New York
- In spite of the steady drizzle and dark overcast
skies, the bands came out to play. One by
one they arrived: Pan Ambassadors, Despers USA, Harmony,
ADLIB, CASYM, Pantonic, Steel Sensation, Sesame
Flyers and others were all slated to perform.
In addition supporters and fans continued to
turn up at the East New York venue.
Sonatas
wait for
rain to
stop
Unfortunately, there was
no overhead covering or roof that would have allowed the
program to proceed as scheduled. It was not until
well after
9:00 p.m. and the rain held up briefly, that Sonatas opened the show, to be
followed by Pan Ambassadors and ADLIB.
The show went on.
It is not astonishing that when
you mention the name “Sonatas,” the word “champion”
usually follows. Similarly, it should come
as no surprise that the annual Sonatas band
launch is customarily one of the best every year
in New York. True to form Sonatas again
delivered a show and took the rain delay in
stride - the President of Sonatas called the
rain simply a “blessing.”
Beyond its impressive panorama record, Sonatas
has created a platform where musicians -
particularly young people - can live out their
passion for performing steelpan music on one of
the world’s grandest stages.
Prior success breeds expectations of future
accomplishments on
every level. This veteran organization has laid
a deliberate path to success. Their
management team and supporters led by their
President Mack Scott - who has been a fixture
and stabilizing force in the organization -
remain consistent and focused. Indeed,
generations are now engaged with Sonatas.
The group’s commitment to excellence takes them back
to their very inception. Thirty-nine years
and ten championships later Sonatas is the
epitome of consistency. In the
prestigious New York panorama competition,
Sonatas has only not
placed in the top three positions - once in the
past decade. And even more impressive -
Sonatas was denied a place in the top three,
only five
times in their entire thirty-nine year history.
Supports
come out
in spite
of rain
delay
And it is that resiliency and consistency for
which the organization is known, that came to
the fore again yesterday evening - as Sonatas
rallied on despite the constant threat of the
weather. As customary and in support, early on
members of the steelband fraternity who were not
on the performance card - such as D’Radoes - dropped by.
Even with the dark clouds looming overhead,
covered trays of food kept arriving at the venue
and were kept under the tent set up facilitating
serving.
With the Sonatas launch now behind them, the
majority of New York bands will turn their attention to
the main task at hand -
Panorama, while others will begin to focus on
New York’s J’Ouvert presentations. NY’s J’Ouvert is now considered
by many as the world’s largest and best
Pan-on-the-road gathering.
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