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New York - To expect success, one must experience success. And in this regard Sesame
Flyers International (SFI) has created the foundation and vehicle where their
young people can experience the phenomena of
accomplishment and progress. And every two years
Sesame Flyers hosts its Steelband Extravaganza production to
showcase their young people’ progress.
There is nothing that validates a vision, a plan and campaign
like success. And in this regard the community of central Brooklyn was
treated to a very special moment when the aspirations, investment in people,
resources and time come full circle and manifest in a celebration of
that triumph.
Sesame Flyers held their 2008 steelpan Extravaganza this past
Memorial
weekend. A musical extravaganza it was, as it featured some of Brooklyn,
New York’s finest music talent. On the card were New York champions Sonatas Steel Orchestra,
Steel Sensation, Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra and special performances by panist Andy
Akio and Caribbean music giant Pelham Goddard.
The show by default showcased Sesame
Flyers’ commitment to the sustaining and development of culture, youth and
community. This event was particularly special as it brought the spotlight
to not only the Sesame Flyers youth but also to the musicianship of Pelham
Goddard. Mr. Goddard performed on keyboards together with Sesame Flyers
Steel Orchestra on a few selections. Sesame Flyers’ focus in this event was
facilitating the presence and acknowledging the greatness, of Mr. Goddard and his
iconic stature.
Luckily for the steelpan, calypso and
educational communities, SFI has remained constant and
committed to documenting these historical performances. Sesame Flyers
International has a keen
understanding of the historical and educational benefits of holding and
capturing these events. Basement Recordings was brought in to capture the
event by producing a DVD. The event is definitely an
historical footnote in New York steelpan history. One can
expect the final product of this production to be a quality product.
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Pelham Goddard on keyboards |
Pelham Goddard is now the resident arranger for Sesame Flyers
Steel Orchestra. Sesame Flyers acquired a goldmine in signing Mr. Goddard,
as in addition to his many fine qualities, he is a natural educator and a live
piece of calypso and steelband history. Pelham Goddard is currently charged
with raising the musicianship and performance level of the young orchestra.
In only one year with the organization the musical outlook, expectations and
performance level of Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra have improved greatly.
The New York steelband musical landscape has changed with the inclusion of Mr.
Goddard in the Sesame Flyers International organization.
His quiet demeanor usually conceals Pelham
Goddard’s
awesome musical accomplishments. As quietly as it is kept, Mr. Goddard is
the author of some of the most memorable and powerful songs out of the
Caribbean. In addition,
Pelham Goddard is the resident arranger of the World
Steelband Music Festival champion
Exodus Steel
Orchestra who rank as one of the best music organizations in the world.
Pelham has contributed greatly to the shaping of Calypso, Soca and Steelpan music as
we know it, penning some of the greatest hits for the likes of David
Rudder, Superblue and Calypso Rose to name a few. Who has not heard of the
“Hammer,” “Dust In Yuh Face” or “Savannah Party?”
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Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra |
And of course his
arranging talents brought us Caribbean music classics and Carnival Road March winners
like: “Tempo” (Calypso Rose); “Soca Jam” (Calypso Rose); “Soca Baptist” (Superblue);
“Ethel” (Superblue); “Rebecca” (Superblue);
“Bahia Girl” (David Rudder); “This Party Is It” (Tambu); “Free Up, Free Up” (Tambu);
“No No, We Ent Going Home” (Tambu); “Get Something and Wave” (Superblue);
“Wine on Something” (Superblue); “Bacchanal Time” (Superblue)
among many others.
A critical component of Sesame Flyers
International is the continued development
and building of bridges between other successful organizations within their communities.
Their steelband extravaganza event not only showcased
Sesame Flyers’ accomplishments and success of it’s youth development and
educational programs, but also the success of the other performing organizations.
On the steelband panorama front
– under Pelham Goddard – Exodus has placed in the
first three positions, a remarkable fifteen times in the last seventeen years in the
panorama, the
most prestigious steelpan music competition in the world. Indeed,
performing on the greatest stage with this type of consistency is tribute to his
talent and commitment to excellence. Now, Pelham has brought this same
expectation to Sesame Flyers.
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