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New York Steelbands say “We ready, We ready...” at Crossfire’s Yard Opening

The smell and sound of Pan hits the Big Apple

Another When Steel Talks Concert Review

In Pictures

CASYM Steel Orchestra performs at CrossFire's 2013 Panyard opening
CASYM Steel Orchestra performs

Brooklyn, New York, USA - Maybe it was the fact that it was the first official day of Summer and technically the longest day of the year. Or maybe it was because there was a brilliant full moon glowing over the yard. Or maybe it was simply the luxury of TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday). Whatever the reason, esteemed members of the New York steel orchestra contingents delivered a global message that was precise and clear - the message, as Caribbean music superstar Bunji Garlin put it, was - “We ready - We ready - We ready.”

It is indeed that time of the year again. The New York steelband franchises are up, out and producing sweet, serious pan music. As is usually the case over the years, CrossFire Steel Orchestra has opened the 2013 season with the inaugural yard opening in their East Flatbush dwellings. As WST (When Steel Talks) indicated, the performing bands came out with fire in their belly. Each orchestra gave performances that showcased their extraordinary talents, abilities and musicianship.  And again - showed why there is nothing like Pan in New York.

Despers USA performs at CrossFire's 2013 Panyard opening
Despers USA performs

In New York City - Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden and other prestigious halls and arenas have their place in the performing arts fields, but there is simply nothing comparable to taking in great live musical performances from the New York panyards.  It is authentic high culture.  Appearing in this setting is one of the highest musical accomplishments - to present your music in your community, for your community and receive their appreciation.  It is spiritual reaffirmation of oneself, ones culture, community, life and existence. Moreover it is a continuance of that which was great before and will come again. Thousands of years later, the ancient rhythms still beat true and strong in the hearts of the young New York pan musicians. It is in their DNA, and it is magical.


NY Steel Orchestras perform at CrossFire’s 2013 Yard Opening

The New York steel orchestras’ leadership do not get enough credit for the exceptional work they do, in somehow surviving every year in an increasingly hostile environment. History continues to repeat itself as music opportunities are  ruthlessly and systematically removed from the schools in pan players’ communities. It is the steelpan instrument and steelbands of New York that have stepped in to fill the void of dwindling music programs, allowing young people to nurture and showcase their musical genius and intellect.

Taking in the steelband performance at the Panyard opening
Taking in the steelband performance at the Panyard opening

Any student could have gotten a PhD’s education worth of information and history about the exceptional Caribbean culture mixed in with the American experience of the Steelbands of New York just from this event alone. The musical path, story and journey of the New York steel orchestras were on full display.

CASYM opened the night’s music activities with a furious driving set that included literally ‘fogging up the place’ to the delight of the audience. They let it be known that Winter is over and CASYM is in the house.  Always ready-to-deliver CASYM declared early this was going to be a “Fantastic Friday.”

Despers USA followed up sounding like a bunch of harps. That classic Despers USA touch was on full display. Their set and arrangements just screamed at you - “ah ha - did you hear that?” They were in full concert mode. Nothing else needs to be said. One of New York’s finest!

Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs at CrossFire's 2013 Panyard opening
Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs at CrossFire’s 2013 Panyard opening

Pantonic, up next, was one of the interesting stories of the night. Their performance was clear. “We are not babies anymore; we are all grown up and ready!” Sophisticated gentlemen and ladies indeed - Pantonic’s set was diversified with an intriguing mix of past and present which made you look forward to future offerings by this unit. We are proud of you.

CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs at its 2013 Panyard opening
CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs at its 2013 Panyard opening

CrossFire Steel Orchestra, the host of the event, was the final act and they were not to be outdone in their own yard. Their unit performed a short set that was laced with storytelling, the likes of Oil and Music to Differentology ringing true. CrossFire’s set was about attention to details, great harmonies and dynamics. A disciplined crew - for real. Forty-eight hours after Crossfire’s last note WST is still here humming the songs from their set.

Although only four of the New York steel orchestra franchises performed on this night it was awesome to see membership from several of the New York steelband music tribes present and lending support to the event.

Well done CrossFire. We ready for de road.  See you all at the upcoming launches as the bands progress from great to outstanding!

