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Skins & Steel celebrates the early pioneers of Caribbean drumming and dance in mid-20th century Vancouver. These artists from Hogan’s Alley and Trinidad and Tobago helped usher in the calypso explosion that marked the beginnings of a new era in recognition for the arts and culture of the African Diaspora in B.C.

The event features the Trinidadian folkloric music of the groundbreaking Afro Caribs along with singer/dancer Thelma Gibson from the legendary Gibson family of Hogan’s Alley. Kendrick Headley, a steel pan virtuoso, considered one of the finest soloists and big band arrangers for the unique instrument will accompany the others. Their live performances are interwoven between archival footage featuring the artists from the vaults of CBC. The footage from Bamboula – A Day In The West Indies and They Shall Be One, gives a glimpse of multi-culturalism and attitudes towards “mixed race” children in 1950’s and 60’s Vancouver. This show’s creative director, Vanessa Richards hopes that attendees will leave Skins & Steel with a new appreciation for Caribbean culture in Vancouver—its presence, nuances, and roots. “Anticipate drums, song, archival film and something inter-generational, unexpected and beautiful,” said Richards.Presented in association with the City of Vancouver