Rodney Small gives show sponsors taste of Steel Expressions

Sponsors of the 2017 edition of Rodney Small’s Steel Expressions show, last Friday, received a taste of what is in store for patrons of the December 30 event.

The display came at the Sunset Shores hotel in Villa, where Small and his team held a cocktail party aimed at bringing the sponsors together with the entertainers and the team behind Steel Expressions. Sunset Shores is a silver sponsor of the event.

Small, who is the executive producer and artistic director of Steel Expressions, said the event this year is called Steel Expressions International and he is proud to see the way the event has grown.

He said the cocktail was held to show appreciation to the persons who make the event possible. Short performances came from Small and Raeon “Madzart” Primus.

Commenting at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sandy Peters-Phillips said that the Ministry is pleased to be part of Steel Expressions International.

“In the Ministry, we want to promote culture, we want you to utilize us to help to further these important cultural activities, so the Ministry is very pleased to be part of this very grand event,” said Peters-Phillip.

The event also heard from performers Rondy “Luta” McIntosh; Ragga Soca King 2016, Chewalee Johnson; Esworth “Ezzie” Roberts of Coreas; Madzart; and Jomoro Francis.

Roberts praised the cocktail initiative, stating that it was good that the Steel Expressions team held the event to thank the sponsors.

“With most events, the sponsors get the mileage at the event, but tonight we have sponsors getting recognition right here,” said Roberts.

This year, the show promises to “take patrons through an International ethnic journey of music, food and fashion.”

Local performances will be a mixture of new upcoming artistes, Sarai Mc Intosh, Kathy Miller, Alran Harry and Geran Maule.

The 2017 Ragga Soca Monarch Hance John, Madzart, Penola Ross, Kevon “Kev” Alleyne and Ipa Constance will also perform, along with members of the international community from places like Nigeria and Cuba.  

This year, proceeds will go to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association (SVGMA) to help with the treatment of child cancers.

Sponsorships have increased this year and include: Gold sponsor for the third year – FLOW. Silver sponsors are: the Carnival Development Corporation, the National Lotteries Authority, Boom FM 106.9, with newcomers SEARCHLIGHT and Sunset Shores. Bronze sponsors 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 Services Ltd, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tus-T Water, Playtime by Uncle Skinny, Posse, Awesome Sports, Vikings Bands and Platinum Sounds.

This year is the fifth year of Steel Expressions.

Small and Singing Sandra of Trinidad will headline the event.(LC)