Watch video performances - CASYM - Pantonic - Despers USA - CrossFire

Leave a comment in the WST forum

Contact CrossFire:  1 (347) 262-5746   Crossfiresteel@yahoo.com

Contact Pantonic:  1 (718) 434-0231    Pantonic1@aol.com

Contact Despers USA: 

Contact CASYM:  1 (718) 735-6708    casymsteelband@gmail.com

CASYM Steel Orchestra members
Tenor - Travis Roberts, Lance, Isa, Madison, Kiara, Diellan; Double Second - Sophonia, Orrin; Guitar - Sheianne Danglade; Cello - Johnathon; Bass - Lakeisha Danglade; Juquan; Drums - Jahlani Roberts; Kyle Frederick, Daneisha Frederick, Haajar Orta
CASYM Steel Orchestra performs at CrossFire's 2013 Panyard opening
CASYM performs at CrossFire’s 2013 Panyard opening

Pantonic Steel Orchestra members
Tyrone McShine, Francis Sharpe, Brittany Burton, Nandia Hamilton, Sheldon Rattan, Shania Chance, Matthew Bascombe, Anthony Sharpe, Brandon Waldrop, Joseph Wilson, Wayne Bernard, Zakiya Howe, Erica Bishop, Marriler Wilson, Amira Beache, Aviel John, Danielle Gamory, Adrian Edwards, Tanisha Aldophe, Patrick Davis, Ryan Osborne, KJ Marcelle, Kadeem, Tristan Samuel

Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs
Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs
Despers USA Steel Orchestra members
Odie Franklin, Natasha Rebeiro, Justyne Simon, Sharon Samuels, Niyatta Tyson, Kern Simon, Samuel Andrews, Alyssa Cain, D.J. Patterson, Tiara Cadet, Elizabeth F., Jerry Guy, Edgar Gamory, Garvin Thorne, Sr., Wilfred Kieal, Jr.
Despers USA Steel Orchestra performs
Despers USA Steel Orchestra performs
CrossFire Steel Orchestra members
Tenor - Sciyahn Koonkoon, Isiah Poitou-Daniel, Kaelynn Baboolal; Double Tenor - Khyah Judah, Arielle Chase; Double Second - Warren Webster; Guitar - Keifer Dover, Terrell Lineman; Four Pan - Danielle Edinboro; Six Bass - Alexis Schloss; Arranger/Drummer - Kendall Williams
CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs at their 2013 Panyard opening
CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs at their 2013 Panyard opening

Repertoire

CASYM Steel Orchestra

1st -  The People’s Champion - (Benjai)
2nd -  September - (Earth, Wind & Fire)
3rd -  Gold - (C. Hulme, M. Montano, Rikki Jai, K. Asche, D. O’ Connor)
4th -  Thief Ah Wine - (Kes The Band)
5
th -  *Mix*:
   ~  Feter - (Benjai)
   ~  Wining Queen - (Denise Belfon)
6th -  A Little Wine - (Patrice Roberts)
7th -  The Fog - (Machel Montano)
8th -  Fantastic Friday - (Superblue)

 
Despers USA Steel Orchestra

1st The Legend of the Glass Mountain - (Nino Rota)
2nd Feelin’ Single - (R. Kelly)
3rd He Reigns - (Kirk Franklin)
4th
Wine Back - (K. Rich)
5th Call My Name - (Destra)
6th The Fog - (Machel Montano)

 
Pantonic Steel Orchestra

1st La Bamba - (Los Lobos)
2nd -  Tomorrow Today
3rd -  Morning Dance  - (Spyro Gyra)
4thDon’t Leave Me This Way - (Thelma Houston)
5th Fiery - (Maestro/Bunji Garlin)
6th -  Town Ting - (Cassi)
7
th -  Wet Meh Down - (Johnny King)
8th Bacchanalist - (Kerwin Du Bois)
9th -  Vibes Cyah Done - (Machel Montano)

 
CrossFire Steel Orchestra

1st -  Possessed
2nd -  Chipping
3rd -  Soca Junkie
4th
Insane
5th -  Oil & Music - (David Rudder)
6th -  Differentology - (Bunji Garlin)

CrossFire’s ‘2013 Panyard Opening’
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