February 14, 2003

Steel Drums Highlight Tropical Twilight Cabarat at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Members of the University of Houston's Moores School Steel Drum Band, The PANtagonists, are scheduled to perform at The Pavilion's Tropical Twilight Cabaret Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of U. of H. Moores School of Music.

The Woodlands, Texas, Feb. 14, 2003 - The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, announces the second installment in its Twilight Cabaret Series at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at The Pavilion's Woodforest Bank Event Tent. Presented by Carll Cooke & Donnenberg L.L.P., the event features the University of Houston's Moores School Steel Drum Band, also known as The PANtagonists, performing a variety of music ranging from traditional Caribbean works to exciting arrangements of pop and rock tunes. Opening for The PANtagonists at 7 p.m. is Lei Aloha Hula Company. Doors open at 6 o'clock. Individual tickets are $18. Reserved tables of 10 can be purchased for $225.

The Moores School Steel Drum Band, established in the spring of 2000, is under the direction of Blake Wilkins, Moores School professor of music and director of percussion studies. This high-energy troupe consists of 16 players who perform a wide array of music including original works for steel drum band originating from Trinidad, traditional Caribbean music, and arrangements of popular music ranging from Dave Matthews to TV sitcom themes, most arranged by Wilkins. Some of the works performed include "Yellow Bird," Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville," Hugo Montenegro's "I Dream of Jeannie" and Eddie Palmieri's romantic "Oyelo Que Te Conviene."

Of the 16 student performers, six hail from Montgomery County. Sophomore Robert Savala, junior W. Blakely Norwood and sophomore Martin Cooke are from The Woodlands. Lyndon Hughes and Justin Zimerman, both freshmen, are from Spring. And Trey Thomas, a sophomore, is from Magnolia. Renowned for its highly energetic performances, The PANtagonists have become one of the most sought-after performance organizations at the University of Houston. The creation of the band was made possible by a generous donation of steel drums by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kelly of Austin, Texas. Since that time, the group's success has led to the acquisition of an impressive inventory of the highest quality instruments available. The band has become an important addition to campus activities and is regularly engaged for events off campus.

Lei Aloha Hula Company, professional dancers who perform Hawaiian and Tahitian dances, opens for The PANtagonists at 7 p.m. Audience participation is encouraged. A lavish all-you-can-eat tropical buffet featuring Snapper Escabeche, Curried Beef and Shrimp over rice, Jerk Chicken, rice and peas, fried plantains and fresh tropical fruit is available for $17.50 per person. A la carte plates of tropical fruit and cheese as well as beer, wine, tropical drinks, coffee drinks with after-dinner liquors and Margarita Key Lime Cheesecake also are available for an additional charge.

On March 27, don't miss the third Twilight Cabaret of the year featuring the spicy music of Caliente!, one of the hottest jazz and salsa bands in Houston. Individual tickets for the Feb. 28 or March 27 cabarets are $18. Guests can save $3 on cabaret tickets by purchasing both shows simultaneously or by presenting their ticket stubs from the Jan. 24 cabaret that featured Ezra Charles and the Works. Reserved tables for 10 are $225. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion's Administrative Office at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, by calling 281-364-3010, or at the door before the show. Most major credit cards are accepted. Due to limited seating, advance purchase is recommended. Free parking is available in The Pavilion's Gold Lot garage for this event.

For more information regarding upcoming events at The Pavilion, call 281-363-3300 or visit The Pavilion’s Web site at pavilion.woodlandscenter.org. # # #

Electronic photo of the Moores School Steel Drum Band available upon request. For more information, contact:

Cindy DuBois, Public Relations Manager The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands 281-363-9783 or cdubois@woodlandscenter.org

Founded in 1990, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, home of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides diverse, high-quality performing and visual arts events for the entertainment and enrichment of a broad regional audience. Through numerous educational and community outreach programs, The Center is a catalyst for attracting new audiences to the performing and visual arts and building strong ties between the arts and educational institutions.