CAISO Steel Drum Band

Create an Unforgettable Event with Steeldrums

Caiso which stands for the Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra, is one of the most popular steel drum bands in The Dc and Baltimore area. Their music derives from Soca, Reggae, Calypso, and Latin Jazz influences and are an instrumental group but include vocals in their presentations. Caiso has been in the music industry for more than 30 years and has featured in many concert and community events as well as introduced national distinguished bands such as the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet. They infuse steel band music is inspired by artists such as Len Sharp, Leon Edwards, Andy Narelle and legends like Bob Marley Jimmy Buffet and Mighty sparrow.

Enjoy Caiso Steelband Songs here!

They are a very popular and well-known band that provides live Caribbean Steel drum music for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties, social events, and performs for many charity and fund raising events.  The Caiso Band was formed when the members entered DC from Trinidad where they sustained their music culture. There are three members that form The Caiso Steel Band and include Mike George, who plays the Cello, double seconds, David who plays the Tenor, double seconds, Cello and bass, and Michael King who plays the Cello. What makes Caiso Steel Band distinct from other bands is the unique and distinctive sound that gives a sense of joy and happiness. When you hear their music, you can literally envision yourself in relaxing on the beach.  

Caiso is a band that likes to stay active in their community and frequently performs for schools, Veteran’s homes, and fundraising events. They were also part of the US Military Troop Good Will tour and took a trip to Kosovo where they performed. Caiso Steel Band takes pride in being part of your special event and enjoys setting the mood and lifting your spirits with their music to make it an unforgettable day.

Enjoy Caiso Steelband Songs here!

 

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 28 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 27th, 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 28.  There are hundreds of thousands of celebratory events being held across the nation.  Most will occur on Monday, May 28 but some events will be held prior to official and traditional Memorial Day.  Support those organizations that will honor Memorial Day prior to the official holiday as well by attending traditional Memorial Day observances. 

 

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DC National Cherry Blossom Festival Kicks Off Spring

Finally, spring is coming and the anticipation is building!  Cherry Blossom time in Washington, DC is referred to by many as the Capital City in Bloom.  The annual Cherry Blossom celebration is underway in our nation’s Capital.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival has more than 1.5 million visitors make their way to see the beauty of thousands of fluffy pink blooms.  This is an annual celebration marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival honors the long friendship and lasting relationship between the United States and Japan.  In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo presented the United States with a gift of over 3,000 cherry blossom trees.  Since then, millions have visited Washington DC to take in the beauty of the blooming trees and celebrate the special ties between the US and Japan.  The first two trees from Japan were planted on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park.  Plantings of the cherry blossoms spread from there.

Events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival include a diverse program of daily activities and exhibitions for every member of the family.  A large number of them are geared toward learning and understanding more about the Japanese culture and the history behind the beautiful cherry blossom trees.  Most events are free and open to the public.

The most popular time to visit the Festival is a few days before peak bloom.  Visitors claim this is time to see the most vibrant colors of the blooms.  The National Park service predicts peak bloom date.

There are many transportation options to get to the Festival.  Metrorail is popular, but many other public options are available.

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4 Tips to use Music to Help you Relax, Fall asleep, Improve your Mood and Plan

 

via yennomusic.tumblr.com

Music can be a soothing influence to improve your mood, it can be a major ingredient to discovering all you can be.  But, you have to choose your playlist wisely.

Tips to select music for... relaxing, falling asleep, waking up and planning.

Relaxing: most people believe that slow tempo music is best for relaxation, however that may not be true for you.  “The most relaxing tempo for you will be the one that’s in sync with your brain waves” according to Galina Mindlin, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University.

Keep a list of songs that seem to calm you and with which you have an emotional connection, then use the website TempoTap.com to determine their beats per minute (BPM) or enter the song title and “BPM” in a search engine.  If many songs on your list have similar BPM, that's probably the tempo that’s in sync with your brain waves.  Enter that number, “BPM” and “songs” into a search engine to turn up additional options for your personal relaxation playlist.

Falling asleep: People tend to put on very slow, calm songs when they want to sleep. It’s more effective to start with music that matches the current pace of your mind, then ease your way into slower music. So paradoxically, the first song you listen to when you want to calm down from a hectic day might have a tempo of 100 BPM or more. The calm songs should come later. Examples:Slow-paced songs for the final minutes before sleep include The Tokens’ The Lion Sleeps Tonight(61 BPM)…Etta James’s At Last (60 BPM)…and Ray Charles’s Georgia on My Mind (64 BPM).

Waking up: Songs with a relatively fast tempo—upward of 100 BPM—can help our minds get into gear in the morning. Examples: I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred (120 BPM) and Seaside Rendezvousby Queen (168 BPM). Calypso and Soca music classic Hot Hot Hot by Arrow (120 BPM) see a throwback video of Caiso covering Hot Hot Hot here

Getting out a bad mood, while planning an event: The very best mood boosters are songs that transport us back to a happy place and time in our life. What songs did you dance to at your wedding? What songs were on the radio or on your turntable during the happiest year of your life?

