BLUME Haiti in Miami!
January 30, 2026

Born in Haiti into a family of classical musicians, soprano and researcher Karine Margron learned to play the piano and sing at an early age. Sixteen years spent with the Voix et Harmonie choir gave her access to a rich repertoire of Haitian songs. Six years in the field throughout the country allowed her to deepen her research in folk music. She then continued her vocal training in Florida with tenor Curtis Abrahamson. In 2008, she used her expertise in graphic design, publishing and marketing to realize her project Chansons d'Haïti for the safeguarding and dissemination of Haitian songs. With the collaboration of Haitian composer Julio Racine, she published 11 volumes containing the scores of Haitian songs for voice and piano, or voice and guitar/keyboard. As well as several folk songs arrangements by Julio Racine for string orchestra. 

Roosevelt Fleurinord, a pianist born in Haiti, was trained by distinguished figures of the piano world. He traveled to Switzerland to study with Professor Morceau Wroy. Upon returning to Haiti, he continued his piano studies with Micheline Dalencourt and Micheline Denis. He also studied violin with Professor Yvrose Philippe Auguste at the Vision Nouvelle School. For five years, he served as a piano instructor at the Sainte-Trinité School of Music, while also performing as a member of its philharmonic orchestra. 

Alongside his artistic career, he pursued studies in Music Business at Florida Atlantic University, where he founded his own record label, The Earlier the Better. An active performer, he has taken part in numerous concerts, recitals, and music camps. His musical universe spans a wide range of styles, from classical music to jazz, as well as Latin, roots, Creole, Afro-Cuban, and popular music. 

Melvin Butler is Chair and Associate Professor of Musicology at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where he also serves as Academic Ombudsperson in the Office of the Provost. A scholar-performer with deep ties to Haiti, Dr. Butler has conducted field research on music and religion across the African diaspora and has volunteered many times in Haiti, teaching at the Holy Trinity Music School, the Dessaix-Baptiste Music School, and numerous other music programs across the country. 

An internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, he has performed for over two decades with Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band and appears on multiple acclaimed and Grammy-recognized recordings. He has also toured and recorded with the legendary Haitian band Tabou Combo, bringing Haitian music to audiences throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean 

Janet Anthony is a cellist, educator, and arts advocate whose relationship with Haiti spans three decades. The first holder of the George and Marjorie Olsen Chandler Chair in Music, she spent 34 years on the faculty of Lawrence University, where she performed internationally and mentored generations of students. Beginning with her first visit to Haiti in 1996, more than 70 Lawrence University students accompanied her over the years to teach and learn alongside Haitian musicians, forging deep, lasting relationships rooted in mutual respect and exchange. 

In the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake, she co-founded BLUME Haiti in response to the urgent calls of Haitian partners for sustained support for music education. She now serves as Executive Director, working in close collaboration with Haitian educators, community leaders, and the Haitian diaspora to expand access to music education, build local capacity, and invest in the leadership of young musicians across Haiti.