Alan Cave and Kaï Ignite LK Lounge

By Moses St Louis

Brooklyn, August 2nd, 2025. When LK Lounge announced its first-ever live band night, the buzz was instant. Alan Cave making his debut at the venue took things to another level, turning the grand opening into a hotspot for fans ready to sing, dance, and celebrate their favorite hits.

Energy filled the room as the crowd matched Alan word for word, barely letting him lead the show. From the start, it was clear—this wasn’t just another “bal”. Alan delivered hit after hit, and the reaction to “J’ai Version De Toi” proved just how deep his connection runs with HMI fans.

Minor tech hiccups couldn’t slow anyone down. The audience showed up for a party and gave back every bit of excitement the stage had to offer. Ultimately, LK Lounge’s first band night set a bold new bar, leaving everyone craving the next big moment.

Alan Cave: A Living Legend in Haitian Music Industry (HMI)

When talking about true icons in Haitian music, Alan Cave always jumps to mind. His name carries weight at every HMI gathering and club night from New York to Miami. Fans know his voice instantly and connect with his songs, making him one of the rare performers whose catalog holds up whether you hear it in a packed lounge or on a quiet night at home. Let’s take a closer look at why Alan Cave holds such a special place in the HMI, and why fans treat him like living royalty whenever he hits the stage.

From the band Zin to Icon: Alan Cave’s Musical Journey

Alan Cave’s path to legend status wasn’t overnight. Starting with the groundbreaking group Zin in the late 1980s, he set a new standard for konpa music. Zin blended smooth grooves with catchy melodies, turning heads with every release. Alan’s soulful voice stood at the center, giving the band a signature sound that made dancing unavoidable and heartbreak sound beautiful.

After Zin, Alan launched a solo career that only grew his legend. He released hit after hit, keeping crowds hooked and dance floors packed. Songs like “Se Pa Pou Dat,” “J’ai Version De Toi,” and “Ma Rose” became instant favorites. Each track showed his gift for storytelling—love, heartbreak, hope, and fun—all wrapped up in danceable beats.

Fans and other musicians regularly call him “the best hitmaker in the HMI. Period.” That’s because Alan isn’t just talented, he’s consistent. He produces anthems that stick in your head for years. When you see a crowd sing every word at his shows, it’s clear how deep his influence goes.

Many artists have fans, but Alan has a loyal following that treats him like part of the family. Whether he’s on stage at an upscale lounge or dropping a new single, the excitement never fades. In the HMI, Alan Cave isn’t just a performer—he’s part of the soundtrack to people’s lives.

LK Lounge set out to do something special and delivered a night the local music scene will remember. This wasn’t just a typical event on the entertainment calendar. It was the first time the club welcomed a live band since its grand opening, and it couldn’t have chosen a better artist to mark this chapter than Alan Cave. From the first song, it was clear something big was happening. The evening turned into a full-on celebration for fans, setting a new standard for nightlife in the area.

This event signaled that LK Lounge isn’t afraid to push boundaries or set trends. Locals now have a spot known for more than just good drinks, but also for bringing big-name talent into an intimate, up-close setting.

As Alan walked on stage, the energy shot up another level. His charisma filled the room, but so did the voices of fans who joined every song. “J’ai Version De Toi” brought the wildest cheers of the night, with many in the crowd taking the lead vocals themselves. In the end, the line between performer and audience vanished, turning a simple “ba” into a shared celebration that everyone will talk about.

Fans came to celebrate, and Alan Cave gave them the ultimate reason to do just that. He wasted no time, jumping straight into a setlist packed with hits that have defined kompa music for decades. The atmosphere buzzed with shared excitement, and each song pushed the energy even higher. Every classic, every chorus, every beat felt personal—like Alan was singing for every person in the crowd. The room became a sea of voices and waving hands as each familiar intro brought loud cheers. At LK Lounge’s first ever live band night, Alan delivered a set that felt both fresh and timeless, confirming why people call him the top hitmaker in HMI.

Alan Cave worked the stage, but this show felt like a true team effort. The audience came determined to be a part of every song—not as background noise but as co-performers. Whenever a hit began, fans didn’t just listen—they joined in, forming a wall of sound that filled the lounge. It was like a jam session between old friends.

This crowd knew every word, every chorus, every ad-lib. At times, Alan stood back and let the fans lead, grinning as hundreds of voices blended with his. The effect was electric.

It’s rare for an artist to inspire this kind of loyalty—a sea of fans working just as hard as the person on stage. That bond made this night stand out as more than a typical “bal”. It turned into a shared celebration where everyone played a part.

DJ Heavy Interludes: Keeping the Party Alive

While Alan Cave ends his set and turn over to Kaï,  DJ Heavy refused to let the atmosphere drop even a notch. Every break kept the party going strong. DJ Heavy spun HMI favorites and surprise throwbacks that kept spirits high, never giving the room a chance to cool off.

he played a crucial role in stitching every part of the night together. By keeping feet moving and voices engaged, he made sure the vibe didn’t dip for a second. Fans came for Alan Cave and Kaï but left talking about the night as a whole, where every moment—live or from the DJ booth—felt like a headline act.

