Sit back and dream of warm weather, cool drinks and hot music.
River City Brass has that last one covered, closing its 37th season with a trip to the islands.
Its “Caribbean Carnivale” concert series will feature world-renowned steelpan soloist Liam Teague.
Audiences can expect to hear such classic summertime tunes as “Calypso Crazy,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “St. Thomas,” “Jamaican Rhumba” and “Margaritaville,” concert planners say.
DID YOU KNOW that RCB's upcoming Caribbean Carnivàle concerts will feature world-renowned steelpan soloist LIAM TEAGUE?
Nothing says "summer" like the steelpan!
Check him out in action:https://t.co/y1OMiyOoE8
Or read all about him on his website:https://t.co/XzZJncxXNj pic.twitter.com/u114xsJJnt
— River City Brass (@rivercitybrass) April 25, 2019
Steelpan, fast hands
“It’s songs with summer, beach vibes,” says Andrew Blight, River City Brass spokesman. “We hope it gets people into that summer mood.”
Teague, a professor of music and head of steelpan studies at Northern Illinois University, travels the world to demonstrate the steelpan’s great musical possibilities, according to his website.
Steelpan is is a musical instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago. Its musicians are called pannists.
He has performed with ensembles including National Symphony Orchestra, Taiwan National Symphony, Czech National Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Panama National Symphony and the Chicago Sinfonietta.
“He will be playing solos as well as with the band. There is one song he is sort of well-known for, called ‘Hands Like Lightning.’ He can hit that steelpan real quick. We are hoping to really feature him. He’s featured in most of the program,” Blight says.
River City Brass is hoping the performance will attract its regular fans, as well as expand its audience, Blight says.
“We always plan our season ahead of time, and we are always looking for cultural tie-ins, ways we can reach different audiences we don’t always get at our concerts. I think our regular patrons look forward to hearing new things, as well,” he adds.
In addition to Teague, the Ambridge Area High School Steel Drum Band also will perform with the River City Brass at its Carson Middle School show on May 3 and the Carnegie Music Hall performance on May 9.
“We are turning into a little mini steel drum festival here at the end of the season,” Blight says.
Show times
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:
• Linton Middle School, Penn Hills, May 2
• Carson Middle School, Pittsburgh, May 3
• The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, May 4
• Upper St. Clair High School, May 7
• Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland, May 9
Details: 412-434-7222 or rivercitybrass.org
