CAISO Steel Drum Band

Remembering on Memorial Day and Recapturing Its True Purpose

Memorial Day is a National Holiday and one that marks the transition into summer for many.  Unfortunately much of the holiday has been lost and replaced with the celebrations that go hand in hand with a long weekend.  It is time to once again capture the meaning of the holiday and the purpose of the day which is reflection and gratitude for the lives of those lost while serving in the U.S. armed services.  It is not to be confused with Veterans Day which celebrates the service of all military personnel both living and dead.

Many are unaware that there was an official “National Moment of Remembrance Act” passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 2000 to form the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.  There is encouragement for all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3PM local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to honor and remember all military service men and women that died in service to their nation. 

By sharing the knowledge of this Memorial Day Remembrance Event you can help encourage others to honor our fallen heroes. 

A great place to spend Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 is in the DC area.  On the Thursday before Memorial Day soldiers will be placing American flags in the front of every gravestone in Arlington National Cemetery.  Monday will mark an especially touching wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The U.S. Army Band will conduct a grand parade at Arlington after the wreath-laying ceremony.

The eve before Memorial Day, Sunday, May 26th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol there is a free Memorial Day Concert with special guest artists sponsored by PBS with broadcast on the PBS network.  The concert includes the National Symphony Orchestra as well as other groups and singing artists such as Chris Mann and Katherine Jenkins.  Colin Powell is slated to speak about the meaning of Memorial Day and there will be other appearances including Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise. 

 

A very special Virtual Wall of Remembrance can be visited online and you can also leave a note of remembrance.  Your remembrance can also be delivered directly to the DC Memorial that relates to the war conflict that involved your friend or family member.  For more information click here: Virtual Wall of Remembrance.

The history, venues and slated special events make DC a very special place to spend Memorial Day which is observed on Monday, May 27.  There are hundreds of thousands of celebratory events being held across the nation.  Most will occur on Monday, May 27 but some events will be held on Thursday, May 30 which is the official and traditional Memorial Day with the last Monday of the month being the federal holiday observance.  Support those organizations that will honor Memorial Day on the 30^th as well by attending traditional Memorial Day observances. 

As a reminder, days following Memorial Day the countdown will begin for to the annual DC Jazz Festival to be held June 5 to June 16.  Across numerous stages including The Kennedy Center, the Kastles Stadium at the Wharf, and various clubs and locations there will be over 125 performances.  There are a variety of favorite performers to be on hand as well as new exciting acts.  For details on the performers and the locations visit the official DC Jazz Fest Web site.  Make sure to come by and see CAISO perform again this year at the DC Jazz Fest.  We will be performing on June 8 from 7PM to 8:30PM at Gallery O on H Street (1354 H Street NE, DC).  Stay afterwards to see Little Red and the Renegades.  Hope to see you there! 

Related articles

DC Jazz Festival Coming in June

When The Best Laid Plans for a Wedding, Birthday, or Other Event Go Wrong...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Inspirational Quotes from a Human Rights Martyr

We are Keeping the "Dream" Alive by Working to Make "The Dream" a Reality.

We dedicate this Blog Post to The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for being a Change Agent, Voice of the Civil Rights Movement, and Crusader for Love, Peace, and Equality. 

On behalf of CAISO SteelBand, moreover, as a Proud Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; It is an Honor to share a Fraternal bond with Martin Luther King Jr.  I thank MLK and all Freedom Fighters, that have paid the ultimate price for people of my generation and beyond to have access to Equal Opportunities and Civil Liberties.

As a Husband, Father, Musician, Blogger and School Social Worker,  I serve in many roles.  In each role, I do my best to keep working to make "The Dream" a Reality...Michael King Jr.

Here are Inspirational Quotes by Martin Luther King Jr:

-A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.

-A lie cannot live.

-A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.

-A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

-A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.

-A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.

-A right delayed is a right denied.

-A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

-A riot is the language of the unheard.
 
-All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

-All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.

-Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.

-An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

-An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

See the Video of my 1st visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial:

    

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

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

Related articles

2012 Music Highlights: Caiso SteelBand

Everyone Loves Bob Marley - Even A Crying Baby

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

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Inspirational Quotes from a Human Rights Martyr

Help us honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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!

