Harlem, USA
- One of the greatest and most fertile grounds for the arts, literature and
entertainment is that celebrated place in uptown New York known as ‘Harlem.’
Its musical and artistic legacy is unparalleled. Today was the 35th
anniversary of Harlem Day, and the steelpan instrument through CASYM Steel
Orchestra was part of that commemoration of this rich cultural history and
tapestry.
This year’s event was particularly special in that it was dedicated to the late
great superstar Michael Jackson. The theme of the celebration was “We are the World.”
Tens of thousands of
attendees poured over the five-block zone that was transformed into a grand
village of music, health and living historical nuggets.
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Throngs along 135th Street
attend the 35th Harlem Day |
The area between 5th and St. Nicholas Avenues
- with breaks for north-south flow -
was closed to traffic and featured
four stages. Entertainers covered
musical tributes in Rock, Gospel, Blues, Dance, Calypso, Spoken Word, R&B, Jazz, Reggae
and much more.
In addition to CASYM Steel Orchestra - also performing at this event were Brian
McKnight,
Chuck Jackson
and Vy Higginson, among others. Al B Sure delivered his version of Michael
Jackson’s “PYT - Pretty Young Thing.” CASYM’s performance was well
received as they played Jackson’s introspective “Human Nature” as part of their
repertoire. Seguida,
the Latin rock group which followed CASYM also included a Jackson piece, “Shake
Your Body Down to the Ground.”
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Latin Rock sensation
Seguida on stage for
Harlem Day |
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CASYM on stage for Harlem Day |
Calypso and the steelpan are no strangers to Harlem as many of the early Harlem
residents have Caribbean roots. World-renowned Harlem entertainers include
Calypso singer Harry Belafonte and percussionist
Ralph MacDonald (of
“Just the Two of Us” fame). In fact the first Caribbean festivals were
held in
Harlem. These celebrations would later give rise to the current West Indian American Day Carnival festivities
now held on Labor Day
in Brooklyn, New York.
Harlem’s own Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Charles Rangel,
was present. Indeed, there was a special
public salute to this historical figure.
Present among the host of campaign-stomping politicians was New York’s Mayor
Bloomberg who is up for re-election in 2009.
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Congressman Charles Rangel
(center, in ivory jacket) takes in performance of the Chinese troupe
at the 35th Harlem
Day |
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Bloomberg on the campaign
trail for Harlem Day |
Like the steelpan art form - one of the many visions that come to mind when you
mention Harlem, is that of a vibrant community. And within the throngs of
thousands enjoying the beautiful weather of this
Sunday afternoon, the historical offerings, abundant entertainment,
educational and health opportunities and more - the Black families and Village were
front and center. From proud fathers with their offspring, multiple
generations of various families checking out all that interested them along the
route, to young people helping their grandparents and elders as they weaved in
and out of the crowd - Harlemites and visitors alike - the vibe was that of a huge
village or commune, much like what is evident in many panyards in New York, the
Caribbean and beyond.
Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, nieces and nephews, siblings and
other
relatives - all take up their positions behind different voices of the steelpan
family of instruments in the panyard, which is truly a place where all the
“villagers” gather, bonding as they enjoy the music, share their talents and
revel in the atmosphere. Just as was the case at the 35th annual Harlem Day, where
CASYM Steel Orchestra
delivered as always - to the extended family.
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