Nationally renowned guest artist performs with UF Steel Band Ensemble

April 4, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The College of Fine Arts Sunshine Steelers Steel Drum Ensemble will present a concert at 4:30 p.m. April 14 at the University Auditorium. The concert will feature the steel band and a performance by guest artist Alan Mark Lightner.

The Sunshine Steelers, under the direction of Kenneth Broadway, an associate professor in the School of Music at the College of Fine Arts, play steel drums, or pans. These unique instruments — skillfully hammered 55-gallon oil drums carefully tuned to produce tones — hail from Trinidad & Tobago.

Lightner has an energetic, charismatic and highly skilled approach to playing and teaching music. He has studied Afro-Caribbean music, including the art of steel pans and the vast world of Afro-Cuban rhythms and instruments, Afro-Brazilian percussion, West African music, European classical percussion and the Afro-American art form of jazz. His unique style, vast knowledge and kind-hearted spirit have wooed audiences and classrooms around the world.

In addition, Lightner is a composer and performer who has performed and/or recorded with such artists as Will Smith, Mos Def and Ashanti. He has appeared in and contributed to the soundtracks of numerous television shows including “Ally McBeal” and “The Drew Carey Show.” Lightner compositions can be heard on various commercial jingles and numerous steel band CDs including his own group, Pan Ramajay’s, three releases.

The Sunshine Steelers was founded in 1998 through a collaborative effort of the School of Music, The Center for Latin American Studies and UF Student Government. The ensemble presents two on-campus concerts every academic year, and performs for a variety of community and social functions.