Steel Expressions International media launch was held at the Grenadine House on Monday 13th November 2017.
The annual event, which is in its fifth year, has now adopted the theme “International” – embracing cultures from around the world.
The brainchild and headline act of the show, pannist Rodney Small is encouraging patrons to represent different nationalities in their attire as they will be taken through an international ethnic journey of music, food and fashion.
Former Minister of Culture and mentor of Small, Rene Baptiste stressed that the creative arts should be given the respect it deserves. Baptiste also commended the young pannist for his contribution to the art form and urged aspiring professionals to take their craft seriously.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Commerce, Hon. Sir. Louis Straker emphasized that Small is a role model and inspiration to many young persons in this field. The Foreign Affairs Minister admonished persons not to settle for mediocrity in their endeavors.
Proceeds from the event will go towards childhood Cancer, through the St. Vincent Medical Association; donations from previous shows were made to SCORCH and The school for children with Special Needs.
Meanwhile, President of the SVG Medical Association, Dr. Rosalind Ambrose expressed appreciation to Rodney and his team on this timely contribution and noted that the Medical Association is the first organization locally to spread awareness of childhood cancers, in addition to their breast and prostate cancer awareness campaigns.
President of the SVG Amp, Orandi “Bomani” Charles, took the opportunity to congratulate Rodney and his hard working team on the fifth anniversary of Steel Expressions.
The event commences with a wine and dine segment at 6:30 pm on December 30, where a variety of dishes from various cultures will be on sale.
Other new additions to the event include a Children’s zone where the children will be given added entertainment through collaborations with Playtime by Uncle Skinny, Tus-T Water and the No. 14 Rangers Company.
Sandra “Singing Sandra DesVignes of Trinidad and Tobago will be the other headline act of the show along with Rodney Small. There will also be an African performance and final arrangements for an act out of Cuba are being made.
Local performances will include, 2017 Ragga Soca Monarch Hance John, Raeon “Maddzart” Primus, Penola Ross and Grantley “ Ipa” Constance, among other local acts.
Gold Sponsor, Flow was present and donated a cheque of $10,000 to the event, $2000 of which will be given to Childhood Cancer through the St. Vincent Medical Association. Other endorsements came from Raeon “Madzart” Primus of Posse, ultra premium rum; National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC Radio) and Coreas Distribution.
