Vincentian artistes showcase their versatility at Steel Expressions show

The fifth staging of the Steel Expressions show, which explored the versatility of Vincentian performing artistes, has been hailed a tremendous success.

The show was held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Friday, under the theme ‘Starry Night’.

The show’s organizer and headliner pannist Rodney Small, dubbed ‘the man who makes the pan sing’, did not disappoint the many persons who journeyed to the playing field for the show.

Apart from playing the steel pan, Small showed his diversity by also performing a drum solo and accompanying many of the night’s performers on the drums.

Soca artiste Hance John performed a tribute to Jamaican reggae artiste Beres Hammond, while Kamara ‘Keido’ Foster paid tribute to incarcerated Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton.

To the audience’s pleasure, Ragga Soca Monarch Chewalle Johnson performed a spin on his hit song ‘Rumist,’ giving it an RnB touch.

The performance of ‘You Raised Me Up’ by Eric Johnson, a student at the School for Children with Special Needs, brought the cheering audience to their feet.

Soca artiste Rodney ‘Luta’ McIntosh performed some of his greatest hits, like ‘Busy Tone’ and “Throw Bad Mind Outta Window” and paid tribute to soca great Winston Soso, performing one of his hits “I don’t mind”. During Luta’s performance, patrons spilled onto the dance floor showing their dance moves.

Vincentian international artiste Aretha Shallow’s melodic and enticing performance of ‘Fever’ and Alicia Key’s ‘No One’ received enthusiastic applause from the large audience.

Jamaican singer Keiko Smith’s harmonic singing was warmly received by the audience. Smith has shared the stage with Jamaican reggae Jah Cure and Christopher Martin.

Performances were also done by: Keith Currency, Fenton Harry, reggae artiste Terikal and Abuza, Jordon Hamlet of the St Vincent Grammar School, pianist Geran Maule, Reka, Alex Barnwell, Viking Band and Silk Band.

According to Small, every year a charity is chosen to receive a donation from the night’s proceeds and this year, a donation would be made to the School for Children with Special Needs. (CM)