We are excited about this year’s Gathering because it is being designed as a full community day. Activities will begin in Memorial Park at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Families are invited to bring a picnic and lawn chairs, enjoy the park and trails, meet neighbours and friends, and spend time together before gathering for the featured Steel Band Concert from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The afternoon program will include a DJ, solo steelpan music, the return of Pappy Fredericks, and additional local artists from the Caribbean community.
A Gathering in the True Sense of the Word
This is our third annual Steel Band Concert, and this year’s theme, The Gathering: Family Get Together, reflects what we hope the event continues to represent: families spending time together, neighbours meeting neighbours, and cultures, generations, community organizations, first responders, businesses and community partners coming together.
Music brings us together, but the purpose is larger than the music.
Hosted by Shelley Fraser
We are delighted that this year’s event will be hosted by Shelley Fraser, an experienced Canadian broadcaster and media professional with a long career in radio, production and audience engagement.
Featuring Pan Fantasy Steelband
We are especially pleased to welcome Pan Fantasy Steelband, one of Canada’s most recognized steelbands. With a history spanning approximately 40 years, Pan Fantasy operates under the North York Inter Community Youth Group and has used steelpan music to mentor generations of young people while developing musical ability, confidence and leadership.
The band has grown into a large steel orchestra, with major performances involving more than 70 musicians, and has earned numerous Pan Alive championships and recognition for its contribution to youth and the arts. Alongside Pan Fantasy, we will also celebrate additional local artists from the Caribbean community.
If your organization would like to participate, please contact us so that we can coordinate an
appropriate space and setup arrangements.
We hope you will join us on September 26 for a day of family, community connection, education, culture and music.