So, if you want to take good care of yourself refresh your playlist with this tips.  You will feel better!

Source for blog: Your Playlist Can Change Your Life: 10 Proven Ways Your Favorite Music Can Revolutionize Your Health, Memory, Organization, Alertness, and More (Sourcebooks).BrainMusicTreatment.com

Let us bring our Steelpan playlist to you. Contact Us today!

Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour

We love DC.  So much history, culture cool things to see and places to visit. On Saturday, May 6th from 10am-4pm Passport DC will kick off a month long international celebration with its signature event, Around the World Embassy tour. Looking for free family fun in DC plan a trip with these Around the World Embassy Tour tips.

This year more than 40 embassies will participate in the world embassy tour.  Experience the food, music and art from around the world without leaving the city.  Stay up to date with cultural tourism DC events calendar.

What you need to know about Around the World Embassy Tour (info courtesy of cultural tourism DC)

• All embassies are open from 10am to 4pm, unless otherwise noted.
• Admission is free. Reservations are not required.
• Street parking is available but difficult at many embassy locations.
• Many embassies are within walking distance of the Dupont Circle and Van Ness Metrorail stations.
• Many embassies require photo ID for admission.
• Embassies on International Drive are larger and often have shorter lines than those on Embassy Row.
• There is one complimentary shuttle bus, which starts at the Foggy Bottom Metro Station and ends in Georgetown by the Royal Thai Embassy.
• Follow @DCCulture and #PassportDC on Twitter for updates about lines, exciting activities, and other breaking news.

Passport DC offers something for everyone as it invites DC area residents and visitors to experience a global journey without leaving the city. Among the events scheduled for May 2016, Plan a mini vacation:

* European Union Culture Month, May 1-31

* Flower Mart at National Cathedral, May 5 and 6

* Around the World Embassy Tour, May 6

* Short Cut to Europe: European Union Embassies' Open House, May 13

* Embassy Chef Challenge Gala, May 24

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Wellness Music and Events in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Some people Yoga, some people run. I believe everybody listens to music.  Music has an important role in wellness.  Wellness is actively seeking harmony in body, mind and soul.  When i'm not playing Steeldrum music, I morph into a real live licensed mental health professional.  Music and events balance my temperamental mood. When I want to get away from stress I find fun activities to give me goosebumps.   Here are several ideas that make my mouth water and may grab your attention.

April 8, 2017 10:00 AM

2017 KidFitStrong Fitness Challenge - Washington DC

The KidFitStrong Fitness Challenge is the nations largest mobile fitness event traveling from coast-to-coast dedicated to keeping kids active and healthy. At the KidFitStrong Fitness Challenge, kids of all ages get the opportunity to flex their physical fitness by participating in a completion-based obstacle course designed to challenge speed, strength, agility and overall physical fitness. The event is FREE to the public and features a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including active gaming fun for all ages and on-site programming designed to inspire kids and families to live a more active and healthy lifestyle!

 

April 9, 2017

HERBAL ASCENSION YOGA

Take a journey through the depths of elevated consciousness with this cannabis enhanced yoga class. Learn techniques that will help raise your vibration and cleanse your body's energy field. This is the perfect way to identify blockages within the body permitting a positive release of negative emotions. Each class is designed to focus on one of your seven chakras.

April 16, 2017 

HELLO SPRING 5K

This fast and flat 5k course through Rock Creek is exactly what you need to run off the winter blues.

April 21, 2017

Tiki Bar Solomon Island Season Opener

Caiso Steelband to perform at the World famous Tiki Bar covering the Caribbean hits.

Parades, Marathons, & Filmfests: Events I’ve noticed in the DMV

A medley of activities is coming in March.  This month we celebrate Women’s history, Youth Art, Social Workers, and Cherry Blossoms.  The biggest problem is finding time to fit these festive events in my active life. I found a few events for 3 types of fun.

Parade fun:

The ever popular Cherry Blossom celebration begins March 15-April 16th.  The parade takes place on April 8^th.  The bloom watch has begun, celebrate the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off spring in Washington.  This year the event features free music performances, a pink tie gala, and kite festival.  See schedule of events here.

St. Patrick's Day Parade: The 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade of Washington, D.C. will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 12:00 Noon, and will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, N.W., in our Nation’s Capital.

The parade route is easily accessible from the Federal Triangle, Archives-Navy Memorial and Smithsonian metro stations.

Maryland Day Weekend Celebration: Maryland Day Weekend Celebration (March 24 to 26, 2017) Over 40 events Free or just $1 plus 20 shopping discounts. Celebrate Maryland's Birthday at cultural, heritage, environmental and shopping locations in the Fours Rivers Heritage Area of Anne Arundel County Maryland. (Annapolis, Eastport, Edgewater, Deale and Galesville, Maryland).

Marathon fun:

Run Rock and Roll: on March 11^th, Celebrate 20 years of running.  The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has made running fun by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators.

Marine Corp Marathon lottery:  March 22, 2017. The lottery is open to participate in the annual race in October. Don't miss your chance to sign up.

