CAISO Steel Drum Band

Black History Month, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Civil Rights Commemorative Stamps

 

February is Black History Month and there are many ways to participate in the recognition.  In the Washington, DC area there are several special events and while we are a few weeks away it pays to plan to attend the events early as they are very popular and in some cases sold out.  The Smithsonian, the National Archives, the DC Library and various historic sites in Arlington will all have special programs and you should visit their sites for updates and announcements.

This year will welcome in highly planned and more vigorous events at the Lincoln Memorial in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  Abraham Lincoln signed the proclamation on January 1, 1863.  The US Postal Service released the first of a series of planned special commemorative stamps on January 2.  The first one limited edition stamp was to commemorate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the other two will be released later in the year and will commemorate the March on Washington and Rosa Parks.  These are limited edition stamps with special first day release sheets of the stamps and other items which can be purchased at the USPS Web site or through your local post office.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will be holding special events to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the March on Washington.  There will also be special events held nationwide at most colleges, museums and other venues.  Even if you are not able to participate in the DC area there are likely many events to be held near your own town.

Another special event will be held on February 23^rd aboard the Spirit of Washington.  There will be a special “Black History Month Lunch Cruise”.  The music featured on the cruise will be centered on celebrating african american music artists which will involve both live music and that offered by a DJ.  It is sure to be a special event.

As February draws nearer we will share more detailed information with you on upcoming events including those that will involve CAISO.  We hope you will come back and visit us often for this information and much more!

View the unveiling of the Emancipation Proclamation Commemorative Stamp Event:

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2012 Music Highlights: Caiso SteelBand

 

Caiso Steelband seen on Fox 5 Morning Show

Caribbean Steelband music, we love it! We have a ton of people to thank for a successful year of music & fun. We appreciate the opportunity to play music in a variety venues both local & international. Our goal is to be professional musicians for all occasions. We feel honored to have performed for a variety of good causes. We wish you wellness, productivity & fun in the new year.

 

 

The list goes like this: God, Mom & Dad, Stephen King, John King, Robert Thwaites, Ted Allen, Orin, Mike, Franklin Harding, Sherwin & Shawn Thwaites, Matt Evans, friends and Steelpan family.  We also like to thank Washington Talent agency, East Coast Entertainment, Pro Sports MVP, MWR, Bialek Music, Washington's Best, Events by Andre Wells, Paul Bollinger & GWAO, Motorola Corp, Rooftop at Rockville, Tammy & Dave @ Kentmorr Restaurant, James Turner Productions, & Clydes of Chevy Chase, Steve Williams & Fox 5 morning show, gigmasters.com, Queenie Cox & Gum Springs Community Association, Dufief Homeowners Association, Martar Swimming Club, Kinderfest & Prince George's County Park and Planning, Fairfax County Park & Planning, the Gazette Newspaper, the Washington Post Going Out Guide, John Yeh with Herbs, Tea & Arts Fest @ Montpelier, University of Maryland, Walter Reed National Medical Center, Oyster Bay, Mr. Boos & The Saint Louis Golf Classic,Summer Summer Entertainment Series @MasonDistrictPark, Annie at Room & Board, The Catholic University, Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, Mango Mike's, Yelp DC, Plethora Solutions.... the list goes on!!!! If we missed you charge it to my head & not my heart. Leave a comment to vent. Irie!

For more information about the Steelpan instrument visit:

Caiso SteelBand Blog at http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

 

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Top 10 Holiday Events Not to Miss in Washington DC Area

It’s that time of year again!  Time to celebrate the season in style and make some memories to last a lifetime.  Few cities celebrate the holidays like Washington DC.  So, whether you are spending this holiday season with family or friends, multiple events are scheduled in and around the DC area for all to enjoy.  The people of this great city know how to welcome visitors and that is never more evident than during the holidays. 

Make sure you try to experience as many of these great attractions as possible:

• The National Christmas Tree  -  Each night the spectacular tree is lit at 11:00 for all to enjoy!
• Take a Candlelight Tour  -  Historic homes acting as museums give informative tours by candlelight and enhance the experience with holiday music and treats.
• See Light Displays  -  All around the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia areas lights illuminate the night in celebration of the holiday season.  They are especially beautiful around the various bodies of water.
• See Gaylord National Resort’s ICE  -  Hand sculpted and weighing in at 1.5 million pounds, this holiday display is a real jaw-dropper!
• See The Nutcracker  -  No holiday would be complete without seeing this play steeped in tradition.  It is a wonder to see in person!
• See a Toy Train Exhibit  -  Toy trains are the quintessential holiday treat!  Check out an exhibit as they wind through winter scenes with ski slopes and more.
• Go to a Holiday Concert  -  Few things will get you humming holiday tunes like a concert filled with all the favorites.
• See the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony  -  On the White House grounds this National Menorah is lit during the eight day Jewish holiday.
• Experience the Scottish Walk Weekend and Boat Parade  -  Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Scottish bagpipes during the parade or the boats on the Potomac.
• See a First Night Event  -  Ring in the New Year with the entire family!  Enjoy music, lights, and great fireworks.

