FUSION Steel 2.0 gave credence to the boast that they are back and better at their relaunch of an unforgettable evening of pan, on May 26, at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.
Under the moonlit sky, the courtyard served as the perfect location for the rebirth of the band, before a very intimate audience.
[caption id="attachment_1088419" align="alignnone" width="1024"] - Yvonne Webb[/caption]
Included among them, San Fernando East MP Brian Manning, San Fernando City councillor Ryaad Hosein, vice president of TUCO Ras Kommanda and chairman of Pan Trinbago South Central Region Philip Barker.
The real shinning stars on that night, however, were under the covered tents, displaying their distinct talent, first as individuals and then collectively, as the band.
[caption id="attachment_1088420" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dressed to impress at the relaunch of Fusion Steel 2.0 is Raphael Lezama as he plays Can We Talk. - Yvonne Webb[/caption]
Starting slowly and delivering some feel-good moments, in the first half, pannists showed off their skills on the tenor, double tenors and double seconds as proud parents and relatives captured still images and videos on their cell phones of their five minutes of fame.
[caption id="attachment_1088421" align="alignnone" width="614"] Pan boss Daryl Sheppard joins with Fusion Steel 2.0 to perform Skankin Sweet. - Yvonne Webb[/caption]
The youthful members, under the astute leadership of CEO Darren "Sheppy" Sheppard, captivated their audience with a wide-ranging repertoire of jazz, calypso, funk, soul, reggae, pop, and unmistakable love songs.
They offered hits such as Spain, Sweet Love, Ordinary People by the performer dubbed Isa “De Solo Boss” Samuel, Raphael Lezama’s interpretation of Tevin Campbell’s Can We talk for a Minute and Jeremy Granado’s Pump Me Up.
[caption id="attachment_1088422" align="alignnone" width="576"] Daryl Ryan - Yvonee Webb[/caption]
The second half saw "Sheppy" joining with the band for a single performance of Jamaican Chronixx's song Skankin’ Sweet.
Adding some magic to the mix was amazing vocalist Kizzie Huggins accompanied by the versatile band which demonstrated its ability to respond to any musical genre.
Huggins vocal notes struck a peak as she performed the popular Water by Tyla and, When Jesus Says Yes, Nobody Can’t Say No, influencing a clapping and sing-along from the audience.
[caption id="attachment_1088423" align="alignnone" width="614"] Kizzie Huggins -[/caption]
She transformed into the sultry seductress as she moved from the stage to the VIP area, getting up close and personal with an open invitation, “Baby come to me.”
The tenure was toned down as she delivered the powerful message in the music of Ella Andall's Missing Generation, commenting on the crime situation while calling for more love in the nation.
Saxophonist Daryl Ryan blew the minds of the audience with his performance of the upbeat Michael Jackson’s Working Day and Night.
Fusion Steel was birthed in 2009 as a business initiative between Sheppard
