Brooklyn, New York, USA - Not even the continuous driving rain could dampen the spirits of the pan artists and/or beauty of the steelband on this Sunday night on the last weekend in July in New York. This was the third consecutive New York band launch in the Brooklyn borough in as many nights; the two preceding were those of CrossFire and CASYM, respectively. One would think there might have been a lull or drop-off in performance energy. Perish that thought. This was D’Radoes Steel Orchestra’s band launch. Indeed it was a welcoming sight to see so many pan music lovers walking up the back streets to Radoes’ yard under umbrellas. Whatever was lost in terms of audience due to the weather, was more than made up for in terms of the bands’ performances.
D’Radoes Annual Band Launch
If anything, this writer was stunned by the energy and sheer joy these young artists brought to stage. With the 2013 Panorama competition looming large in the background and only weeks away, these orchestras seemed to have become more focused than ever in terms of delivering a quality product every time they are in the spotlight and perform in the presence of each other. Their performances are inspiring. Steel orchestras performing on this night were Harmony, CASYM, Despers USA, Pan Sonatas, CrossFire and hosts D’Radoes.
One veteran steelband observer and player marveled at the high level at which the bands and young were operating musically. He wondered out loud just how good these bands and musicians could become if the Summer months of New York were longer. He also lamented the lack of a proper performance venue within the community to properly showcase the talents of these orchestras.
D’Radoes Steel Orchestra
From the time D’Radoes dropped Abba’s “Dancing Queen” it was on. The group’s performance was outstanding. Based on the stunning music showcases unveiled by several of the bands at this launch, one could not help but come to the conclusion that the awesome talents of the steelband community, and Brooklyn in a larger sense – were being taken for granted.
This D’Radoes launch culminated another great weekend of steelband music in the Big Apple.
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