Related articles

2012 Music Highlights: Caiso SteelBand

Wedding Day Venue for DMV Brides Deserves Special Attention

Anderson Cooper Dodges Kathy Griffin's Attempted Blowjob During CNN's New Year's Show (VIDEO)

Make It a More Elegant and Celebratory Event by Considering a Live Band

Steel Drum Music Industry is a Woman's World Too

June Brings Caribbean Celebrations - Will You Be There?

Ahhh, warm sand at your feet, the surf’s waves, distinct and delectable food, and the air filled with the rhythm of a steeldrum band.  To some that is simply thought of as “paradise” while to others it describes “home” or is a part of their family heritage.  Some people decide to learn to play the steeldrum because they want to learn to play the unique instrument while others learn from their fathers as it is part of their family legacy.  That is how it can be described for many members of CAISO that are Caribbean-American; some being immigrants while others are first born Americans from immigrating Caribbean-Americans.  

 

Since 2006 June has been designated as Caribbean-American Month.  It began with a resolution sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee to recognize “the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.”  Annually the White House has issued a proclamation for Caribbean-American Month since 2006 and President Obama once more made June a special month for all Americans, whether they are of Caribbean heritage or not.  It is a time to celebrate for those that have special ties to the Caribbean Islands whether through birth or marriage as well as for those that want to immerse themselves into the culture and learn more about what makes the Caribbean and its people unique.

 

President Obama’s proclamation read, “In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation in the United States Armed Forces."  Read the full proclamation here: Official Caribbean-American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation

 

Congresswoman Barbara Lee stated, “Americans of Caribbean ancestry reside in every part of the country. Millions have emigrated from the Caribbean to the United States. Throughout our history, Caribbean-Americans have served our country and contributed to the heritage of the United States through the arts, science, education, business, sports, military and government.  The annual resolution allows Congress to continue recognizing the important contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our nation's history."

 

There are celebrations and educational events being held all over the country, for more information about those events and to learn more please visit the Official Caribbean-American Heritage Month site: Official Caribbean-American Heritage Month

 

The Nation’s Capital will be specifically celebrating June 9-16 with the Caribbean American Festival of the Arts and Humanities.  Sponsored by the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the Allspice 2012 event will bring “the nation’s capital a Taste of the Caribbean through literature, music and other arts.”  For more information go here: Allspice 2012

 

Remembering Those that Should Never be Forgotten: Memorial Day, May 30

While the country paused and remembered our fallen heroes and veterans that have passed away on Monday the traditional date of Memorial Day is May 30th.  There is currently an effort to bring the official day of remembrance back to the traditional date of May 30 rather than the Federal observance date which is the last Monday of the month of May.  This observance date giving a three day weekend began in 1971 and was intended to bring more honor to the importance of the holiday.  However, some believe it has caused many to ignore the true meaning behind the holiday as they picnic and head out to beaches and long holiday vacations.

Today, the official date of Memorial Day, is still observed by many organizations that support our Veterans and Fallen Heroes.  American Legion Posts, VFW Posts, and others will be conducting ceremonies today in Remembrance.  Perhaps observing two dates to remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and those that dedicated their lives for a time to protecting our freedom is better than one day. 

If you paused a moment on Monday in grateful reflection to our armed service personnel, please do so again today.  If you enjoyed the long weekend and made the remembrance of our heroes a secondary thought, then please put it in the forefront of your thoughts today and bow your head in gratitude and put that gratitude into action.  Thank a service man or woman when you see them in public for their service, fly the American Flag proudly at your home, make a donation to a local Honor Guard that volunteers their time to perform military honors at funerals, visit a Veteran at a Veterans Hospital or Nursing Home, and make an effort to attend a Memorial Day Remembrance Program today and especially make an effort to do so next year.  Families that have lost loved ones seek out Memorial Day Services and Programs for comfort and a grateful nation should be there in multitudes behind them at these services.  Let's all remember what Memorial Day is truly all about and remember those that should never be forgotten.