Any of these events will make the holidays more special and leave any family with memories for a lifetime.

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The Best Photo Opportunities in Washington, DC

One amazing statistic would be to consider the number of camera shutter buttons pushed on cameras in the Washington, DC area on an annual basis.  There is probably nowhere in the USA where more pictures are snapped in the same square mile area.  A camera likely makes the top 5 on any packing list for someone going to DC and it should be with so much to do and so many things to see.  Of course there are the historically significant spots, buildings, and treasures but there are also just as many picturesque spots that shouldn’t be missed by those that define themselves as shutterbugs.

For those that want to make the most of their shutter time in the Washington, DC area, here is a short list of places that need to be on your photo op list.  Be sure to visit each link for further information on how best to arrive to avoid parking problems and to be prepared for any entry fees that you might encounter.

• The Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorial: No one that visits the DC area should go home without pictures of these historical treasures.  Far away or close up the opportunities abound for subject centered photos or artistic shots that would be worthy of matting, framing and hanging on the wall.  Everyone should consider the tried and true shots of Lincoln sitting boldly and proud in the chair as well as the opposite reflection upon which Lincoln gazes.  For some really astounding photo ops consider taking a night tour to these spots and get shots overlooking the city from the top of the Washington Monument or the light reflecting upon Lincoln’s likeness in the deep of the night with fewer visitors around.  Of course nothing compares to the spring photo ops of the Jefferson Memorial surrounded by the famous cherry blossoms.
• The War Memorials: Pictures are worth a thousand words and the different war memorials are worth more than their share of shutter snaps.  For one photo opportunity that should make your list if the day you visit is overcast or slightly drizzling be sure to snap some incredible shots of the Korean War Memorial in that weather condition.  The Vietnam Memorial is of course the one that can offer some of the most touching photo shots that will require no words and will prompt much personal thought.  The recently finished World War II Memorial can draw you into the vastness and history and is one of those artistic shot opportunities with much to inspire your photography skills into overdrive.
• After you have had your lens focused on the history in this area it is time to consider some candid study shots of the locals by doing a walk around The National Mall.  People are eating their lunches, taking in a picnic, participating in sports with friends, vendors are peddling their tourist treasures and local food favorites, and you can see live musicians sharing their talents.  Not only are the people perfect subjects for your photos but birds and fluttering insects among the cherry trees make for perfect photos and can be lost among the other activity drawing away the photographer’s eye.
• The Arlington Cemetery is a must spot for photos that invoke all that is a part of the fight for freedom in this Country.  From picturesque spots of the green grass interspersed with the white burial markers against the background of the Potomac to the respectful and not to be missed changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Plan to spend hours here despite what you might think you should budget for your visit, for once you begin walking around you will wish you had brought more than a few memory cards for your camera and had more time to spare.
• The Smithsonian National Zoological Park will offer learning experiences and more than a SD card full of photo ops.  With impressive exhibits and hundreds of species of animals there is not another opportunity like it in the area.  This is the perfect place for children to try their photographic talents for even those new at their camera skills will leave with some impressive shots.
• Washington, DC is a city full of architectural history and detailed photos centered on the architectural aspects of the buildings can offer up gallery worthy shots by both the professional photographer as well as the amateur photographer.
• For the perfect backdrop for a professionally polished family posed photo don’t miss the Georgetown Waterfront.  You’ll have more than enough to inspire and bring out the shutterbug in you as you consider the Potomac flowing and shimmering in the background.  As the sun begins to sit nothing can compare to the lights of Arlington, VA twinkling upon the water’s surface for a landscape shot and of course it is quite romantic if that is your photographic intention.

A visit to Washington, DC can offer plenty of history lessons, fantastic memories, as well as millions of photo ops that will have you planning your next visit soon.  Of course, check back with our Web site often for opportunities to come out and see one of CAISO’s public performances.  We often perform at festivals, neighborhood celebrations, and large public venues and events.  We welcome you to our beloved city and area and know you will find your time here to be one you will fondly remember – don’t forget your camera!

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Picking a Live Band for Your Wedding Reception

If you are a Bride to be planning your special day, no doubt about it you have a lot on your to do list to check off for your wedding.  One detail that is very important but sometimes doesn’t get the attention it should is entertainment for your reception.  This most likely is the first time you will have ever hired a band and we have tips to make your wedding reception planning a success.

