The St. Louis steel bands were in Ithaca Friday, May 17, for a performance during the festival that was taking place downtown.
After a short rain delay, the bands quickly set up and began playing their setlist. The festival downtown had many businesses open running sales for the community to enjoy. The steel band was set up in the middle of the street for their performance, and spectators set up chairs in front of them to watch. This was a unique experience for the bands, as they have never done it before.
This steel band performance was the second to last for the senior class, and it brought up some emotions for the almost-graduated seniors. Senior Liv Good is sad that steel band is coming to an end for her and her fellow seniors, but grateful for the memories she has made along the way. In fact, she said, “This performance was special for me because it is my last performance with the steel band because I’ll be out of state for the actual last one.” Good also mentioned how next year, her life will be different without steel band. “It’s definitely going to be different next year not being around all the music, but I have enjoyed all of my time with the band.”
Skylar DuBois-Kleinhans was new to the steel band this year, and has enjoyed the experience. He said, “I thought the performance was really good. My favorite part was when we were playing hot stuff because dancing along with that song is really really fun.” DuBois-Kleinhans went on to express how he is already looking forward to playing in steel band next year. He added, “It was really fun and I am hoping to do it again next year.”
The steel band will be having one last performance for the year Saturday, May 25, in the Highland Festival Parade.