Kaï’s Performance: From Powerhouse Opener to Fan-Favorite Moments

Right after the buzz of Alan Cave’s set, Kaï took the stage and flipped the energy switch all over again. Stepping out as the opener for such a landmark night was no easy task, but Kaï came prepared and started out swinging. With hits lined up and a crowd already fired up, the band made sure their set would not be forgotten.

Kaï launched into their show with “Ill Yayad,” signaling right away that they were not here for background noise. They came out in true concert mode, hitting every note with passion and getting the room hooked from the jump.

For years, New Yorkers have wanted a band they could call their own. While the city’s pride runs deep, in recent years local fans have warmed up to acts from outside, and Kaï seized the chance—showing they could easily be NY’s go-to HMI band if anyone’s keeping track. Their energy matched the size of the moment.

If the audience needed any more proof that Kaï could work a room, it came fast. Their second song, “Malad,” kept the crowd in motion, giving everyone another reason to dance and shout along. By the third track, “Kriminèl,” Kaï locked in with fans who already knew every word. This smooth start made it clear the band came for more than a warm-up slot—they wanted to set their own mark on the night.

Midway through their performance, Kaï pulled back and brought a gentler vibe with “Por Favor.” Slowing things down gave everyone a few minutes to catch their breath, but it also offered a new mood that balanced out the high-energy opener. The softer tempo felt like a quick reset, helping the crowd connect with the music in a whole new way.

Putting a slower song in the middle of a party set can be tough, but Kaï pulled it off perfectly, proving they have more than just dance-floor bangers up their sleeve.

Even with the wins on stage, it wasn’t just the music that caught people’s attention. You could feel there’s room for the staff—and the LK Lounge management—to tighten things up. Both the management and club staff sometimes seemed uncertain about their roles. At times, it looked like there was no clear “captain of the ship.”

Consistency and clear routines could push future shows from good to great. When staff and venue management both know and trust their system, the whole experience levels up for everyone.

Points the management team should consider:

• Develop a strong plan for every live event, not just “wing it.”

• Assign clear roles before, during, and after the show so both staff and management know what to expect.

• Keep communication open to avoid confusion on the floor.

LK Lounge set the perfect scene for a night everyone remembers. The space feels modern but with enough warmth to keep things comfortable, whether you’re there to listen or ready to go all in on the dance floor. For a first live band event, the club transformed itself to make both old and new fans feel welcome and part of something fresh.

Stepping inside, the vibe says celebration from the jump. LK Lounge isn’t just about flashy lights or oversized speakers. It has the kind of layout where every seat feels close to the action. Guests can grab a drink and enjoy an open view of the stage whether they’re near the front or hanging back by the bar.

Even with a full crowd, the space avoided feeling cramped. Kind staff kept foot traffic flowing, and guests had enough elbow room to party without bumping into everyone.

LK Lounge’s management came in ready to host a next-level event, but there’s still space to tighten up the game plan. Throughout the night, you could spot staff checking in with guests and making sure they had what they needed. Still, with a packed house and the crew juggling everything, it sometimes looked a bit frantic.

A few things stood out:

• Some team members seemed unsure about their specific jobs. There were moments when staff hustled back and forth, looking for direction.

• DJ Esalar noticed this, too, pointing out the need for the team to move together, not in circles.

• Attention to the details is key for smooth events, especially as live music becomes a regular thing.

For future shows, it would help if each manager and staff member clearly knew their role, making the whole operation tighter and more relaxed for everyone.

One thing that set LK Lounge apart on this night was the clear popularity of hookah. Unlike your typical club, where bottles drive drink sales, hookah won the night here. At any moment, you could spot clouds from nearly every table, and the aroma drifted through the lounge.

This brought up a concern worth considering for the future—air quality. For non-smokers, or anyone with asthma, it wasn’t always easy to breathe. Many guests (myself included) found themselves coughing now and then. It’s not just an LK Lounge issue; lots of venues overlook the need for a hookah-free section, but it’s time for a change.

Hookah sold out more than bottles: The crowd was there to enjoy, not overdo it with drinks, but clouds of smoke dominated the air. Mixed comfort levels: Some loved it, but others had to step outside or struggle to keep up with the haze. A simple fix: Create a dedicated zone where guests who want fresh air can still enjoy every minute of the event.

That way, everyone wins—hookah fans and those who need a break from the smoke. It’s about making sure everyone, no matter their preference or health needs, leaves with good memories and a clear head.

What LK Lounge nailed was making a big event feel special but still approachable. The combination of thoughtful design, eager staff, and a lively crowd gave fans room to be themselves. Yes, a few tweaks are needed for air and floor organization, but the bones are strong. With every show, it’s only going to get better.

If management keeps listening and making these small changes, LK Lounge isn’t just going to host great events—it’s going to set the new standard for HMI nights in Brooklyn.

Alan Cave and Kaï’s debut at LK Lounge wasn’t just a show, it turned into a full-out celebration. Fans sang their hearts out and made each hit bigger, matching Alan and Richard’s energy from start to finish. The club’s move to host its first live band night paid off, proving just how powerful real connection can be when a crowd and artist meet in the same moment. That simple formula—great music, a bold venue, and a room packed with people ready to party—set a new mark for live Haitian music in Brooklyn.

I report, you decide