GEMS lights up St. George’s Cathedral

Psalms 150 says you should praise the Lord with the sound of the trumpet, the high sounding cymbals, the psaltery, the harp and the trumpet, but on a night which saw hundreds congregate at the St George’s Cathedral, it was the sweet melody of the steel pan that was the source of attraction.{{more}}

Gems of the Antilles, a Vincentian group based in Toronto, Canada for the past 17 years, presented Gems and friends band “Pan in Harmony” at the church last Sunday.

Steel Orchestra selections ranging from “Majesty” to “The Right Hand of God” were belted out by the band which has only been playing together for the past three years, but sounded as though they were playing together for decades.

Thunderous applause rocked the church as the expression of talent delighted the audience.

Songbird Erlene Williams-King sang at the top of her lungs delivering precise notes and hitting all the right keys.

It could have also been dubbed a star-studded event with renowned Saxophonist Syl McIntosh blowing the roof off the house and Vin Cato Fraser showing his versatility on the steel pan.

Touched by the singing of some members of the National Society of Persons with Disabilities, a standing ovation was given to them for contributing to the event.

One of the event’s organizers, Monica Sandy Wolkowski, said that the idea of coming back home and hosting their annual tea party and fundraiser here was that of one of the band members. She said it was the band’s first venture outside Canada, and it was well received by the audience. “I was overwhelmed when I saw such a large gathering.” Wolkowski said that in Canada they help other charities and play at fundraisers.

Some of the local organistaions Gems assists include the Children’s Welfare Fund, The House of Hope Society, The School for Children with Special Needs and The National Trust. (KW)