Xcite The Band gives show of hope

THE advent of covid19 shut down the multibillion cruise ship industry in March leaving millions who depended on this source of income in a bind.

Included in this predicament were TT musicians who have been fixtures on the luxury liners, providing world-class entertainment.

The months between March to September have not been an exciting time for Xcite the Band whose members have been struggling to survive.

Bandleader and vocalist Sterling Howell said the group took a hit as his members, vocalist Esther Dyer, bass player Sheldon George, keyboard player Rodney Harris and drummer Andy Edwards have been unable to find work with the industry in TT also in a slump.

For years, Xcite has had the privilege of entertaining world travellers on the Princess cruise lines, while also being ambassadors for TT culture.

After being stuck on board the cruise ship for two months, the group was finally brought home, but the capacity to earn and care for their families has been curtailed by restrictions to stop the spread of covid19.

“Covid19 has taken a toll on the music and cruising industries, putting many people and their jobs on the breadline by taking away a source of income while simultaneously limiting the enjoyment of live music and shows for many fans and loved ones,” Howell said.

However, instead of being overtaken by sadness, Howell said the band has decided to offer a glimmer of hope by taking the music to the people. On October 3, people can welcome the Xcite Xperience, a virtual concert that will be streamed live from 7 pm on its Facebook page for fans here and abroad.

“This is a show of hope. We are doing this show to give everyone hope that things will get better soon. We are saying that we are Princess strong and we will be back.”

Some cruise ships in the Italian port reopened its operation on a limited basis and the US has given an October deadline to evaluate the situation before restarting any cruises.

For the past month the band, with the exception of Edwards who had some exposure to a covid19 patient, has been in rehearsal and via its Facebook @ Xcite, fans across the globe have been reaching out to offer congratulations and express eagerness to see the entertainers in action again. Edwards who recently got married is being replaced by drummer Jerome Birch.

Among those fans who posted videos is Frank from Canada who described Xcite as the greatest band on the seven seas.

“I have had the privilege to hear them dozens of times and every concert, every performance is different. They have a wonderful playlist.

“They cover all the standard songs the cruise crowd recognise, but occasionally they throw in a great big treat by doing songs from their nation of TT.

“I remember one night they did a song called Mind Your own Funky Business. That song was so great, that performance was so great, I think the cruise ship they did this on is still rocking.”

James, a passenger from Scotland, recalled how moved he was when on one of the cruises he requested the band play a tune from his homeland in memory of his mother who had died that same year.

“I requested it, but I did not think you will do it,” said James who thanked Howell and the band for that treasured moment in his video.

In another video, a Trinidadian couple (only the wife was identified as Rachel) now resident in Canada said when they booked the tour and heard there was going to be a lot of older people on board, they yawned and thought they would go to bed early for the ten nights.

“We did not expect much from the live entertainment, but when we heard you and you said you were from TT, we got excited, pun intended.

“We danced, laughed, limed with you all. You are all so talented, so sweet. It was a pleasure meeting you,” Rachel’s husband said.

Rachel also thanked them for making her birthday memorable.

Howell said the concert which is also to earn an income will be something different. He said while the band is a cruise ship band they play all genres of music and will be offering full energy songs suited for local audiences.

“We will be mixing it up,” he promised.

Anyone wanting to make a contribution can click on the following links: https://fundmetnt.com/campaign/live-music-with-xcite-the-band Or Paypal.me/rodneyharristt