New York - Every year the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the host for the annual Chile Pepper Fiesta.  In addition, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the home of a world-class botany collection.  The 15-year old festival has grown in popularity and stature, and is now one of Brooklyn, New York's Fall season's mainstay events, showcasing diverse talent in music, dance, film, and of course, spicy culinary morsels.

Hosting and visiting officials such as Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Scot Medbury, Member of Assembly for the 57^th District Hakeem Jeffries, Borough President Marty Markowitz and Anita Jacobs, Director of the Botanic Garden's Public Programs, all welcomed the attendees and promised a great event.  The show opened up with the sounds of the captivating steeldrum music instrument.  Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra inundated the large Sunday afternoon audience with a varied music set that highlighted the group's musical versatility and talent.  The diverse crowd is a typical representation of Brooklyn's 'city' mixture and its burgeoning support and craving for the arts.

The six-hour event started promptly at 12:00 noon. Sesame Flyers performed from 12 to 1:00 pm.  From their opening notes Sesame Flyers had the crowd in the palm of their hands.  Snazzily attired in their white uniforms, the players sparkled as stars against the background, as both the noon-time sun and the spotlights positioned close to the top of the ceiling, simultaneously shot rays of light off the surface of the hyperbolic-shaped tent, and in turn reflected off their chrome instruments.  And of course complimenting this setting, were the scents and sights of the Botanic Garden's proliferation of trees and plants from all over the world.

From Hip Hop artist Rihanna's "Umbrella" to Soca star Crazy's "Band From Space" (both Pelham Goddard arrangements), Sesame Flyers flexed their musical muscle.  Whether it was Hip Hop, Jazz or something out of the Caribbean music genre, Sesame Flyers demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to performing excellence.  Judging by the crowd's enthusiastic response to the orchestra, this year's Chile Pepper Fiesta was off to a great beginning.  And not missing a step, 10tecomai - the Japanese Yosakoi Dance Project - followed Sesame Flyers on stage, and proceeded to thrill the audience with their unique and contemporary dance repertoire.

Brooklyn is exploding culturally, artistically and structurally as never seen before in its long-storied history.  And the Brooklyn steelpan music orchestras are a significant part of the cultural and artistic fabric of this Brooklyn tale.  Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra's performance at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens' Chile Pepper Festival shows just how much so.

More info: Sesame Flyers  - 1 (718) 756-6319; www.sesameflyers.org/steelpan.htm