New York
- One thing that is certain - current New York
Panorama champion Sonatas Steel Orchestra knows how to organize
a successful steelband launch. Neither rain,
thunder or lightning can stop folks coming to a Sonatas
launch.
In spite of the less than ideal weather earlier on in
the day, folks packed
into the St. Matthew’s gymnasium in Crown Heights to listen to the
lineup of New York steel orchestra heavyweights that
were scheduled to perform at this affair. Indeed,
by comparison the lineup could make many panorama events
blush. In addition to Sonatas, Sesame Flyers,
CASYM, ADLIB, D’Radoes and Pan Ambassadors, also slated to take the stage were
Harmony, Steel Sensation and Steel in Love Pan Groove. Guests Yohan Popwell
and Ken “Professor” Philmore (both arrangers
on the New York pan scene) along with calypsonians Count Robin, Tunapuna Scanty and KD were all scheduled to
entertain as well.
Normally the bands would have congregated to perform in
allocated spots outside the gym in the parking lot area,
with food service only inside. But with the
inclement weather that originally set the tone for the
day, plans changed, but the fine steelpan music display
did not. There was no shortage of steelpan music
lovers as a steady stream made their way through the
door throughout the evening. In keeping with the
season, people also had the opportunity to view costumes
both for Labor Day, and Sonatas’ J’Ouvert band offering
from tables set up for the occasion.
There was absolutely no shortage of talent on this
night. One could feel the excitement in the air as
many fans who had not as yet been out for New York’s
2008 pan season made
themselves present to check the bands. The big
winners on this night were fans and the youth who enjoyed
themselves immensely as the bands played an array of hits that
thrilled the crowd.
Sonatas Steel Orchestra got the show started with a
short set and then turned the reins over to Sesame
Flyers Steel Orchestra who were followed by CASYM. Ken
“Professor” Philmore then
gave the audience a taste of why he is one steelpan
music’s most engaging and passionate performers. Long Island’s
ADLIB Steel Orchestra turned things up several notches with a series
of popular dancehall/reggae selections that sent the
youngsters in front the band into a musical frenzy,
while including classic party hits like Luther Vandross’
“Never Too Much”
and Lord Kitchener’s
“Sugar Bum Bum” for the more mature attendees.
By the time When Steel Talks left the event there were
still a host of groups waiting to deliver their musical
salvos. We are
sure they also presented credible performances as the
competitive juices between the bands were flowing.
It was great to see so many people from the New York
steelpan music fraternity present.
Appearing understandably a bit spent, Sonatas’ manager
Mack Scott (pictured) still looked happy as he surveyed the
fabulous turnout to what was once again, another
excellent Sonatas Steel Orchestra band launch, produced
with the support of band members. With this event
- another great steelband launch - the road to New York
panorama 2008 is officially open.
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Sonatas Steel Orchestra
Contact
Sonatas Steel Orchestra- Mack Scott: 1 (718) 496-5133