Brooklyn, New York, USA - Any steel orchestra that has made it past three years of existence in New York has a chance of survival. Any steel orchestra that has made it past a decade is indeed a bonafide franchise with a serious chance of becoming a New York music & cultural institution. And such is the case of CrossFire Steel Orchestra who celebrated their 15th anniversary recently.
Oasis’ Sherwin Thwaites (left), in serious solo mode at CrossFire’s 15th Anniversary celebration
In what was a cozy get together of friends and well-wishers - Oasis and CrossFire performed into a late August evening. Both Oasis and CrossFire dropped some serious performances on this night. The audience was given front row access to some of the most noteworthy “Just Listen” moments of the New York pan season. We must mention a crowd-stopping solo performance of Lord Kitchener’s Pan Night and Day by Sherwin Thwaites.
Anyone who has ever been involved in any aspect of maintaining and running a steel orchestra in New York is well aware that it is a struggle of enormous proportions. New York presents one of the most hostile environments for such a venture. And as When Steel Talks has said on numerous occasions it takes a particular kind of fortitude to run a Panorama steel orchestra in New York. These special people should be awarded, rewarded and placed in a very, very special place where true supporters of the arts and culture are honored and are remembered. It is indeed a labor of love. And without doubt Martin Douglas, director and manager of CrossFire is one of these special people.
Martin Douglas, in white, with Le’Roi Simmonds at the celebration
In a conversation with Douglas, he explained “I formed the band as a means of giving back from my years of playing. The band was started with $15,000 dollars seed money from Lennox Harry.” Martin also stated that the band has progressed much faster than he anticipated. He has been utilizing the knowledge he gained in pan back in Trinidad and Tobago and molding it into the New York consciousness. “New York has its own set of unique challenges. Keeping a Panorama band together in New York offers its own set of challenges.” Douglas has successfully navigated CrossFire to this plateau while maintaining and shielding his young musicians from many of the outside difficulties - and moreover providing a stable environment that allows for the growth and development of CrossFire’s young people.
The stage side of CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs at their 15th Anniversary celebration
In talking to the members of CrossFire there is a recurring theme interweaved within their conversation; that is the word “family.” When asked to describe what makes CrossFire special to him, section leader Warren Webster immediately barks out the word “family.” Bass player Alexis Schloss says she loves the ‘family feeling of CrossFire.’ “We can talk about everything.” Band captain Arielle Chase loves the challenge of the fight to become an established and recognized band. She has been the Captain since 2013. And of course there is the orchestra’s extremely talented musical director Kendall Williams who is well acquainted with the challenges—both internal and external—facing the organization as they move to the next level. Williams and Douglas are armed, committed, skilled and primed to take CrossFire into new and unexplored territories that are a ‘must’ if “a New York steel orchestra” is to survive into the next decade and beyond.
Congratulations to all the members, family and friends of CrossFire Steel Orchestra... Another 15 years and more...
2014 New York Pan Season events
- New York Pan Stars June 27 launch - review
- D’Radoes July 12 launch - review
- Steel X Plosion USA Showcase July 19.
- ADLIB band launch on July 26.
- Harmony band launch on August 9.
- Despers USA August 12 launch - review
- Pantonic band launch on August 16
- CrossFire August 23, 15th Anniversary celebration - review
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Contact CrossFire: 1 (347) 262-5746 Crossfiresteel@yahoo.com