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WEEK of January 23, 2006 |
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New Orleans Blues and Steel Drums of the Caribbean Herald African-American Celebration The rhythm and blues of New Orleans combined with the exuberant sounds of the Caribbean will usher in a Carnival celebration at Brooklyn Friends School on Friday evening, February 3, 2006. Open to all members of the community, the School’s 11th annual African-American Celebration is a tribute to Black History Month and proceeds benefit Katrina families at Brooklyn Friends. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and $55 for a family of four. New Orleans blues master Jesse Thomas and his band and the Despers USA Steel Orchestra are the featured performers at the event, whose theme is “Celebrating the Human Spirit—for Others, Not Ourselves.” The evening begins at 6 pm with a Caribbean/Southern buffet dinner, and the performance starts at 7:30 pm. A committee of 50 parent volunteers has organized the celebration, and BFS students—the high school Step Team and a group of young drummers—will also participate. A key player in the blues scene for decades, both in New Orleans and New York, Jesse Thomas sings and preaches in a style that actively invites audience participation. As Jesse himself says, “I play finger-poppin’, hip-slapping’, exasperating Mardi Gras.” Born in New Orleans just off Rampart Street, he has made music with Fats Domino, Little Richard, Huey Smith, Joe Tex, Earl Smith, Little Willie and Lloyd Price. The award-winning Despers USA Steel Orchestra, based in Brooklyn, is composed of former members of the world-famous Desperados Steel Orchestra of Trinidad who migrated to Brooklyn in the mid-1970s. The Orchestra has performed at BAM and Madison Square Garden and also with Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. As a non-profit organization, Despers USA is committed to sharing and teaching the art of steel pan music to young people and adults. In the week leading up to the African-American celebration, students will participate in workshops and assembly programs with Jesse Thomas, Despers USA, and educator Sheena Minott to learn about the music of the African Diaspora and its significant contribution to U.S. culture. Download a registration form for the Steel Band Workshop Series for students in grades 4 through 12. The workshops will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, January 31 through February 2, from 4:30 to 6 pm. Registration is due at the front desk by January 25. (Please note: Registration is limited to 10 students. If more than 10 students are interested, there will be a lottery. Participants who are able to attend all 3 sessions will have first choice. FREE afterschool will be provided for participating 4th- through 8th graders prior to 4:30.) |
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