Its not new, Just new to me.....

Hi there Music Friends,

For many years people had asked me if I had a CD. The answer had always been No.......until now!
Feel free to listen and consider adding these songs to your music collection.

Keep Well,
Minsky

Something To Look Forward To-Minsky Delmonte Christmas CD

Hello Music Friends,

I must say that I'm quite pleased by the support and good comments that I've gotten from my debut Christmas CD "Something To Look Forward To". I was pleasantly surprised  by how many people had shown an interest in my music and added a copy to their collection. Thank You so much for such an encouraging start. If you were not able to get a physical copy, would you consider downloading a digital version? 

If so, please Click on the link below

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com  

Once again, Keep Well and may you enjoy your Holiday Season

Best,

Minsky

Meet the Musicians-Dave and Kristie Lauderbaugh

Although I'm primarily a soloist, making music is still a collective effort.

Meet Kristie Lauderbaugh-the voice of Track 3-"Silent Night" and guitarist Dave Lauderbaugh.

Listen to them share their approach to creating songs featured on my debut Christmas CD entitled

 " Something To look Forward To"

Digital Downloads available here

The World of Digital

Hello Music Friends

Thanks for your support in purchasing my debut Steel Drum Christmas CD

Click here to listen and download

Happy Holidays

Minsky

They are Here!

Hello Music Friends,
My very first CD release won't be complete without you.

Best,
Minsky

FREE is for ME!

Hello Music Friends,

On Friday Dec 2, 2011 ALL of my email subscribers will be get to download Track 1 from my forthcoming Christmas CD entitled "Something To Look Forward To"

Click on the link below to join. Don't be the last to find out......

Join Our Email List Email:

For Email Marketing you can trust

Official Logo

Hello Music Friends,

I wasn't sure if I had ever shared my official logo. 

Here it is.

Official Name

Hear Steel Drums Play

featuring

Minsky Delmonte

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Worship Time

"I Give Myself Away"

William McDowell

Hello Music Friends

Playing in church has always been a favorite of mine. It has always been my opinion that gospel musicians are some of the baddest cats around. In this video I wanted to share a moment of worship by playing "I Give Myself Away" by William Mcdowell. This song was brought about as a way to celebrate the life on my dear Uncle who recently passed away. It was he who gave me my first steel drum and had always supported my musical process. One Love Uncle Rod.

Best,

Minsky

Do You have a steel drum Holiday CD for sale? Why yes I do.......

Hello Music Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Guess what? I have received an official notice from the CD manufacturing company that my debut Christmas CD is in production and will be delivered on Dec 5th 2011! My sincere thanks goes out to all of my family and friends who have been a part of this exciting musical journey. Let me be the first to tell you that your encouragement and kind words over the years have instilled a confidence in me that has helped propel me forward. With God's blessings, this is only the tip of the ice burgh.

The official name of the Album is

"Something To Look Forward To"

As the excitement builds I wanted to share a little info on how you can get a copy of the CD. This is my first time being a part of the "music for sale" business and I too am navigating my way through the process. If it is your desire to purchase a copy, I will see to it that you can do so, whether I have to personally deliver the CD to you or supply you with an internet link as to where you can download individual songs or the entire album.
From what I understand, some of the online retailers will include CD Baby, Amazon, Itunes, Rhapsody, Spotify etc. I will be sure to update you with the specific sites as that info becomes available.

Here are some FAQs

1 When will the album be available?
Approx. Dec 5th 2011

2 How Much will it cost?
$12 for the physical CD and $1.00 for the digital downloads(might be less at certain online retailers)

3 How many songs are on the album?
There are 7. Five traditional carols and two original Christmas flavored compositions. One is done in a slow "Old Time Soca" style and the other one is done in a "Roots Reggae" style.

4. Are there only steel drums on the album?
No. its primarily an instrumental album that features the steel drum, but there are several tracks that include two guest singers and a guest guitarist.

5. Is it a professional recording? or did you record it in your bathroom and kitchen?
Lol, it is a professional recording. The next album will be recorded in the bathroom and kitchen.....

In the meanwhile, I will be sharing more background info with you. I'll be sharing official photoshoot media, graphic design mock ups, interviews with the musicians and most importantly-samples of how it sounds.

Oh, I only pressed 100 copies, so act quickly if you want a physical CD for your collection.


The best way to contact me is via www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Until next time, keep well.

