Brooklyn, New York, USA - The Summer night this time around might have been cooler than a few weeks ago when CrossFire Steel Orchestra hosted their 2013 pan yard opening, but the steelband sessions laid down during the music organization’s seasonal band launch, were simply steamy in their own right. The last weekend in July, and it was CrossFire’s Friday evening band launch which kicked off three days of back-to-back steelband events in the borough of Brooklyn.
CrossFire Steel Orchestra perform at their 2013 Band Launch
Things started off musically when hosts CrossFire got into the groove just around 10:30 p.m. to the appreciation of those who were already there; they would also close things off a few hours later. Along with CrossFire, pan patrons were treated to music from New York Pan Stars and Higher Levin steel orchestras, two bands visible and very active within the pan community, but which have not been to the Panorama competition - thus far. Therefore, catching such groups at launches and other similarly-themed events are opportunities for steelband lovers to get a taste of what they have to offer sonically.
New York Pan Stars member (center) dancing out from behind his tenor
New York Pan Stars played a single session, and they ensured it was a sizzler! They started out with a deliberate vibe, setting the tone for what was still to come. Their soca medley dropped later on in had not only the crowd, but some players themselves in a state of musical ecstasy via the reciprocity on both sides. One player ‘let it all hang out’ when he danced out from behind his pan for several seconds, into the front area where the crowd delightedly cheered him on, before darting back behind his tenor, and continued ‘to tear up de place.’
At another point when the band paused briefly as they decided what they would carry on with, the DJ sprang into customary action. The crowd immediately struck up a good-natured chorus of “Noooooo” making it clear that they were still in the throes of steel! LOL - the message was clear; “Put [back] on the Pan!” - seemed to ooze from the pores of pan lovers dancing along in front of New York Pan Stars who obliged within seconds.
Taking it all in, little ones enjoy the launch
As usual music lovers of all ages were at the steelband launch - from veterans grey of beard, to young ones under ten years old. A pair of the latter made the most of their time, and the music. One youngster had her own phone up in the air, catching her own “video” of the band performing as she and her pal danced on the outskirts of the band, hands up-raised.
One thing to be said for Higher Levin—who both preceded and succeeded New York Pan Stars between short DJ interludes—there is an energized core of their players who can generally be seen at other band events usually sporting their Higher Levin t-shirts, and always enthusiastically in support, regardless of whose playing at the moment. Well picture this crew, now behind their own pans when they perform, and you’ve got a handle on the visual.
Higher Levin players - lost in the music
The newer members featured in the first set, while the seasoned players fired it up in their second round. They unleashed a mix of reggae and soca during both sessions, while music lovers grooved, with drinks in hand, to ‘feel-good’ medleys as Higher Levin ‘jammed’ verse and chorus of classic “fete tunes” like Militant’s Passion, Jamesy P’s Nookie, Patrice Roberts’ Mo Wuk, David Rudder’s Calypso Music, among other much-loved songs.
Higher Levin musical director and drummer, Tichard Chapman
For the beginning of set number two, musical director/ drummer [Tichard] Chapman cheekily morphed into “DJ” Chapman as he practically phased his band Higher Levin into the actual DJ’s playing of Blaxx’s Nah Getaway for a set-opener. Good naturedly, DJ Boom Champions faded out electronically as the steel orchestra ‘took it and ran with it,’ the crowd clapping and happily acknowledging the “musical coup” that had just gone down.
So - hours of sweet steelband music - check; great food - check; well-stocked bar - check, and; cool DJ interludes - check. All these ingredients absolutely guaranteed attendees hours of a fun time at CrossFire Steel Orchestra’s 2013 Steelband Launch!
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Contact CrossFire: 1 (347) 262-5746 Crossfiresteel@yahoo.com
Contact New York Pan Stars: nypanstars1@gmail.com
Contact Higher Levin:
Arranger/Drummer - Kendall Williams
Six Bass - Alexis Schloss
Four Pan - Danielle Edinboro
Guitar - Keifer Dover
Double Second - Warren Webster
Double Tenor - Khyah Judah, Arielle Chase, Faith Alexander
Tenor - Sciyahn Koonkoon, Isiah Poitou-Daniel, Kaelynn Baboolal, Rovern Anthony
CrossFire Steel Orchestra at their 2013 Band Launch
Tichard Chapman, Kianne Guadaloupe, Kiyah Orane, Destiny Romeo, Shianne Smith, Denzel Johnson, Kyanne James, Damany James, Jhacquel Sutton, Rebecca Nurse, Dyneal John, Jeffrey Jean, Joshua Pierre, Chad Layne, Jada Charles, Yasir Montgomery, Jahnia Youngsang, Raheem Joseph, Racquel Leonce, Stephaney Peters, Juwon Allyene, Kerwin Bailey, Kemoi Perez, Oluwatobi Akerele, Matthew Diaz, Aaliyah Hospedeles
Higher Levin Steel Orchestra after their performances
Tenor - Antonio “AJ” John, Sage Harrison, Alexia Isaac
Double Tenor - Selena Antoine, Brandon Antoine
Double Second - Sparkle Demming
Double Guitar - Tamika Small, Tahjet Lewis
Triple Cello - Andrea Wilson
Tenor Bass - Brianna McNutt, David Cersier
Six Bass - Kianna Carrington, Missy Rose
Percussion /Arranger - Marc Brooks
Drummer - Noah Smit
New York Pan Stars after their performance
Repertoire
CrossFire’s ‘2013 Band Launch’
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