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Harmony Hosts Harmony Band Launch 2006 - In Pictures New York- Harmony Steel orchestra once again hosted their annual steelband launch, this time for the 2006 New York pan season. Many in the pan community made a beeline for the easily-reached venue on Lincoln Road and Utica Avenue, Brooklyn. Though not as crowded as in the past couple years, there was still a healthy presence and show of support for the Saturday July 15 fundraiser.
For reasons best known to the orchestras themselves, there is usually some passage of time before the bulk of the bands strike up, usually later into the evening hours, and at Harmony's launch, the situation was no different. Around 9:30 PM, the hosts again quickly took the spotlight and performed one more selection to keep the 'flavor' of the event. They were followed not too long after by Sonatas who gave an 'on point' presentation as usual. Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra was up next. Although their allocated performance area was in almost complete darkness, because of the non-functioning light above them, their music presentation obviously lit up the hearts of those who crowded around the band, gauging from the enthusiastic responses. These were even more pronounced for the 'solos' which punctuated a couple of their selections. NY Marsicans stepped up to the performance plate next. Many were curious to hear the group, as this particular incarnation is a continuation of Marsicans who have been around since 2001. For 2006, there have been changes, including managerial and membership, hence the addition of "NY" to their name. But they turned out, and put the pan community on notice that they have not disbanded. NY Marsicans had barely completed their set, before the unmistakable sounds of Despers USA could be heard in another section of the yard. Things were moving swiftly now, because from an initial 'shut down' time of 10:00 PM given to the organizers - they had negotiated for, and been granted - an additional two hours through midnight. Almost toward the end, just after 11:40 PM, it appeared that the shutdown timetable had been moved up, and the DJ announced that the event was at an end. Somehow, and in the true spirit of the pan community, Despers USA quickly concluded their current number, so that the remaining two guest bands could 'get a play.' Black Love Steel who had their inaugural showing at Utopia Pan Soul's recent fundraiser played just one selection (so patrons who are wondering what the band is about, will have to catch them elsewhere). D'Radoes chimed in immediately after, shortly before midnight, and they too, got off at least one selection. To be blunt, the New York authorities have been markedly and unapologetically less flexible and welcoming in the last couple years (in some cases they have been downright hostile), when it comes to steelband launches and steelband practice sessions for the annual pan season. Rumors abound about decisions and agreements reached between organization(s) and local NYPD (New York Police Department) precincts, to shut down steelband-related events - in some cases without the presence/input of major NY music steelband representatives themselves. This year, at least one steelband leader has told When Steel Talks that there are 'new rules' for 2006, and claims are that in some areas, if not all, steelband practice sessions are to cease by 9:00 PM. Apparently there are other restrictions also agreed to; it might therefore be prudent if all New York steel orchestras attempt to avail themselves of these new 'procedures' - in writing, or at the very least find out what the policy is for their particular NYPD precinct - and err on the side of caution. What was glaringly obvious, and different from launches When Steel Talks has attended in the past, was the presence of NYPD officers at Harmony's fundraiser, who appeared assigned to the event. Whatever the issues, the steel orchestras themselves would do well to note the increasingly unfriendly environment, and perhaps consider starting their events on time, or at least earlier - including practice sessions. If not, they run the risk of perhaps finding themselves rudely terminated when they are 'just getting started.' They have not been empowered, and apparently have no real representation, and no voice on their behalf, after all this time. At this point, it seems to be a straight case of 'your hand is in the lion's mouth - beware.' It is yet another panorama season in New York - 2006. Question is: in this 'climate' will there be another, come 2007? ©2006 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved Comment on this story at the Message Board
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your opinions Harmony Band Launch 2006 - In Pictures
Copyright 2006 - Basement Recordings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ANY REPRODUCTION, REPRINTING OR COPYING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL - AUDIO, VISUAL OR TEXT - FROM THE BASEMENT RECORDINGS/WHEN STEEL TALKS/PANONTHENET WEBSITES, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF WHEN STEEL TALKS.
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When
Steel Talks dropped by, and found that Harmony Steel Orchestra,
led by Michael Joseph (pictured left with supporter)
had given pan lovers their first taste of steel for the evening.
At that point, however, the other steel orchestras present were yet to
perform. In total, there were, slated to entertainment at the
launch - Sonatas, NY Marsicans, D'Radoes, Despers USA, Sesame Flyers,
and Black Love Steel.