Film Fest fun:

DC Environmental Film Festival: March 14-26, 2017.Times and locations vary. See documentary, feature, animated, archival, experimental and children's films from around the world at a variety of venues around Washington, DC.

Annapolis Film Fest: “The vision for the Annapolis film festival is to establish Annapolis as a center for filmmakers to showcase different global perspectives and independent thought to a variety of audiences through their work. The long-term goal is to enhance growth both culturally and economically to the Annapolis area and throughout the region”.

Which event makes your calendar? Be active. Add some fun time to your busy life. Thx for reading my blog.

We're #4!

The US News report, recently announced that Washington, DC is ranked #4 on the list of best cities to live in the United States. Research was based on quality of life, job marketplace, public transportation and cost of living. 

Washington, DC area statistics

• The number of residents – 5,949,403
• Standard annual earnings - $65,910
• Average age – 36.3
• Average Cost of residence - $371,772
• Average monthly rent - $1,498
• Average commute time – 34.3 minutes

Washington, DC area cost of living

Washington has benefits of a public transportation system and is home of many restaurants, recreational sites and cultural locations. The cost of housing is determined by what area in DC you decide to live. The average rate of a home is much higher than the general average and the costs are anticipated to continue growing. Residents can look forward to writing monthly checks that are nearly $400 higher than the national average. 

Washington, DC employment options

Unemployment percentage in Washington, DC is higher than the state average but if you consider the data from the entire region including Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs of DC (the DMV), the DMV unemployment percentage lies below the national average. In addition, the average earnings in the DC area is greater than the national average.

A considerable number of DMV residents are employed by the Federal and State governments.  The DMV is a major employment hub in the field of education and health services.  Local district Public and Private schools, Universities and Hospitals provide employment for many residents. The arrival of private sector service providers and government officials bodes well for individuals seeking employment in Technology Information and Defense. The DMV also grabs the attention of people in the Hospitality and Travel industry because of venues like MGM National Harbor and Trump hotel as well as tourist attractions like the National Monuments and Parks.  

See our blog for tourist: 

The Best Photo Opportunities in Washington DC

Washington DC hosts Restaurant week

Washington DC Restaurant Week 

It’s Restaurant week in DC, January 30- February 5th, participating fine restaurants offer great deals on fabulous meals. The prices can be a fraction of the usual cost at some of the most expensive restaurants. 

In Washington DC, more than 250 restaurants participate in this incredible experience of DC’s wining and dining culture. Some of the best restaurants will offer their meals at amazing prices and the cuisines range from French, Indian, American Cuisine and many more.

Book you table today

People who would not typically get the chance to go to a very exclusive restaurant, now get a chance to try their menu at a discounted rate.

Here are a few tips you could follow:

1. Research the menus and check out which restaurants offer promotional menus.
2. When making the reservation at a restaurant, make sure you call them to ensure they are participating in restaurant week.
3. Check with the restaurant on the promotional dates and see if they offer any extension to restaurant week. Not all of them offer the same deals for the same amount of time.
4. Get to your restaurant on time. People would kill for tables, so if you are late, your table will definitely get taken up by the person next in line.
5. You can find the whole range of restaurants that are participating in restaurant week, together with their addresses on this website here.

It’s a must-do event. In DC, you get the freshest produce and some of the best meats and fish. Couple that with an International flare from five star chefs preparing your meal at a fraction of the price – it honestly doesn’t get any better.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

We blog about music and events in the DMV.

Sample our Steelband sounds of the Caribbean. 

Music can cure your Holiday Blues

photo courtesy of pippalou via mourgefile.com

Caribbean American International Steel Orchestra (CAISO) is a trailblazing band in the Washington and Baltimore area, we live to play music and lift people's spirits. Our music features a variety of Calyspo, Reggae and Latin Jazz that will surely inspire during this holiday season. Caiso SteelBand has performed for more than 30 years from opening concerts for international touring bands to community events, also marketing, branding and performing for charities. We enjoy being part of joyous celebrations that bring people together.

Why holidays bring in the blues?

The Holiday season is intended to celebrate faith and family. The Holiday season refers to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah as well as Kwanzaa. Most people enjoy celebrating these traditions. They enjoy having family reunions and reuniting with old friends they may only get to see once a year. This is also a season where people are caring, loving and giving.

Did you know that music can help people who suffer from holiday season blues? During this time of year some tend to feel sad, lonely and depressed. When people fall into depression they tend to isolate themselves from family and friends. They avoid reunions and gatherings and end up falling into a deeper depression. For some people, as the weather changes so does their behavior, attitude and even the outlook of life.

Finding balance during the holidays might be overwhelming for many. The shopping, the buying gifts, reunions, get-togethers, greeting guests, cooking and baking, the list goes on and on. Then there are people who become depressed after the holiday season has passed. This is due to disappointments, expectations, fatigue, and credit card debt.

Get rid of the Holiday Blues.

Lift your spirits with fun and music. We are ready to bring some of our Steel Band joy and join the celebrations. Hear the Caribbean sounds of Caiso SteelBand in a carefree atmosphere surrounded by the people closest to you. Create fun stories, listen or sing along with us. Season’s greetings.

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