I. Introduction
Cadence music, a genre originating from Dominica in the 1970s, blends elements of calypso, Haitian compas, zouk, and traditional African rhythms. The genre gained popularity across the French Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti), parts of Africa, and the wider Caribbean diaspora. Today, Cadence remains a vital part of Caribbean musical heritage, influencing modern genres like zouk and bouyon.
New York City, with its large Haitian, Dominican, and wider Caribbean communities, presents an ideal market for an international Cadence concert. Featuring legendary Cadence artists alongside newer performers, this event will celebrate Francophone and Creole music culture while creating a profitable business venture.
This blueprint provides a step-by-step guide to executing a Cadence concert in NYC, covering market research, venue selection, artist booking, marketing strategies, financial planning, legal considerations, risk management, and post-event evaluation.
Potential headlining artists include Gordon Henderson & Exile One, Ophelia Marie, Midnight Groovers, Kassav’, Tabou Combo, and First Serenade Band, all of whom have been pioneers of Cadence and zouk music. Whether you are an independent promoter or an established event planner, this guide will help you organize a highly successful Cadence concert in NYC.
II. Market Research and Feasibility Study
A. Defining the Target Audience
A successful Cadence concert starts with understanding its key audience:
- Dominican Diaspora – Strong Cadence fan base in Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey.
- Haitian & French-Caribbean Communities – Fans of compas, zouk, and Creole music.
- Francophone Music Enthusiasts – People who enjoy live Creole, compas, and African-influenced rhythms.
- Older Music Lovers (35+ years old) – Cadence music has a nostalgic appeal to an audience that grew up with the genre.
- Younger Festival-Goers & Caribbean Party Enthusiasts – Fans of zouk, soca, and Caribbean music who are open to experiencing Cadence.
To assess demand, event organizers should conduct community outreach, social media polls, and ticket pre-sale campaigns.
B. Analyzing the Competitive Landscape
Cadence concerts in NYC have been rare but well-received, especially among older Caribbean music lovers. Events like:
- Haitian Compas Festivals – Successfully draw large crowds, proving that Francophone Caribbean music has a market.
- Zouk Festivals & Caribbean Cultural Events – Attract diverse audiences, confirming interest in live Creole music.
- West Indian Day Parade (NYC) – 1M+ attendees annually, showing NYC’s strong Caribbean influence.
C. Demand & Viability Analysis
Projected Attendance: 2,500 - 6,000 attendees
Revenue Potential:
- Ticket Sales ($40 - $200 per ticket, including VIP options)
- Corporate Sponsorships (Rum brands, travel agencies, Caribbean banks, etc.)
- Merchandise & Concessions
- VIP & Bottle Service Sales
This demand confirms that a Cadence concert in NYC is both financially viable and culturally significant.
III. Concept Development and Programming
A. Establishing the Event Concept
The event should be positioned as a celebration of Francophone Caribbean rhythms. Possible themes include:
- "Cadence Legends: A Night of Creole Rhythms" – A showcase of legendary Cadence artists.
- "Creole Music Festival NYC" – A multi-artist event blending Cadence, compas, and zouk.
- "Cadence Meets Zouk" – A fusion event featuring classic Cadence and its evolution into zouk.
B. Artist Selection and Booking
Headliners (Global Cadence Music Stars):
- Gordon Henderson & Exile One (Pioneers of Cadence) – $25K - $50K
- Ophelia Marie (Dominica’s "Lady of Song") – $15K - $30K
- Midnight Groovers (Legendary Dominican band) – $20K - $40K
- Tabou Combo (Haitian Compas & Cadence Superstars) – $30K - $50K
Supporting Acts:
- First Serenade Band ($15K - $30K)
- Kassav' (if available) ($50K - $80K)
- Ti-Jean Almont (Creole Folk Artist) ($10K - $20K)
- Jocelyne Béroard (Female zouk icon) ($25K - $40K)
C. Developing the Program Schedule
- Opening DJ Set with Haitian & Dominican Creole Music
- Live Drumming & Traditional Dance Performance
- Supporting Acts (8 PM - 9:30 PM)
- Headline Performances (10 PM - 1 AM)
- All-Star Jam Session Finale