Links of Interest:

One of first Memorial Day Celebrations was held by freed slaves for Union Soldiers

The First Memorial Day Holiday Observance

Did you know that the Last Flight Home for a Fallen Soldier is called "The Angel Flight" and that the entire flight is carried out to bring great honor and dignity to the soldier or soldiers?  Watch this video that shows the importance of The Angel Flight and share it with others - it will serve as a reminder to what today is truly all about.

Get a strong dose of American Pride by watching this video of the USMC Silent Drill Team.  They are truly amazing:

 

 

 

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

CAISO Books Special Gig to Give Back to Those Who Served at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home

CAISO has long been dedicated to giving back to the community and doing outreach events to bring their music and the joy that accompanies their tunes to others.  It is with great enthusiasm that on December 11 the CAISO band will be playing for and honoring those who honorably served our country and their families and guests at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte, Maryland.  There exists a special connection between the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and the CAISO band as Michael King, Sr. is a resident.  Mr. King is the father of present band member pannist and booking manager Michael King, Jr.

Charlotte Hall Veterans Home provides Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing long-term care needs to Maryland resident Veterans and their eligible spouses.  The Home is a managed facility under the care of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.  Being able to play and perform for the residents, staff, and their guests on December 11 is something that the band members are very excited about doing as they all have a personal dedication to giving back.  Combining the Holiday Season, giving back to the community, and performing at Charlotte Hall all in one special evening is an important “gig” on the band’s calendar.  They are happy to give of their time and talent to bring some of their signature “joy induced” music to everyone attending the event and were delighted to include this performance into their schedule and hope to participate in another event there again in the future. 

CAISO will be performing at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home on Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 PM.  The location is 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD.  For further information you can contact either Michael King, Jr. at caisosteelband@gmail.com or Charlotte Hall Veterans Home at 301-884-8171.  CAISO encourages others to consider giving back to their community through Volunteer efforts.  To learn how you can help at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home contact them directly and for other ways to Volunteer and give back to your community visit United We Serve for volunteer opportunities or Volunteer Match.

Related articles

The Best Photo Opportunities in Washington, DC

Top 10 Holiday Events Not to Miss in Washington DC Area

Wedding Day Venue for DMV Brides Deserves Special Attention

Never Fight a Ninja

If I didn't perform with CAISO SteelBand, I would surely be a Ninja.  I think the same skills I use to play Steelpan, I could use to be a Ninja Master.

Ninjas and Steelpanists share the same skills such as:

• Hand to Eye coordination
• light on my feet
• good waist movement
• the ability to yell really loud, then attack
• jumping from a tree, etc...

This video made me think of being a Ninja...lol...enjoy!

 

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Dedication Highlights and more...

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's messages of Love still inspires us today. This blog post is for the people that couldn't make it to Washington, DC for the Memorial Dedication. Hope your enjoy the video clips from the dedication, The Cornell West arrest and the 10 songs inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, DC

via dc.about.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Inspirational Quotes from a Human Rights Martyr

Read inspiring Quotes from Dr. King himself... http://bit.ly/n9tihT

We are Keeping the "Dream" Alive by Working to Make "The Dream" a Reality.

Dedication and Grand Opening

The dedication of the new Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington DC was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. The official ceremony has been rescheduled for October 16, 2011 at 9 a.m. President Barack Obama, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, members of the King Family, and civil rights leaders are expected to participate. There will be limited, reserved seating for the official Dedication party inside the forecourt of the Memorial. The West Potomac Park viewing site is open to the public and tickets are not required. Access to the dedication will begin at 8:30 a.m. Previously held Dedication tickets from August 28th are no longer required. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets.

Location and Transportation

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial is located on the northwest corner of the Tidal Basin at the intersection of West Basin Drive SW and Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC. Entrances to the Memorial site are located at Independence Avenue, SW, west of West Basin Drive; Independence Avenue, SW, at Daniel French Drive; Ohio Drive, SW, south of the Ericsson Statue; and Ohio Drive, SW, at West Basin Drive. Parking is extremely limited in the area, so the best way to get to the Memorial is by public transportation. The closest metro stations are Smithsonian and Foggy Bottom. (approximately a one-mile walk). See a guide to parking near the National Mall.

We dedicate this Blog Post to The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for being a Change Agent, Voice of the Civil Rights Movement, and Crusader for Love, Peace, and Equality.