Steel Expressions promises to be captivating and culturally diverse

Steel Expressions International, which takes place on December 30, promises to take quality entertainment to a new culturally diverse level.

At a media launch for the event held yesterday at the Grenadine House, Executive Producer and Artistic Director Rodney Small described plans for a captivating show which intends to “take patrons through an International ethnic journey of music, food and fashion.”

He said there will be musical performances from different nations and a set design and decor which would add to the entertainment package at the event which is being produced by RS Entertainment.

In addition, there will be a ‘Wine and Dine’ area where purchases can be made from the wide variety of dishes from various cultures.

In keeping with the culturally diverse atmosphere of the event, patrons are encouraged to wear outfits representing different nationalities.

Children under the age of eight will be entertained in their own children’s section that is sponsored by Playtime by Uncle Skinny, Tus-T Water and the Number 14 Ranger Guide company, who will supervise the children.

The five hour long show, which will take place at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, beginning at 6:30 pm, will have Rodney Small and Singing Sandra of Trinidad, headlining.

Small, who was voted as the Best Steel Pan player in the 2017 Best of SVG awards said he will be backed by the Vikings Band.

He said there will be different segments showcasing different styles of music including: Spanish, RnB, Pop, Jazz, and African.

Singing Sandra called during the launch to confirm her participation in the show.

Another confirmed international act is an African performance and there are final arrangements for a Cuban act, which are new additions to the show this year.

Local performances will be a mixture of new upcoming artistes: Sarai Mc Intosh, Kathy Miller, Alran Harry and Geran Maule, as well as from 2017 Ragga Soca Monarch – Hance John, Raeon ‘Madzart’ Primus, Penola Ross, Kev and Ipa Constance.

Small believes providing the younger artistes an opportunity to perform would positively impact their lives.

“We see this program as impacting positively to help our youths chanel their energies into developing themselves, their families, their communities and our nation; representing our country internationally with honour and pride.”

A few of the sponsors were present at yesterday’s launch to indicate their endorsement of the show.

As is the case every year, proceeds from the event go to a non profit organisation which advocates a worthy cause. This year, proceeds will go to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association (SVGMA) to help with the treatment of child cancers.

Dr Rosalind Ambrose of the SVGMA said they are very grateful to RS Entertainment for their help in enlightening the public on child cancers.

At yesterday’s media launch, FLOW’s representative, Nikiesha Miller handed over EC$10,000 to RS Entertainment of which, $2,000 will go directly to the SVGMA.

This year is the fifth year that Steel Expressions will be held and the show has not only grown in patronage and prestige but also sponsorship.

This year, sponsorships have increased and include: Gold sponsor for the 3rd year – FLOW. Silver sponsors are: Carnival Development Corporation, National Lotteries Authority, Boom Radio, with new comers SEARCHLIGHT and Sunset Shores. Bronze Sponsorship are: Coreas Distribution Ltd, Xtreme Radio and new comers St Vincent Brewery Ltd, and KPMG.

General sponsorship will come from: Baptiste & Co Law Firm, The Ministry of Culture, National Broadcasting corporation, VC3, Junior Lee, Grenadine House, Coreas Hazells Inc, St Vincent Electricity Company Ltd, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tus-T Water, Playtime by Uncle Skinny, Posse, Awesome sports, Vikings Bands and Platinum Sounds.

Tickets for the Steel Expressions International are at $50 for adults and $20 for children and are currently available for purchase at Coreas City Store or from Rodney Small of RS Entertainment. Pre orders of tickets are also encouraged.