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Kees Dieffenthaller on stage
with Invaders Steel
Orchestra |
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Trinidad, W.I. - Nothing ventured.
Nothing Gained. That was the pioneering spirit
that spurred Ellie Mannette, one of the founders
of Invaders Steel Orchestra, to delve into
experimental work which resulted in the
conversion of the steel drum from convex to
concave, the creation of six of the nine
instruments, and the wrapping of rubbers on the
pan sticks.
This pioneering spirit is still very much alive
today in Caribbean Airlines Invaders as it
elevated steelpan entertainment at its
“Celebrate!” all-inclusive fundraiser last
month. The popular Oval venue was transformed
into a showground adorned with colourful
balloons, which set the celebratory tone.
Patrons enjoyed all the features of a fully
inclusive fete from exotic cocktails, and
premium drinks to Creole cuisine, Indian
delicacies, corn soup and the traditional bake
and shark.
But the uniqueness of this entertainment concept
availed itself when partygoers experienced the
powerhouse performances of Caribbean Airlines
Invaders, Sagicor Exodus, Neal & Massy
Trinidad All Stars, Kees Dieffenthaller, Denyse
Plummer and Karen Eccles.
The energy was high as Invaders players, decked
in their chic outfits, started the evening’s
performance with a melody of hip hop party
selections such as “Celebrate,” “Good Times,”
“Let’s Groove,” “December 63,” “Don’t Stop till
You Get Enough,” “Song In My Heart,” “A Little
Bit of Love” and “ Toco Band”.
The band’s second half intensified when Karen
Eccles and Invaders gave a soul-moving
performance of “One Day at a Time” which had
patrons in awe. It was Invaders’
performance of “The Prayer” with Kees
Dieffenthaller that made history as this was the
first time that this soca star would be
performing with a steelband.
Invaders Steel Orchestra
perform on stage at “Celebrate!”
The zenith of entertainment arose unexpectedly,
when at the start of Kees’ performance the sound
system failed. This glitch seemed preordained to
highlight the skillful adaptability of the
Invaders players, as Dieffenthaller called upon
them to join him on stage to musically back him up
as he sung David Rudder’s “High Mas” - a
performance that electrified the audience.
Patrons were further engulfed in musical bliss
when big bands Sagicor Exodus and Neal & Massy
Trinidad All Stars belted out their most popular
songs. From Exodus came “Now is the Time,” “She’s
Royal,” “Ganges and the Nile, “Bailamos” and a
Sparrow medley, as well as their accompaniment
for
Pink Panther as he sang Kitchener’s “12 Bar
Joan” and “Sugar Bum Bum”.
Trinidad All Stars stirred up the masses with
“Doh Back Back,” Carnival Time,” “Nah Going Home”
and their classic “Woman On The Bass.”
It was evident at the end of the evening, that
Invaders’ visionary concept was successful in
offering the public an elite steelpan
entertainment experience.
From the news desk of Invaders Steel
Orchestra
Contact Colin Greaves – PRO -
Tel: 1 (868) 779-7065
