On the evening of February 25th the Alez Haitian Cuisine in Tampa was transformed into a recital venue where several young and aspiring musicians and vocalists from the Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute thrilled the audience.
The Koss Kids, as they are fondly known, are trained at the
renowned Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute in Lutz, Florida. The kids are
mostly from the Pasco County area and are trained to read, write and play music
by Executive Director Greg Koss and several other professional volunteers. The Alez Haitian Cuisine restaurant
is located in the Fletcher Regency Plaza could well have been a specialty
concert hall that night. To top it off, a buffet of Caribbean cuisine was served
as patrons filled the large room. Click this link to see more Koss Kids in action.
Through collaboration with the
Rotary, the Community Foundation and the Alez Haitian Cuisine, about 29 of
the Institute's students ranging from five to nineteen years old performed for the
audience. Students played the guitar, flute, piano, drums, trumpet, saxophone,
violin and several other instruments. Others sang renditions of various popular
songs including their own written and arranged tunes.
The audience loved it all as each artist performed their act.
Although for many, this was their first public performance before a live
audience, they demonstrated strong talent and bravery as they sang and played
their instruments. All of the students were accompanied by at least one adult
family member and they cheered their new found celebrities as they performed on
stage.
The Executive Director, Greg Koss
was elated. He said, "As I looked into the audience while the kids were
performing, I could see how the parents' pride in their children
was exploding as they watched their child perform. You could see the bond between
parent and child strengthening. Two students, Mckayla and Chloe, two 6
year old twins, who sang the theme to the "Lion King" and also
played the piano, enjoyed their experience so much that they just walked right
up on stage an hour after they performed and asked if they could do it
again! They did and they brought the house down!"
Koss added, “What a great evening
for all to watch and witness the abundance of humanity happening between
families and new friendships." He was right. Parents who previously did
not know each other were cheering each other’s kids and chatting in between
sets.
All in all, it was a great
evening and a wonderful occasion. Everyone was pleased with the results. The
Alez Haitian Cuisine now has a new act added to its menu. The restaurant is
located at 1428 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa at the corner of 15th Street in the Fletcher
Regency Plaza. They serve traditional Haitian dishes inspired by island
flavors.
Special thanks to the members of the Rotary, Alez Haitian Cuisine,
the volunteer staff and all who contributed to making this program a success. Ann
Berg of the Community Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the
Institute with new ideas and opportunities. For that, the Executive Director
and his volunteer staff have always expressed their gratitude. The parents of
all the children must also be commended for their support.
We hope that this will not be the
last time that the Koss Kids will perform at the Alez Haitian Cuisine. Apart
from being a perfect venue, it also serves as an inspiration to all kids to explore
their musical talents.
Greg Koss can be contacted at 813-949-6881. You may email Greg Koss at kmcaigreg@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook at Koss Music and Cultural Arts Institute.
Contact Harland Henry at http://www.sunbizshowcasealliance.com for media assistance.
Contact Harland Henry at http://www.sunbizshowcasealliance.com for media assistance.
