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Family, Friends and Fun at CASYM Steel Orchestra’s 2011 Band Launch

 Another When Steel Talks Exclusive     © 2011 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved

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New York - Since CASYM Steel Orchestra’s relocation to their Church Avenue pan yard in 2010, the band has joined other New York steelbands in hosting annual band launches; last year’s attendance was very good.  So was that of the 2011 edition this last weekend.  The Sunday stood for Steel, and Steelbands reigned for several hours at the band’s pan theater. 

Around 7:30 p.m.  Pan Royal, a traditional steelband complete with dudup et al and guided by Brian “Bean” Griffith, got things started for a crowd on hand thirsty for the music to begin.  This crew struck a special chord within pan elders in the crowd, under what was at the time a still-sunlit sky.

Pan Royal opens up the show at CASYM’s 2011 band launch
Pan Royal opens up the show at CASYM’s 2011 band launch
 

Naturally present at this band launch - those who missed out on Pantonic’s show the previous evening because of weather that was forecast, but did not materialize.  Needless to say, they were not about to be caught a second time.  And the season is always too short in the opinion of many pan lovers; there are only three official band launches left on the 2011 schedule:  ADLIB on August 13, Sonatas the following day, and the revival of Metro Steel Orchestra celebrating with its event on August 19.  So CASYM’s launch was a must-attend on the calendars of many.

Tiny tot steals the hearts of onlookers during Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s performance
Tiny tot steals the hearts of onlookers during Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s performance

As always, the family atmosphere was in full force at CASYM, including young babes in strollers or hoisted on shoulders.  While the crowd lapped up the pan performances, little people tore around the pan yard on scooters, and on fast feet, darting in and out of the adults on hand.  Even tinier ones stole the show on occasion, like the tot who had his own sticks and danced away to the sounds of Pantonic in front the band during their round.

CASYM’s William “Jonsey” Jones was very happy with the turnout, and showed his pleasure at the number of families in evidence at their event.  The mas camp open within the pan yard was brightly lit with, enticing costumes to be worn in all their glory come Labor Day on Eastern Parkway.  Well-known culture lover and ardent Despers USA supporter Manty Benjamin was as happy sitting under those costumes on display, as she was dancing away in front and around Despers USA as they played. 

CASYM's William 'Jonsey' Jones (right) with Travis Roberts   Manty Benjamin (right) with friend - enjoying everything CASYM's launch had to offer
CASYM’s William “Jonsey” Jones (right) with Travis Roberts   Manty Benjamin (right) with friend - enjoying everything CASYM’s launch had to offer

Steelband legendary artist, pan maker and tuner Emmanuel “Jack” Riley stood with well-known Paddy Corea at his side, with the latter proudly identifying Jack as his mentor.  Both were part of the crowd taking in Pantonic’s performance at this juncture.  Well-known steelpan arranger and artist Duvone Stewart put in an appearance as well, with his very affable and open demeanor in evidence as always.

Emmanuel “Jack” Riley (left) with Paddy Corea   Duvone Stewart hanging out with New York pan folks
Emmanuel “Jack” Riley (left) with Paddy Corea   Duvone Stewart (in NY cap) hanging out with New York pan folks

Next in line, Sonatas Steel Orchestra turned on pan lovers with their music powering through the crowd which surged to the front of their pans.  Like Pantonic before them, the players came alive behind their instruments and put on a show.

CASYM’s Travis Roberts was on the go during the entire event, keeping things on track and doing a very good job at it.  Like the Pantonic launch on the Saturday, the DJ at CASYM’s launch was just as cool, simply playing very good music when called upon; patrons had no need to shout at each other to be heard above the music.

Just before Harmony Music Makers had their turn in the musical spotlight, and in the spirit of camaraderie that has been characteristic in recent years among New York’s younger steelpan generation, Travis approached When Steel Talks (WST) with a similar idea of a feat that WST has pulled off to date only in Dominica a few years aback:  that of having a picture of all the bands together in one group, with as many members as possible in the shot.  With laughter and ‘picong’ punctuating the quick preparation for the scene being patiently organized by Travis Roberts - it was a happy and perky bunch of New York steelpan musicians who primped and preened for the WST shot, shorter ones in the back leaping high in the air every few seconds to be seen, even as others slid into the front of the shot at the last moment.  Congrats to Travis (kneeling in white cap - front, below) for organizing this for the New York steelband community.

Pan players from all six bands performing at CASYM’S launch get together for a quick photo shoot - NY style
Pan players from all six bands performing at CASYM’S launch get together for a quick photo shoot - NY style

Sherlanda Willie on 6-bass playing up a storm during 'Forget You'
Sherlanda Willie on 6-bass playing up a storm during “Forget You”

All good things must come to an end, and this was true of CASYM’s 2011 band launch as well.  The hosts closed off the evening of sterling steelband music entertainment with an energetic and exuberant session which began just after midnight.  The band’s many supporters young and the not-so-young left almost no space surrounding the group as they opened up by belting out Sherlanda Willie’s arrangement of Cee Lo Green’s Forget You.  It was about thirty or so minutes later when they brought the event to its official end, and the final music lovers filed out, making their way back home, apparently thoroughly satisfied with their Sunday of Steel - courtesy CASYM’s band launch.

Related article:  A New York State of Mind - Steelband Launch Galore - Pantonic & CASYM NYC Music Fest Weekend
 

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