Best,
Minsky

The Trump Card

Hello Music Friends,

There was once a time that I had to create my own business cards. They were quite dull and basic. I knew that I would eventually need a better design and I as much as I loved to dabble with art and Photoshop, I didn't have the vision nor drive to produce what I considered a top-notch, great looking business card. Fortunately for me, I came across a the owner of Rozworks design firm. It just so happened that her daughter was a part of the community steel band program that I taught music to. The final result pictured above has opened so many doors for me. I can not tell you how many times that  that business card created a "Wow" effect from people that I gave it to. It certainly made me feel good to be a part of such favorable reactions.
A special thanks goes out to design firm Rozworks for the super business card design.

Best,
Minsky

The making of a CD update

Hello Music Friends

As you know I'm currently working on a Christmas CD that will be released in Dec 2011.Here is a pictorial timeline of where I am in the process. If you would like to hear samples or even add the CD to your collection please send me a message at minsky@hearsteeldrumsplay.com so that I can reserve one of the limited  physical CDs for you. 

visit

www.hearsteeldrumsplay.com

Steel Drum Christmas Album Promo-Minsky Delmonte

Hello Music Friends    

    

       On Nov 6, I went to a professional music studio and recorded some songs for my debut Christmas CD!  Yep...its in the making. I'm really excited about how its shaping up. The next step is for the engineers to do their fancy mixing and mastering-which essentially is making it retail ready and nice sounding: sort of like putting Turtle Wax on a car after it has been washed. Click here to see some photos from the studio.

So far, I've taken some promo shots ( No myspace/facebook type bathroom mirror photos) that I'll send to Miss Anastasia Thomas of Graphic Magic Ltd to use to design a CD cover. Once the disks are pressed I will make them available for you to listen to and hopefully consider purchasing. I'm planning on ordering about 75 physical copies.(I'm not sure how well they will sell and I don't want to be stuck with a bucketload of CDs). The album will also be available for digital download so that you can add it directly to your computers, smartphones, ipods etc.

I also filmed a short video of  the recording session. If you watch it you will hear my newest original Christmas reggae song and see a few dance moves too.......

Best,

Minsky

A Carnival without Cotton Candy or a Ferris Wheel

Hello Music Friends,

In North America the term carnival usually refers to an event where you can eat cotton candy, win prizes, ride ferris wheels etc. However, in the Caribbean the word carnival is associated with a festive season which occurs immediately before lent: Acting on a suggestion of my friend Emile, who lives in France, I decided to introduce you to the Caribbean Carnival. It is quite fitting to do so because carnival and steel drums go hand in hand. As a matter of fact, it was carnival which gave birth to the steel drum. I recently met up with a carnival masquerade band leader- Lesel Dhanesar of Island Gems Mas Group www,islandgems.org who has given me first hand insight into the carnival culture and her involvement in Miami Florida's annual Caribbean Carnival.

 Origins of Carnival

 Like the cosmopolitan mix of peoples and cultures that shaped the island, Trinidad's Carnival has many influences. The Spanish and English colonial powers, French planters, African slaves, Indian indentured labourers, and the many other ethnic groups that settled here have all left an indelible mark on the festival. In 1783 the French brought their culture, customs and Carnival, in the form of elaborate masquerade balls, to Trinidad along with African slaves. The period stretching between Christmas and the start of Lent was a time for feasting, fancy dress balls and celebration for both the French and British. Banned from the festivities, slaves in the barrack yards would hold their own celebrations mimicking their masters' behaviour while incorporating rituals and folklore. Once slavery was abolished in 1838, the freed Africans took their Carnival to the streets and, as each new immigrant population entered Trinidad, a new flavour was added to the festivities. Today, our diverse culture has influenced the music, food and traditions of Carnival.
Read more about its origins here

                                                  Interview with Lesel Dhanesar                                                  

 Mrs Dhanesar is a Trinidadian by birth who grew up in the US and has maintained close ties to her caribbean culture. She has been involved in the carnival planning scene for many years operating in different capacities. 2011 marks the year in which she teamed up with established band producer Giselle " De Wassi One" Blanche of " Wassi Ones". Having watched her growth over the years Ms. Blanche gave Lesel a chance to produce her own section  within "Wassi Ones".

MD- "Tell me about the concept of the Carnival Band."

LD-  " The Carnival band is a large group of masqueraders who dress up in costumes that represent an overall theme. Within the large group you have smaller groups of masqueraders, referred to as sections.  Each section usually wears a different costume that adds to the theme of the band. For example, you may have a band whose theme is "The Wild West,".  Within that band you will have sections dressed as maybe Sheriffs, or Horses, Bank Robbers, Indian Chiefs etc: Anything that might convey the overall theme of the band.

MD- "So its not necessarily something to do with musical instruments or singing?"
LD-  "No, not in that sense of the word."

