MIDLAND, Pa.—The Steel Drum Festival returns to Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center for the fifth year in a row on April 15. This concert features tri-state music ensembles, ranging from elementary to high school bands, and world-renowned musician Ron Reid. On sale now, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theater and can be purchased online at www.lppacenter.org. People may call the box office at (724) 576-4644, and choose option 2 during the normal business hours of 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets are also available at the box office in Midland during normal business hours.
Steel drum bands from all over the area will take part in a day-long workshop on April 15 under the direction of guest performer Ron Reid, followed by a public performance that evening. Each ensemble will perform their individual set at the concert before a mass band finale featuring Reid. Participating regional bands include Midland Elementary Middle School Steel Drum Band, Divine Mercy 7th Grade Steel Drums, Divine Mercy 8th Grade Steel Drums, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School Steel Drum Band, Steubenville High School Steel Drum Band, Wheeling Park Middle School, John Marshall High School, and Shelly Irvine & The Steeltones.
"We are so thrilled to bring back the Steel Drum Festival this year," said Managing Director Sal Aloe. "The concert has always been well received by local residents, as well as the local communities that these bands come from. We are bringing together students for a unique experience that encourages a love of music and provides valuable insight from one of the best steel drummers today."
Featured performer Ron Reid is a Trinidadian-born composer, educator, and musician who is recognized worldwide for his talents. Reid comes to the Center through a partnership with Berklee College of Music, where he is an Associate Professor. He began his career as a bassist over thirty years ago and has since performed across the world, from international festivals in Scotland to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Reid has recorded with Boston-based groups and is featured as a leader on two critically acclaimed steel panjazz recordings. He has also worked as a musical director, composed theme music, and arranged for several legendary steel bands.
"The concert will be informal and will have a tropical island-feel with the music, said Aloe. "It will be amazing to see—most of these people have never met, but within a matter of hours, they will all be onstage together, playing with an incredibly talented musician."
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