Great expectations for ‘Steel Expressions: The Graduate’

If you missed the first episode of Rodney Small’s “Steel Expressions” last year, it would be a serious mistake to miss out on part two of what many are hoping would become a mainstay on the local entertainment scene.{{more}}

That’s what speakers, one after the other, said at a media launch last week Tuesday at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, as they heralded the coming of “Steel Expressions: The Graduate,” scheduled for the Russell’s Theatre Auditorium on December 29.

According to Oneka Morgan, chairperson of the show’s organizing Committee, “Steel Expressions: The Graduate” will be a story of trial and triumph, told by Small and a cast of performing artistes, through the steel pan, song, and dance.

Morgan indicated that in his next production, Small wants the audience to celebrate their own accomplishments, just as he had celebrated this year.

“Steel Expressions: The Graduate 2013 is a celebration with Rodney Small on the completion of his first degree. The show will attempt to make a parallel in the development in Rodney Small and music in general on the steel pan.

“This is a celebration, not only for Rodney Small as a graduate, but for you the audience who might have felt some form of achievement, especially in 2013.

“The show will highlight different aspects of the creative arts and the impact it had on the graduate Rodney Small. This will be captured by the music selections,” Morgan said.

Apart from Small, Steel Expressions: The Graduate will feature a number of up and coming, as well as established performers, such as Saed Bowman, Bomani, Shaunelle McKenzie, Kamara Foster, Skarpyan, and La Gracia Dancers, led by Maxine Browne.

Small told the media that preparations for the show are on schedule and that only the best can be expected and presented when fans of pan and the performing arts turn up at the venue, and be treated to an event that surpasses the previous show.

The maestro-in-the-making thanked the sponsors who have already come on board, as he called for others to follow their example, and promised present and potential sponsors, as well as patrons, that it would be a night, and money, well spent.

“I can guarantee you that investing your money in Steel Expressions: The Graduate is one that you will never regret. Support your own and you will be inspired…. Your support means the world to us,” Small said.

He gave special thanks to those who are already on board, including the Bank of Nova Scotia, VINLEC, the Carnival Development Corporation, René Baptiste Chambers, VC3, Coreas Hazells, and the Ministry of Culture.(JJ)