MD- "What was your theme this year?
LD- "It was called "Reflections of Life".  The overall band had about 250 costumed masqueraders and my section had 55 revelers who wore yellow and green costumes"

MD- "What inspired the name of your band and how did yo choose its colors?"
LD-  "Reflections of LIFE is a combination of all our lives GOOD and POSITIVE experiences. It is a mirror into your life, where you see images of your HAPPINESS
It reflects the Good and Up-Lifting times. Your LIFE and your REFLECTION belongs only to YOU.
The yellow represented sunshine and happiness and the green represented a healthy life."

MD-"Who helped you bring this vision to life?"
LD- "In addition to a staff of volunteers and well wishers, our costumes wer created by student designer Shauntel Joseph. Tiffany Alcantara and Peter Dhanesar were heavily involved in the planning and execution of bringing the band to fruition. We all did admin work, gathering of materials for the costumes, sewing, made phone calls, held fund raiser etc. I even transformed my home into a costume sewing shop"

MD- " How long did it take to get the project completed?"
LD-  "About 7 months. We started in April 2011 and worked all the way up to Oct 8, 2011, the night before the big parade in Miami. It was down to the wire."

MD- " But you pulled it off?"
LD- "Yes we sure did. I was so happy that the masqueraders got many complements on their costumes. Altogether the production was well received.  We had lots of fun partying in the parade and our goal is to make it to the stage where we are awarded points by a panel of judges."

MD- "How long are you on the road? The parade?"
LD- It can be anywhere from 7-8hrs. We follow an assigned parade route. During that time the masqueraders are dancing, singing, showing off their costumes,  eating, drinking, lots of smiles and picture taking."

MD-" Lots of sore feet and hoarse voices too huh?"
LD-  "Lol, yes that too."

MD " Are you gearing up for next year?"
LD- " Yes, I'll be brainstorming and visualizing stuff during the holiday season. During the spring of next year we will start the leg work of bringing the band to life"

MD- "Is Miami Carnival your final stop?"
LD " No. Ultimately I'd like to produce a section for Trinidad's carnival"

MD " Best of luck and continued success"
LD " Thank You"

If you would to be a part of the 2012 band, contact them at the info below:

www.islandgems.org

islandgemsmasgroup@live.com

Lesel-954 625 5668

Tiffany-305 482 1183

Best,
Minsky

Myrtle Beach Steel Drum Player-Minsky Delmonte

Hello Music Friends,

Part of the fun of being a D.I.Y. musician is trying to come up with videos to promote your product. It is a natural inclination to want to create an epic film as your first advertisement, but production costs and viewer attention spans have dictated that the most effective ads are 15, 30 and 60 secs. Here is another delve into the quick and simple. After viewing, please share your thoughts.

Best,
Minsky

A Timeless Family Story

Ever had a family get together where everyone reminisces about the "good ol' days" and share recounts of great times? My family does that all of the time.(In addition to playing UNO and Pictionary) Since we are a large group ( My grandmother had 16 children-8 boys and 8 girls) there are numerous stories. Some are very colorful, very joyful and there are a few sad ones too. While the stories are important, the strength lies in the bonds that are formed from storytelling and with the story teller.
Stories endure the test of time just by being told. A year ago, my cousin Hayden, was the victim of a senseless shooting. He had a story to tell and he told it. He remains in our hearts and we give him life by sharing his story amongst ourselves and with others.

The video below shows a family gathering in Antigua in 2008. My uncle Leary and Hayden told the story from a first person point of view. Although their speech is in a heavy Trinidadian dialect, one can see the joy and loved that is shared amongst our family as a whole-hence the power of the story and the story teller.

Here is a gist of what happened.

My uncle (Leary) and cousin (Hayden-bald headed guy) were given the responsibility of caring for my grandfather's prized hunting dogs. He instructed them to tend to the animals while he was away. The two men accepted their assignments, but decided to play, wrestle and have an all out good time for 3 days straight without even an inkling thought of checking on the dogs.

When my grandfather returned, he asked them for an account of how they had tended to the dogs. Knowing that they were in trouble and had never checked on the dogs, they concocted a story of how they bathed the dogs,fed them, kept them in the shade, and did an all around good job in caring for the pets. Both boys agreed that that was their story and that they were sticking to it. The funny part- the kicker of the whole story was that unbeknownst to the boys, my grandfather took the hunting dogs with him for the past three days!

Luckily, the intervention of one our family friends had allowed both boys a chance to live to tell that story and not experience the swift decisive discipline of a West Indian Parent.

