BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE KOLLISON BAND (KB) continues to make strides in the local entertainment industry and will soon be making its debut performance in one of the top Soca music countries in the region.
According to manager of the band Shervin White, KB would be performing in Antigua at a Beach Bash alongside the legendary Burning Flames on Sunday, August 8, 2010.
“It’s a great step for us. It’s a good contact I made with a promoter down there, who said he heard about the band and that we were doing well, and he decided to give the band a try,” he said.
The band also has an upcoming busy schedule, which starts on July 27. It will be performing at the International Night in Statia and also the International Night in Nevis on Friday, July 30.
The event in Nevis will also feature Mr. Vegas and the Odisi Band. Following the Culturama gig, the band will travel to Anguilla; the island where demand for the band has proven to be the most.
“For the past couple of months, we have been receiving a lot of bookings; not only locally but regionally. For the past couple of months, we have been in Anguilla every other week and we have also received strong bookings in Nevis.
“We go to Anguilla for carnival. We have a boat ride to play for along with a beach bash, where we will be the main act. We are booked solid for a gig each night in the first week of August,” he said.
White said one of their most memorable gigs in Anguilla, so far, was a foam party that was held a few weeks ago.
“The people turned out in their swimsuits and really enjoyed themselves,” he said.
The band is also looking at the possibilities of hosting a foam party in St. Kitts in August or September, and the members also want to launch a J’Ouvert Morning Troupe with a pre-J’Ouvert Morning foam party.
One of their vocalists in the band is no long with them. White said one of the vocalists, Jason ‘Pinocchio’ Mitchum, is no longer a member of the band, and that it was a mutual agreement him and management.
He said that it has been that way for a couple of months and, although they are one singer short, they are not looking for anyone to replace him.
“We’re not looking for a new member; we appreciate the contribution Pinocchio made with the band. Words cannot express what he has done for the band and we will miss him,” he said. “Who will not miss the one with the energy at front? We wish him the best in his future endeavours and career.”
Formed some six years ago, the band performs every other Sunday night at Coopers Bar in Dieppe Bay.
The band is ready to take off White said the band is ready to “take off” and they are currently sorting out US visas for some of the members.
“We want to get into the Virgin Islands and we have received requests to perform at the Miami Carnival and also in Texas.
Meanwhile, the band’s music, including its chants of ‘Who name Shawn’, ‘Pipe’ and ‘Jump on It’, is rapidly growing as favourites and continues to dominate the airwaves.
‘Who name Shawn’ is a song that was derived from a recent incident of physical abuse between a couple in St. Kitts.
“We want people to understand that we’re not condoning it but just bringing some light to the issue. We are also encouraging people to not stand for something like that. The song is not used to offend anyone…we’re just making a general statement and asking who name Shawn?”
White said they are also looking at capturing the Road March title this year.