 

The band you choose will supply more than just music.  They set the background mood of your event.  If the band doesn’t have the experience or professionalism to perform properly your event will leave you and your guests with less than happy memories.  The reception is the finale of your event so you want it to be fabulous. 

A truly professional band will arrive, set up and be ready to play at the assigned time.  They will specify the breaks they take and will stick to a schedule.  They should also provide a playback recording while on break so as not to leave the reception with dead silence.  There is no sense in recreating the mood every time the band begins to play again at your wedding reception, the mood and ambiance should be maintained.

Keep in mind the genre of your band will set the mood of your party.  Chamber music sets a softer, quieter atmosphere whereas a livelier band would create an atmosphere that would be more active and might perhaps inspire a few twirls on the dance floor.  So if you want dancing you won’t pick the same band as you would if it is a quieter affair.

It is a myth that live bands will always be more the more expensive choice for a wedding reception.  Many bands can work within a tighter budget by reducing the number of members playing or the reducing the length of time they perform.  Before you decide your budget can’t handle a live band, shop around for quotes and be upfront with the booking manager about your budget.

Finally, ask to hear a recording of the band you are considering.  Also, find out if there will be a public performance that you can attend to hear and see them perform.  DO NOT plan on seeing them play at another wedding, don’t even ask.  It isn’t their place to invite a possible client to another person’s wedding.  You will have to depend on a public performance or a tape.

When you do see them play or watch a tape, note how they work the crowd to help them enjoy the event.  Note their dress, energy and professionalism for the event.  Also, make sure your band works with a contract and make sure fine details like the length of time before a break, lengths of breaks, and the desired playlist are all covered.

C.A.I.S.O. has years of experience working with Brides and Grooms to make their event spectacular.  They can help assure that your reception reflects the joyous atmosphere of the whole day.  Make sure you contact us soon so we can discuss your vision of your wedding reception as well as scheduling your special day into our calendar.  To review more about our booking procedure and to review a FAQ page please go to our Booking Info page. 

For more great information visit http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

 

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The National Portrait Gallery/Exhibitions/Black List

via www.npg.si.edu

Caiso SteelBand enjoys living and performing in the Washington, DC Metro Area. We get to perform our brand of Steelpan music in fabulous weddings, corporate and fun social events. We also like to share interesting information such as the "Blacklist" Portrait Art exhibit at The National Portrait Gallery by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

The "Blacklist" is a wonderful portrait and video exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.  The "Blacklist" is a compilation of 50 portraits of African-Americans of influence.  The portraits represent a spectrum of people famous and non-famous, but all are inspiring in their own right.  The portraits are of dynamic people in the fields of politics, music, business, civil activism, literature, the arts and athletics.

Some of the featured photographs include those of American political activist and university professor Angela Davis; musician John Legend; Michael Lomax, chairman and CEO of the United Negro College Fund; artist Kara Walker; and actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer Melvin Van Peebles.

The Black List Project was conceived by photographer/filmmaker Greenfield-Sanders with Mitchell, NPR correspondent and former New York Times film critic. The exhibit will be at The National Portrait Gallery on 8th and F Street NW Washington, DC until April 22nd.

For more great information about the Steelpan instrument you can visit my SteelBand Music and Current Event Blog at http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

From Michael "The SteelPan Guy" King Jr.- Caiso SteelBand Music Group

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Events in Washington, DC

via dc.about.com

Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday is a day of honor and commemorative events at a variety of sites in Washington, DC. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday is January 15th and is celebrated each year on the third Monday in January. MLK Events in DC area list provided courtesy of Rachel Cooper via dc.about.com.

For more great information about the Steelpan instrument you can visit my SteelBand Music and Current Event Blog at http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

From Michael "The SteelPan Guy" King Jr.- Caiso SteelBand Music Group

Karega Bailey Presents: SOL Spoken

via www.karegabailey.com

This Man squeezes inspiration out of every word he uses. Karega Bailey is America's next great Poet. Listen to him for yourself and you will see... Sol Spoken! Be on the look out for the video for Karega's hit single "Roses".

 

For more great information about the Steelpan instrument you can visit my SteelBand Music and Current Event Blog at http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

From Michael "The SteelPan Guy" King Jr.- Caiso SteelBand Music Group

Music Monday: Caiso SteelBand Quick Fact and SteelDrum Lessons

 

For more great information about the Steelpan instrument you can visit my SteelBand Music and Current Event Blog at http://www.CaisoSteelBand.com

From Michael "The SteelPan Guy" King Jr.- Caiso SteelBand Booking Manager