Hayden, we love you and you will forever be in our hearts. Will tell this story to everyone because it gives us life. It gives you life.



Love,
Minsky

Kitty Hawk Steel Drum Player

Hello Music Friends,
Did you know that Kitty Hawk North Carolina is the home of aviation pioneers The Wright Brothers? Its also a very popular destination wedding city. I've captured some footage of a recent steel drum performance out on the Kitty Hawk Pier.

Keep Well,
Minsky

"Man Cannot Live on Steel Drums Alone"

Its summer! and the barometer has made sure that we know it! The country has been gripped by a heatwave and I hope that you are doing whatever you can to stay hydrated and comfortable.

Thus far, I've been writing from my point of view. I wanted to change things up a bit and introduce you to some of the people who have helped make my musical journey a success-the people who I've played for and who have allowed me to be a part of their extended families.

In this months issue I've invited some of my past brides/new friends to share their favorite drink/food recipes.

While its important to be musically proficient and to provide top notch customer service, I must say that the connections and friendships formed have left an indelible mark on my heart.
Furthermore," Man cannot live on steel drums alone."



Jalepeno Poppers
Submitted by Melissa Bard- Sylvester, GA.

2 LBS fresh jalepeno peppers 4 pkgs softened cream cheese
2 LBS thin slided bacon 1 sm jar/bag real bacon bits
1 pkt of onion soup mix ( dry ) garlic salt to taste
1 pair of plastic/rubber gloves ( jalepenos burn ! )
Preheat oven to 350°
Put gloves on, wash and dry peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise. Use a tablespoon to carefully remove seeds. You need to soft fry the bacon to wrap around the poppers later. Do not overcook the bacon. Blanch the peppers for about 3 minutes after it boils. Drain. Mix the softened cream cheese, bacon bits, and dry onion soup mix and garlic. Spoon in the mixture into each half pepper and wrap a pice of bacon around. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. DO NOT OVER BAKE OR BURN!
Yields about 20-30 servings. Of course, just half the recipe for smaller portions.

Mini Lump Crab and Avocado Bruschetta
Submitted by Anna-Christina Dais-Edgewater, NJ.

10oz-1lb lump crab meat (depends on how much crab you want to pile on)
small bunch of mint, minced
lime, enough to drizzle over crab
1 avocado for every 8-10 pieces of bruschetta (depends on size of bread)
cayenne pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
Any type of bread you prefer for bruschetta, cut into bite sized pieces and bake in oven with a little oil or butter until warm/golden in color. Bagel bites work well too!
parsley (optional for decorative purposes)

In one bowl mix the lump crab meat, mint and lime juice.
In another bowl, mix the avocado, cayenne pepper, S&P (all to taste. I like my guacamole spicy so I add more cayenne pepper and even garlic since I LOVE GARLIC.)
Assemble the avocado/guacamole mixture over the bread, then pile the crab meat on top.
Decorate with a piece of parsley on top and you're done!
Easy, simple yet fancy looking apps for when you have loved ones over. Enjoy!

Key Lime Martini
Submitted by Natasha Adams Denny-Charlotte, NC.

Mix 1 1/2 oz Malibu Rum, 1/2oz Midori, 1oz pineapple jucice, 1/2 oz simple syrup (hot water and sugar), 1/2 oz lime juice, and a splash of cream. It is delicious!!


Carolina Sangria
Submitted by Tricia Mondok Congers-Wilmington, NC.

With Peaches in Season right now I love this recipe!

Ingredients:
1 bottle Pinot Grigio Chilled
3/4 cup Peach Vodka
6 tablespoons thawed frozen lemonade concentrate
2 tablespoons sugar
1 lb Ripe Carolina Sweet Peaches Sliced and peeled
1 Cup Grapes or Raspberries (optional)
2 cups club soda (can use flavored lemon, lime or peach)
Combine first 4 ingredients
Stir in fruit Cover and Chill 5-8 hours
Add soda just before serving.

Pura Vida Rita-The Best Margarita by way of Costa-Rica
Submitted Michelle Pou-Lowery-Wellington, FL.

Make sure you have a large cocktail mixer, oranges, limes,Tequila, Triple Sec and Agave Syrup (essential).

Juice 1 orange and 1 lime, add to your mixer.
Add 2 shots of tequila to the mixer and a splash of Triple Sec.
Add a tsp. of Agave.
Salt the rims of two glasses, shake the mixer and pour.
Pura Vida!


Thank You to the chefs and flair bartenders for their contributions. Please have another event soon, make those recipes that you described and have me over to play and taste test em!

