Contact: Colleen Roche or Jack Deacy (212) 788-2958
Joining the Mayor in welcoming the band was John Campi, the Vice President of Community Affairs at the Daily News, which is sponsoring the tour, Carlos Lezama of the West Indian Day Parade Committee, Ambassador Anette Deselles of Trinidad and Tobago and representatives of sponsors, NYNEX and PC Richards and Son.
"Today marks the 10th consecutive year in which the City of New York is joining with the Daily News to welcome the world champion steel band to City Hall," Mayor Giuliani said. "This exciting event kicks off a city-wide tour that will also bring this extraordinary band to Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. And it's just one of the many great events in a week of Caribbean celebrations in New York City, culminating in the annual West Indian Day Parade."
The championship orchestra , made up of fifty musicians and 125 steel drums, has also toured France, Japan and throughout the United States. The group's leader, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe has been described by Wynton Marsalis as "the world's greatest steel-pan player" and has earned a reputation as "the Mozart of Pan."
Other sponsors who made the tour possible include BWIA Airlines, WBLS Radio and WLIB Radio and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.