Eruption Steel Orchestra’s 3^rd Annual Christmas Concert - A Joy to the World, Heart and Soul

In Pictures

Brooklyn, New York, USA - A nippy night, but one just suited to the season - Christmas, that is. The occasion was Eruption Steel Orchestra’s 3^rd Annual Winter Concert & Fundraiser, and on the agenda were the sounds of steel courtesy the hosts themselves, the music organization Eruption Steel Orchestra, with invited performing artists Despers USA Steel Orchestra, Phoenix Steel Orchestra, and the Victory Music & Dance Company. The musical card included both Christmas classics and popular fare for the enjoyment of all. Indeed, Eruption’s showcase was set to bring seasonal ‘Joy’ to the hearts and souls of musical guests.

The full house of steelband music lovers on Saturday December 13 was treated to Despers USA who opened the show with a set list that included faves such as Ain't Nobody.

Hosting duties for the event were deftly handled by Ziah Lila, son of New York cultural icon Vincent “Hueloy” Lila Yip Young; he kept the momentum going throughout the evening.

Ziah Lila posed questions relative to steelband history that members of the audience tried their ‘knowledge’ chops at answering, a few successfully. During the evening, the culinary fare was a hit with attendees and featured a varied menu seen to by the attentive hosts.

Eruption Steel Orchestra stepped up musically after Despers USA, and garnered enthusiastic response with well-known pieces such as The Little Drummer Boy and Wonderful Christmastime. Young people from the Victory Music & Dance Company graced the stage as well, delivering a well-received dance number.

Master educator, multi-talented instrumentalist and exceptional soloist Khuent Rose held the attention of a rapt audience with his witty but shrewd discourse as he opened the floor to carol requests from audience members. The choice of key in which Rose played the Christmas carol was also up to the audience; Rose himself performed each selection on voices of the steel pan instrument - tenor, double tenor, and double second. The Phoenix Steel Orchestra took the stage next.

The St. Paul’s Church auditorium, at 157 St. Paul’s Place in Brooklyn has been the venue of steelband-related events before, including 2019’s Christmas with CrossFire Steel Orchestra.  For this year, Eruption Steel Orchestra’s Christmas concert delivered a delightful evening, with many notables in the New York steelband community turning out, and who, no doubt - have this event on ‘repeat’ in the annual Christmas engagement calendar.

In Pictures...

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