PS 161 at the 2013 Spring concert
Brooklyn, New York - “Show me!” That is simple Brooklyn-ese for ‘let your success do your talking.’ And having said that, CASYM (Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Youth Movement, Inc.) rolled out its roster of young, new, and upcoming talent for the world to see at their annual Spring Concert. As is the norm, they did not disappoint.
Class One at the 2013 Spring concert
With some of the tiny performers barely clearing their steelpan instruments, and appearing on stage probably for the first time, these young aspiring artists delivered the goods much to the satisfaction of the cheering and adoring audience made up of parents, family, friends and community members. This concert featured the talents of the I.C.I.D.I.C. dancers, and the musicianship of PS 161, Class One and Class Two steel orchestras. All of these performing units are part of CASYM’s music and dance educational programs which have successfully introduced and developed musicianship among New York City’s younger generation. Each young orchestra performed a varied selection of current hits and CASYM standards much to the delight of the demonstrative and enthusiastic crowd.
CASYM Spring Concert 2013
The audience was particularly captivated with Class One’s spirited medley which included hits from the likes of pop stars Niki Minaj, One Direction, Taio Cruz and others. The sustained and standing ovation from proud onlookers was evidence enough that the little ones hit the ‘right chords’ as they connected with everyone.
Class Two at the 2013 Spring concert
When it came time for Class Two they belted out an equally delightful music mix with crowd favorites like Lambada, Gangnam Style and 2013 soca hits among them. PS 161 Steel Orchestra, which performed as guest artist earlier this year at NYU’s (New York University) annual Spring concert, made their mark in this show via three numbers - One Love, Trouble and Mr. Fete.
CASYM members, with vocalist Abena Amory-Powell at the 2013 Spring concert
In addition to the CASYM core groups, the audience also heard from the programs’ instructors and other co-ordinators (Rico Hunte, Travis Roberts, Lakeisha Danglade, Michelle Williams, Jahlani Roberts et al), themselves veteran players and stage-side members with the music organization. Included in their music offerings were Gold, September, Dollar and Fantastic Friday. And when vocalist Abena Amory-Powell joined the group for several numbers, she was equally well-received. As the evening drew to a close, some attendees with their hands in the air danced down the aisles to the steelpan sounds, synced with other pan music aficionados who got caught up in the vibes nearer to the back of the auditorium - in testimony to their pleasurable event experience.
CASYM members, with vocalist Abena Amory-Powell at the 2013 Spring concert
For yet another year and once again, CASYM showed that the proof is
indeed in the pudding as their young people came up ‘gold.’
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Contact CASYM: 1 (718) 735-6708 casymsteelband@gmail.com
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Class One performs at CASYM’s ‘Spring Paling’ concert
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Class Two performs at CASYM’s ‘Spring Paling’ concert
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PS 161 performs at CASYM’s ‘Spring Paling’ concert
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CASYM’s ‘2013 Spring Paling concert’ -
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