UGA Steel Band fuses Caribbean tradition with pop

The University of Georgia’s Caribbean musical ambassadors, the UGA Steel Band, will perform in Ramsey Concert Hall on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m.

The free concert features a program built on musical traditions from Trinidad as well as popular music adapted for a steel band.

“The program was constructed like this to have the concert be fun for both the performer and the listener while also introducing some of the traditions in the music of Trinidad to those who may not be familiar with this genre of music,” said Bradley Robinson, Hugh Hodgson School of Music doctoral student and UGA Steel Band director.

The band will make use of traditional steel pans from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, electric bass, congas, drumset, and auxiliary percussion to perform a program stretching from steel band classics like “Baja” to the Beatles.

“This program fuses socas, mambos and calypsos with popular music for an evening of Caribbean flair,” said Robinson.

The steel band has served as artists-in-residence throughout Georgia, performing at numerous arts festivals and colleges throughout the Southeast.

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music sponsors more than 350 performances each year. To view the performance calendar, subscribe to the weekly email concert listing or learn more about the School of Music, go to music.uga.edu.