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North Coast Carnival
On July 26, Alexandria Bay will
host
steel bands from around New York State as part of its first North Coast
Carnival
celebration of Caribbean music. Steel bands originated on the
tropical
island of Trinidad and perform on distinctive instruments made from oil
barrels,
the sound of which has become closely associated with the
Caribbean.
Steel bands are an increasingly popular part of stateside school and
community
music programs. Featured in the Alexandria Bay event will be the
North
Country’s own River Rat Rhythm Project Steel Drum Band, the Binghamton
High
School Steel Band, and Steel Alchemy of Geneseo. Additional
events
planned for the day include a mass band performance, children’s “Learn
to
Play the Steel Drum” program, and a guest performance by Hawaiian
Grammy
award winner Tracy Thornton.Tracy Thornton’s (www.tracythornton.com) performing credits include appearances with some of the leading names in steel band music , including the mighty Phase II of Trinidad, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Robert Greenidge of Jimmy Buffet’s band and the world renowned Andy Narell. He has opened for Santana, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet, The Original Wailers Band, The Strokes and the Ramones, to name just a few from a very long list. He was the founder, leader, musical director, manager and lead tenor pannist of the critically acclaimed calypso/jazz group “Been Caught Steelin’”, and the founder of the nation’s most exciting steel drum band “Sons of Steel” where he was the musical director, teacher, tenor pannist, percussionist, manager, mentor, and bus driver. Tracy has been featured in national publications including Spin Magazine, Global Rhythm, Modern Drummer Online, Billboard Online, MTV.com among numerous Online Magazines. His 16 CDs include “Been Caught Steelin”, and the “Ramones endorsed” CD “Pan for Punks”, a steel pan tribute to the music of those punk icons. His recording “Island Dreamin’” with the Tsunami Wave Riders was recently awarded the Hawaiian Grammy’s Single of the Year award. Mr. Thornton will conduct a performance of several groups playing pieces together, known as a “mass band” performance, and will perform several solo pieces with his characteristic high energy style. Children will be treated to a hands on experience with the steel drum courtesy of Panyard, Inc. (www.panyard.com), maker of the world’s finest steel drum, or pan, instruments. Their “Jumbie Jam” instruments are perfectly suited for child-sized hands, and produce an authentic Caribbean sound. Participants will learn how the instrument goes together, where the notes are, and at least one song. They may then join in the afternoon performance with the mass band and Tracy Thornton. The program is open for students age 6-12. The River Rat Rhythm Project (www.rrrp.net) is well known around the Thousand Islands region for its performances of authentic Caribbean music and original compositions for steel band. Formed in 2004 when Mr. Dick Alexander, owner of the Best Western Carriage House Inn of Watertown, offered to purchase the instruments needed to start the group. From its original 4 members and 4 instruments, the group has grown to include 42 members from kindergarteners to retirees in 4 separate ensembles performing on instruments made from 30 barrels. Every year they can be seen performing for enthusiastic crowds at community events such as French Festival and Pirate Days. The Binghamton High School Steel Band (www.bhssteelband.org), was formed in 1999. In that time it has enjoyed a great deal of success, traveling extensively throughout the U.S., and performing with such music masters as drummer Billy Ward, marimbist Gordon Stout, and steel drum master Liam Teague. They recently hosted Andy Narrell, the world’s best known pannist, and Tommy Igoe, drummer and conductor for the Broadway production of “The Lion King”, at the Binghamton Day of Percussion. They are directed by BHS Band Director, respected percussionist, composer, and recording artist, Joel Smales. Steel Alchemy is a community steel band from Geneseo. The group is directed by Ted Canning. (Information forthcoming.) The day will conclude with a special performance by the children’s group, a mass band performance, and Tracy Thornton’s performance. The steel band festival will take place on July 26 in the Scenic View Park pavilion. The children’s program is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m., in cooperation with Paddle for Betterment’s annual community benefit event. There will be an open rehearsal at 12:00, and steel bands will perform from approximately 1:00 until 5:00. The North Coast Carnival celebration will also include a live broadcast of North Country Public Radio’s “The Beat Authority” from the downtown area, Caribbean style activities at Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, Latin dance lessons, children’s activities, a village wide treasure hunt, and a downtown concert featuring reggae and Latin bands. For information and schedule updates call the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-541-2110 or visit www.rrrp.net. |
| Steel Band Festival Offers Something For Everyone |
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