Steel Vibrations Steel Band is one of those bands that make it clear why the Caribbean steel drum has become so internationalized to the point of becoming very popular in the United States in recent years, which is why we are pleased to have had the opportunity to speak with one of its members. We are referring to American manager and musician of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent, Patrice Perry, who, along with her brothers Jason Perry and Rony Perry, has brought high honor to her family’s homeland.
How Patrice Became Involved in Music
In addition to mentioning her brothers as bandmates, she also noted that the group was founded by her mother, who in turn came from the Tobago All Stars (a group originating from Dutchforth, Scarborough, Tobago), led by her brother and Patrice’s uncle, Carl Brown. They all moved to Houston, which is where her mother and uncle taught her and her brothers how to play. They have been together for over 35 years.
Patrice received musical training in elementary, middle, and high school, where she learned to play the flute. However, today, both Patrice and her brothers play the traditional steel drum from their family’s homeland, which is the signature element for which the group is best known.
Steel Vibrations Steel Band’s Professional Journey Over the Years
The professional activities carried out by Steel Vibrations Steel Band have centered around places such as Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey, among other states in the country. At the moment, they have not had the opportunity to tour abroad, but they do not rule out the possibility of doing so in the future.
It is precisely in these locations where Patrice and the rest of the group have delighted their audience with the metallic drum native to their roots, receiving an extraordinary reception from those attending their shows. Many people love the Caribbean and perceive this music as cheerful or relaxing depending on the mood of the moment, so they always achieve an excellent connection with those who come to see them.
While they usually play certain Trinidadian genres such as soca and calypso, they do not limit themselves to those alone and also play other Latin genres such as salsa and bossa nova.
The Hardest Moment for Patrice and the Group
One of the toughest moments Patrice and her brothers had to face was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since everything was closed due to the quarantine, as we all know, there were no venues to perform at.
It was a very difficult time for all artists, and Steel Vibrations Steel Band was certainly no exception, but that does not mean they didn’t do everything possible to stay afloat despite the circumstances. At first, they couldn’t do much, but as time went on, they began performing at much smaller parties and events than usual, adhering to the social distancing requirements of that time.
Additionally, just as many other artists did, they relied on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to stay afloat and maintain contact with their fans and followers.
International Steel Pan Festival
When we wanted to know what they had planned for the remainder of this year and 2027, it turns out that Steel Vibrations Steel Band performed in September at the International Steel Pan Festival. Most of the artists performing there hail from the Caribbean, which is why their presence is always requested at these types of events. Patrice and her brothers are happy to attend whenever they are invited and have the opportunity.
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