Pan News Digest

Date: 08.17.06

CASYM Joins 2006 Lincoln Center
Out of Doors Celebration

CASYM in Pictures

New York-  CASYM Steel Orchestra (pictured below) is one of New York's most well-known and visible musical organizations, and is a favorite on the performance circuit year-round.  Sunday August 13 gave the public yet another opportunity to be part of the steel orchestra's captivating music experience.  The occasion was the 36th season of 'Lincoln Center Out of Doors' in the heart of New York City.  The programme of activities which runs from August 4 through 27, brings to the public free performances in music, dance, theater and poetry from artists who excel in their crafts, along with accompanying side-events. 

 

When Steel Talks (WST) was on hand at Lincoln Center, and was - with the kind permission and cooperation of Eileen McMahon, Director, Press and Publicity (pictured right) - able to share the proceedings with the global steelpan community.  The particular theme for the August 13 celebration was Caribbean Cultural Center: 30 Years of Carnival.  Beginning at 3:00 PM and appearing on the temporary stage erected in the area to the front of Lincoln Center known as Josie Robertson Plaza, CASYM's stage-side orchestra showcased a full hour of steelpan music selections, most of which can be found on their D'Blueprint CD.

In keeping with the Caribbean focus, CASYM aptly portrayed with their music, the spirit of the phenomenon known as carnival, especially when they played Montserrat calypsonian Arrow's world-renowned Hot Hot Hot. It was so infectious, that despite the heat of the afternoon sun, some audience members relinquished their seats to take their place in an impromptu 'conga line' (pictured).   Another couple (pictured below) danced directly in front the stage.  Curtis Lynch, bass player for CASYM got the crowd on their feet, and waving their hands in the air as they too got into the musical moments.

But with an appreciation for the diverse musical taste of their audience, some who were of Caribbean heritage, but many who were not, CASYM presented a varied musical menu featuring pop, soca, R&B and even a classical performance - Carmen, which drew fantastic response from the crowd.

There were people thoroughly familiar with the Out of Doors program, and then others who were simply delighted to have dropped by as they wandered past Lincoln Center, to see what was in store for this day.  They found CASYM on stage, and more to come according to the programs thoughtfully provided in convenient kiosks around the stage area.  For those who would crave an additional free, steelpan-tinged performance within the Lincoln Out of Doors events, that would be forthcoming two days later when Andy Narell appeared as part of Sakésho.

There were several activities occurring simultaneously at the Caribbean Cultural Center celebrating 30 years of carnival, such as the Children's Village and more.  At the end of the steelband performance, audience members speedily traversed the short distance to another stage situated in the Lincoln Center's North Plaza area.  Again there was no lack of quality performance for their enjoyment.  This time it was the turn of the Kongo (pictured) to be in the spotlight with Haitian Rara Music.

Among the other artists who followed CASYM and Kongo, was the International Garifuna Band (pictured) which tantalized the audience with more music that was impossible to resist, along with accompanying saucy dance numbers.  Something Positive Afro-Caribbean Dance Troupe, and Calypso King of the World the Mighty Sparrow were among the acts who would grace the stage later in the evening to complete the fantastic Caribbean Cultural Celebration segment of the 36th season of Lincoln Out of Doors. 

Related Stories/Links

• Sakésho with Andy Narell shine at Jazz On the Plaza

• Sakésho delivers big time at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Summer Event

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For More On Lincoln Center Out of Doors  www.lincolncenter.org

CASYM @ Lincoln Center:  In Pictures

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