Steelband Magic in a Winter Wonderland Cancelled

No Showtime at George Wingate Campus

Venue George Wingate Campus - with blanket of snow the morning after what was to have been the Spirit of Christmas show.
Entrance is to extreme left of picture

Brooklyn, New York - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph with Santa in tow were spotted flying over central Brooklyn as part of a detour and music break to catch some prime time steelband music. If the truth be told this was your classic work stoppage. Word has it that this famous cast of Christmas icons let it be known early, “no pan - no work for Christmas.” Santa - a long time steelpan music lover - quickly acquiesced.

Billed as the “Spirit of Christmas,” nine New York steel orchestras came together to put on what was supposed to be one of the more memorable holiday events in recent years. The George Wingate Campus located in the Wingate section of Brooklyn, New York never got the chance to come alive with the sound of steelpan music because of the massive snow storm amalgamating outside. It was indeed a Winter wonderland. And unfortunately, this Nordic blast, in addition to forcing the cancellation of the show, effectively shut the city down. Not even Santa could stop this storm.

The names rang out like a Who’s Who of the New York steelband music world - Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation, Pan Ambassadors, Despers USA, Sonatas, Pantonic, CASYM, Sesame Flyers, Crossfire and Women in Steel. Some of the finest steel orchestras in the North American region call New York home. Indeed, four past Big Apple panorama winners were a part of this line-up, so one knew immediately the natural competitive juices would be flowing.

The show was set to open up with Utopia Pan Soul, followed by CASYM, Pantonic, Women In Steel, Despers USA, CrossFire, Sesame Flyers and Pan Ambassadors. Sonatas, the 2009 NY Panorama Champions, were to be the curtain closers.

The massive snow storm slammed into the North-east US area with a vengeance. By 1:30 p.m. word came into the WST (When Steel Talks) headquarters that the show was called off. When Steel Talks sent the word out over Twitter, Facebook and WST Ning. WST Facebook and Ning immediately lit up like Christmas trees as disheartened steelpan players expressed their frustration over the cancellation. They were fired up and looking forward to performing, after putting in hours of enthusiastic practice time. In fact many of the performing pan artists felt there was absolutely no need to cancel the show. Expressions of concern as to the exact date of the rescheduling were many, as several of the musicians who would have appeared in the show noted they would be returning to college very soon after Christmas Day, and therefore may not be still in Brooklyn.

It was only last week that When Steel Talks reported spotting Mrs. Claus and a mischievous elf at CASYM Steel Orchestra’s very successful Yuletide Extravaganza at Brooklyn Museum, while simultaneously Utopia Pan Soul was rocking New Jersey at the Oasis Youth Steel Pan Ensemble’s fifth Annual Holiday Concert & Dance. And the week before that WST took in a holiday show at Steelpan & Choral Treats at Calvary Cathedral of Praise. In addition, let us not forget that the season opened up with Steelpan & Parang at St. Gregory’s featuring Steel Sensation, ADLIB and others.

For the fifth time in as many weekends the New York tri-state area had been set up to become the home of another successful holiday season music event. These collaborative efforts bode well for the New York steelband music franchises both in terms of financial independence and future entrepreneurial pursuits. After years of false starts the New York steelband franchises have never exploited the business, cultural and entertainment advantages afforded them by residing in New York.

After a break in recent years it looks like the New York steelband music organizations may be moving towards making their performances a vital part of the New York holiday entertainment and cultural must-attend events. As fellow New Yorkers Jay-Z’s and Alicia Keys’ monster hit “Empire State of Mind” tearing up the music charts as a new anthem for the Big Apple says - “Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York!” United Steelbands - promoters of this event say - it will be rescheduled. Stay tuned.

Empire State Of Mind

New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys