Persons who attended “Steel Expressions: The Graduate”, were taken on a journey of music and emotions, thanks to Rodney Small and his cast, and performances that have received rave reviews.{{more}}

With the recent Christmas disaster weighing on the minds of all present on December 29, at the Russell’s auditorium in Kingstown, the 2013 version of the event had a sombre undertone, but spirits were lifted as Small, and his musicians, The Ultimate Band, and the rest of the ensemble, gave the audience a memorable night, as promised.

The evening began with a segment dedicated to Rodney’s reflection on his educational journey through the Edna Manley School for the Performing Arts in Jamaica, from which he graduated with honours. Other segments included the “Love” and “Celebrations”.

Small wowed the audience with his versatility on pan, playing different genres of music, covering music from Jimmy Cliff, R Kelly, Whitney Houston, Beres Hammond, Adele and a host of others.

The night was not all about Small, however; he shared the stage with other talented entertainers, including dancers from La Gracia and vocalists Bomani Charles, Kamara Forster, Shaunelle McKenzie and Skarpyan.

One of the many highlights of the night was the featured guest, 13-year-old Saeed Bowman, who gave sensational renditions of “Jesus, joy of man’s desiring,” “Ain’t no sunshine,” “Nothing at all,” and “Teaser,” much to the delight of the appreciative crowd.

Small also took time out to show appreciation to five persons whom he credited for molding and guiding him on his current path. The five were: his mother Gloria Small, former minister of culture René Baptiste, former permanent secretary in the ministry of culture Sandra Davis, and pan veterans Francis Llewellyn and Johnny Pompey.

Small ended the second edition of what may soon become a staple on the local entertainment scene, by appealing to patrons to do their part in the rebuilding of the country, following the recent rains and flooding.

He then asked the audience to join hands, as everyone, including the cast of performers, sang a rendition of “We are the world”, to bring the curtains down on the night’s proceedings.

SEARCHLIGHT spoke to some members of the audience who said that they thoroughly enjoyed the show and look forward to future stagings of the event.(JJ)