A bride, a groom, and a steel drum

Hello Music Friends,

One of the coolest events that I enjoy playing at are weddings. They are such beautiful celebrations. Its so interesting to see how different couples use themes to express themselves and their love for each other. For the most part all attendess are happy and the vibe of the day is joyful. I take weddings very seriously because I believe in the institutuion of marriage and I also feel that playing for weddings is a part of ministry.

Keep me in mind for your wedding!

Best,
Minsky

Read all of our Ceremony Musicians Reviews at

The world of Facebook

Are you on the ever popular Facebook? So am I! Lets connect there too.
Click the "like" button to find me.

See you there.
Best,
Minsky

America's Got Talent Update

Hello,

If you got a chance to read my previous blog post, you knew that I auditioned for America's Got Talent this past January. I was quite happy with my performance and felt that the audition went very well. We were told that successful candidates would receive selection notifications around the end of March. It is now April and I have not received a call. I figured that I wasn't chosen and decided to move on to the next chapter of my performance career. However, when I visited the show's website, I read that the deadline to submit audition videos had been extended 10 days! What an amazing opportunity to get in front of the producers again! There are alot of rejections in showbiz and the most successful entertainers have perservered. This is my lesson in perseverance. Here is my audition video; Fueled by perseverance!

The King and I

Hello Music Friends,

First off I wanted to thank all of you for participating in last month's song selection survey. The results are posted below and you will see that songs by The King of Pop and The King of Rock were highly favored.

After you glance at the results, continue reading below to find out which King made the cut and what happens next.

Q- What song shall I play for the audition panel? It has to be a 90 second accapella rendition.

That's What Friends Are For-Dionne Warwick and Friends - 8.3%

Summertime-George Gershwin - 16.7%

Human Nature-Michael Jackson - 29.2%

I Can't Help Falling In Love With You-Elvis Presley 25.0%

Greatest Love of All- Whitney Houston 16.7%

Hero-Mariah Carey- 16.7%

Arrival...

My day started very early as I had a four hour drive from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA to make an 8am casting call.
I must say the entire experience was great. I tried to be cool and calm as possible, because I had a feeling that I might make it, but I didn't want to be too disappointed if I didn't.

The atmosphere of the place was quite lively. There was a gamut of talent that ranged from Dance Crews, Musicians, Michael Jackson impersonators complete with white socks, sparkling glove and fedora hats, Little Richard look -a -likes and even a lady and puppy who wore matching outfits. Several acts had previously tried out and were giving it another shot. I especially enjoyed listening to the adventures of those who auditioned for American Idol. From their stories, I gathered that they are a small part of a large circuit of people that audition for numerous shows. Their determination was somewhat inspiring. No matter what their talent was, they were steadfast in their pursuits.

Audition...

I must say that I was pleased with my performance and how well the instrument sounded. It seems like I connected with the staff and the judges because one of the coordinators left his post to specifically listen to me play. That was a good sign. He mentioned that he had not seen any steel drum acts this season. As I introduced myself to the judges I had mentioned that I was born in Trinidad and Tobago. One of the judges' eyes lit up and he said that he was considering Trinidad as a vacation spot. He knew that Trinidad was full of beautiful women, and I assured him that his notion was correct.

I decided to play Elvis Presley's version of "Can't Help Falling in Love". I felt that the melody of that song was quite familiar and that it would be easily recognized. One of the challenges of playing instrumental music is that it must be performed in a way that it mimics a vocalist. The melody of "Cant Help Falling in Love" was very strong and could be successfully played acapella. In the event that I progress forward, I will more than likely play a Michael Jackson song. His music is recognized world wide, and I will have the luxury of having background music or perhaps a live band accompanying me; The full sound of the band combined with the steel drum will help the audience know exactly what song I'm playing.

The Next Step...

The next step if you are chosen, is that you will then audition in front of the celebrity judges - Usually Piers, Sharon and Howie. (That is when you will see the clips on TV of contestants being told that they are going to Hollywood.BTW I also saw Nick Canon on site) Exciting stuff for sure!

At the end of our auditions, the producers told us that successful acts will receive invitations via telephone. I've found myself checking my phone more often than usual for a "missed call" or voicemail message. I guess its true what they say in Hollywood...." Don't call us we will call you"

Best,
Minsky

We Shall Overcome- A steel drum salute to Dr Martin Luther King.

Hello Music Friends,

Dr Martin Luther King has affected all of us in some way. I 'm celebrating his legacy by sharing a steel drum rendition of " We Shall Overcome"

Thank You Dr King.

Best,
Minsky