Dec. 9, 2005 – Crucian Christmas enthusiasts can fill up on culture, tradition and music with this weekend’s events.
On Saturday the 10th annual Steel Pan Festival gets underway at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, 25 Junior Calypso contestants get their chance to shine beginning at 4 p.m. Both shows will be held at the Island Center for the Performing Arts.
The Steel Pan Festival is sponsored by the Road Side Pan Yard and directed by Stedroy "Puddin" Williams and Eslie Williams. Saturday's program will include a little something for everyone, with musical selections ranging from gospel and holiday classics to calypso and rhythm and blues. The show features 14 steel symphonies from St. Croix schools and churches.
"It’s a fundraiser for the bands," Eslie Williams said. "Each band is given 100 tickets and gives $150 of the proceeds back to cover production costs and they keep the rest."
The two directors have been friends for over 20 years and teach children to play steel pan in after-school sessions.
Tickets are available at the door. The price is $8 for everyone.
On Sunday the youth will showcase their singing and stage presence. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Junior Calypso competition produced annually by Camille "King Derby" Macedon. The show features 25 boys and girls from three years to 16-years-old, singing original social commentary backed up by the Xpress Band. Prince Butterfly, Queen Okefe and the Monarch, Queen Ivina, all from Antigua, will be guest starring on the show.
Tickets are $10 for adult and $5 for children. They are available at Eagles Fashions and Pancho's in Sunny Isles, JT Sports in Frederiksted and Jule&Wanda in Christainsted.
Check back frequently to the Source for all your 2005-2006 St. Croix Festival highlights.
See the complete schedule here.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
