’s Haitian community has a powerful new gathering place—and with every event, performance, and shared moment at LK Lounge, the legacy of Haitian culture in New York grows even stronger.
LK Lounge is not just a venue. It’s a vision come to life. And it’s here to stay.
