Pan Music in the Park Hits
Special Chord
with New Yorkers |
New
York -
Literally just one week after one of the most
fierce musical competitions in North America, the steelpan music
community and its fans came together for the more serene annual
Las Lap 'Rhythm
and Steel in Prospect Park.' In three years the program has
established itself as the place to be, and hear great pan music, in
addition to winding down from the intense rigors of the all-encompassing
New
York steelband panorama season.
The event's popularity has now made it an automatic entry in the calendar
of New Yorkers looking to take in one last major round of steelpan
music performances before Summer's end. It was a virtual
"who's who" of New York's steelband community in the crowd, as the
past weeks of intense competitive atmosphere was replaced by a deep
sense of kinship. In addition to the presence of the
normal contingent of steelpan enthusiasts, there was a constant
stream of Prospect Park visitors who stopped and took in
portions of the free show on this late Summer afternoon.
They were obviously pleased, given their enthusiastic cheers and
applause. Many of the Brooklyn park-goers who were of all
races and backgrounds, some still on their bikes, paused to take
in part of the show. Others pulled up their chairs and blankets to
secure the most advantageous viewing position.
The organizers, Women In Steel, Pantonic, Unique Pan Sounds and
J'Ouvert City Alliance gave awards and scholarships to deserving
New York city steelpan participants. Support of community,
education and youth was the constant theme throughout the affair.
Sponsors of the event such as Local 1199 and Bruce Ratner and
the Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC)
(pictured),
displayed their
banners prominently as they proudly showcased their support of the
steelpan art form and music culture. Sponsors could be
seen interacting with fans and performing steelband members.
This
year's performers included Women in Steel, Pantonic, Higher
Levin and Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation. The
steelband artists put on a great show - taking the onlookers on
a musical journey that included current pop hits and revered
musical standards. The versatility and immense talent of
these steelpan music artists were on public display as they moved
through the different genres and musical styles.
Each group received wholehearted rounds of applause as they ran
their collective repertoire for the diverse New York audience.
Las Lap 'Rhythm
and Steel in Prospect Park' is a great family event that
continues to grow in stature and popularity. It is an
awesome tourist attraction. In fact the Brooklyn Trolley
tour buses running through Prospect Park each made impromptu
stops (pictured) at 'The Peristyle'
where the event was held, so their delighted riders could take
in the steelpan music show.
This made the steelband
performances a major happening for the tourists on the bus.
Las Lap 'Rhythm
and Steel in Prospect Park' takes place every year on the
first Sunday after Labor Day. Look for more steel
orchestras from all over the US to join the performing line up.
It is a great opportunity for steelbands to showcase their music
organization. To inquire about an invitation for next
year's event and additional information, contact event organizers.
More info: Claudette - 1 (718) 629-2471
-
womeninsteel@hotmail.com, Yvette - 1 (718) 636-8029
yrennie@CSSNY.ORG, Lynette 1 - (718) 469-3250,
Glenda - 1 (718) 434-0231
pantonic1@aol.com.
click to see pictures