Sardinia, Italy  - The Caribbean Steel International Orchestra was invited to perform at the Ethnic Meeting of Music and Arts (EMMAS) in Olbia, Sardinia during the weekend of the 29th- 31st December 2006.

Olbia is situated in northeastern Sardinia and means a "happy town" (città felice). In the 60's, Olbia underwent a real demographical boom and extensive tourism development of the area. Nowadays, the city's population is over 50,000 and extends over a surface bigger than the city of Sassari - the capital of province. This expansion has been achieved thanks partially to Olbia's harbour, which has become the most important port for passengers in Italy, and partially because of its international airport. Olbia is not only a destination for vacationers passing through the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast); it has become a true tourist location able to satisfy even the needs of the most demanding.

2006 marked the 17th anniversary of EMMAS with CSI being the first steel band to appear at this world music forum. Artistes from USA, Brazil, London, Italy, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Romania, France, Portugal, Senegal, Spain and Bulgaria have performed at this festival. The cultural diversity was unified by the common denominator, music. When the Festival started in 1989 it was dedicated to jazz but this changed in 1995 when all genres of music were included.

On the evening of the 29th, CSI performed at the town’s popular medieval themed Cat & Fox Restaurant and Pub to a packed audience who were mesmerised by the sweet sounds of steel. Members of the audience were seen checking the pans to establish where the sounds were coming from. CSI’s wide repertoire ensured that everyone was fully entertained. Their final performance was in the concert hall of the Olbia Costa Smeralda airport. They wooed the audience with their pulsating and popular tracks which had them clapping along to the varied repertoire. The organisers of EMMAS have shown positive interest in seeing CSI perform at their 2007 summer and EMMAS festivals. Once again, the steel pan instrument has travelled and conquered another part of the world with its sweet and captivating sounds.

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