Steel Band Returning

To Masonicare

The sound of island and Calypso will fill the parking lot at Masonicare at Newtown on Thursday, July 16, when St Luke’s Steel band returns for a free concert.

St Luke’s Steel Band was started in the fall on 1999 when Father Victor Rogers and a group of supporters from New Haven’s historic St Luke’s Episcopal Church purchased a set of used steel drums from a band in Brooklyn. Since then the group has attracted a dedicated membership of 25 players of all ages. Many of the members or their families come from the West Indies including the islands of Antigua, Barbados, Granada, Jamaica, Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago.

The band rehearses twice a week and performs regularly during services at St Luke’s Episcopal Church. They also play for conferences, festivals, benefits and private functions throughout the state. Their repertoire includes soca and calypso, reggae, classical, sacred, popular and island music.

Under the direction of coach and arranger Debby Teason and assistant director Donna Johnson, the band was recognized in 2003 with an Artist’s Award from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and for two years won gold medals at the Panorama Caribbean Music Fest in Virginia Beach.

Residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a variety of wonderful musical performances given by some of the area’s most popular bands. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

Summer Sounds Concerts will continue with The Frank Porto Band on Thursday, July 30, and The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard Swing Band on Wednesday, August 5.

Light refreshments are usually available for purchase.

In the event of rain, or if it appears rain is imminent, some concerts may be moved indoors where possible or cancelled. Call 426-5847 for weather cancellation information or additional concert info.