Newark, New
Jersey - Oasis Youth
Steel Pan Ensemble, part of the Oasis Folk Arts Academy program directed
by Bevan Black, proudly held it's first annual holiday celebration this
past Sunday. Parents, family members and well-wishers crowded into
the meeting room/auditorium of the spacious facility that was previously
an area hospital which closed its doors eight years ago. It was
subsequently acquired by Drs. Clyde Pemberton and Trevor Atherley and
put to use as the New United Center, a meeting place for social and
cultural activities for area residents, as they give back to the
community. Pemberton shared some heart-felt words with the
audience, and thanked them for their support of the young people, and
being part of his own dream of community outreach.
The steel
pan ensemble is just part of the community initiative of the folk arts
academy, Black's brainchild. The young pan musicians showcased not
only their talent but knowledge of music theory, with unflinching
responses fielded by two members regarding chromatic scales and the
demonstration of same.
The
renowned Thwaites brothers - Sherwin, Sean and Sheldon are intricately
involved with this youth pan ensemble, and also supported and performed
with the pannists at the show. Now - in Newark, New Jersey - there
has been a critical community outreach via the steelpan art form through
the combined efforts of the Thwaites' Pan United Youth Movement
initiative and Black's folk arts academy. Sherwin and Sean
Thwaites, both Berkeley School of Music graduates, are Pan United's
musical directors. At their New Jersey center they are ably
assisted by Julien Cross affectionately known to all as 'Uncle Larry."
The holiday show featured several pan performances; two short
but beautiful dances were performed by two individuals who were also pan
players, and a poetry recital was also featured, illustrating the
diverse cultural and artistic activities available at the folk arts
academy. 'Uncle Larry' got to put aside his duties as Master of
Ceremonies for a short while when he joined New Jersey Steel Rhythms on
stage on double guitars. Other program participants included but
were not limited to the very competent Mistress of Ceremonies Charlene
Romano, and Ras Shaka I who imparted 'Words of Wisdom' to the audience
during the event.
Vocalist
Sabreen Staples joined the Oasis Youth Steel Pan Ensemble for a special
rendition of the Alicia Keys' hit If I Ain’t Got You. The
audience was again treated to Staples' powerful vocal talents further
along in the show when she joined the Thwaites family on stage toward
the end of the program.
There was
no discernible dissent by the crowd despite the one-hour delay in the
start of events. Proud mamas, papas, aunties, uncles and the like
clearly enjoyed every moment of the four-hour show which ended around
9:00 PM with an encore performance by the Oasis youth steel pan
ensemble. They rose superbly to the occasion with a repeat
performance of Pan In 'A' Minor, Trini To The Bone, and
Militant's Passion. The audience crowded around the
youngsters and danced as they prepared to leave.
There is no doubt of this event's resounding success. From the response
to this inaugural holiday showcase, academy director Bevan Black may
have to choose a more spacious area within the facilities for next
year's show, to accommodate everyone wishing to attend. This
year's holiday affair was extremely well-attended, with all available
seating taken. The news is sure to spread and interest will grow,
as more youngsters in the community become involved in the activities of
the Oasis Folk Arts Academy, especially that of its Youth Steel Pan
Ensemble.
Click here for
Oasis Youth Steel Pan Ensemble
Live At Stage 2 >>
click here
Pan United Youth Movement may be contacted at
PanUnited4youth@hotmail.com
or www.PanUnited.org
C. Phillips, Basement
Press Corp.
©2005 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved
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