Having previously claimed that Invaders is his steelband, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley spent last Sunday evening with members of CAL Invaders Steel Orchestra and patrons attending A Mother’s Love—the fund-raising effort by the iconic Woodbrook steelband for ailing three-year-old Caitlyn Inniss.
Special reserved seating had been put aside for Rowley but he opted to sit at the back of the panyard with the steelband’s members and supporters.
The daughter of Pierre and Anishka Inniss, Caitlyn is the niece of Invaders music coordinator Desiree Myers and requires urgent surgery to rid her of a tumour in the pineal region of her brain. With a large audience in attendance, several artistes answered the call to perform to raise funds for the child’s medical expenses. With Tommy Joseph running late due to another event in Couva, his CT Vibe 105.1FM Mixed Nuts colleague George Gonzales opened proceedings with Natalie Baptiste playing the National Anthem on pan.
Following an invocation by Invaders member and calypsonian Karen Eccles and welcome remarks by Invaders managing director Michael Dinchong, the Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra performed a foot-tapping set followed by the father and daughter team of Wayne and Jianna Harris. The first half also featured violinist Darion Dennis, the Cain Twins (Deja and DeJean), Toni Williams, Earl Brooks and a rib-tickling skit by Learie Joseph and Peter Joseph.
After intermission, Eccles resumed the programme, followed by a riveting performance by Chantelle Esdelle & Moyenne, which was made even more enticing by a surprise entrance on stage by the Mozart of Pan, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. He joined the ensemble by playing Our Day Will Come. Sharpe, who had the previous evening, thrilled the audience attending Pan in De Countryside at Las Cuevas on the beach, playing with Philharmonics, was special in his solo of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. In their wake came extempore giant Black Sage, followed by Massy Trinidad All Stars tenor wiz Dane Gulston.
An evening of excellent performances, great ambience and good weather was rounded off by a commanding performance by former Soca Monarch and reigning champion Band of the Year co-leader Ronnie Mc Intosh. His uptempo set included crowd pleasers like Ent, Commess, Shakin’ It, Donkey Dance and Happy.
Another fund-raiser is tentatively planned for a larger venue.