Recording Artist, writer and composer Mickey Mills is a featured performer in a number of documentaries explaining the history, playing techniques and musical applications of the steel drums. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Mickey has performed concerts with the steel drums nationally and internationally.
In addition to his appearances on stage with Mick Jagger, Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney, he performed in the off-Broadway show, The House of Flowers, and in the television show, Matlock.
Locally, Mickey performs at the Raleigh Convention Center, Governor’s Club, Time Warner Cable Pavilion at Walnut Creek and at various country clubs and other venues.
He is also an approved artist in the Artists in the Schools programs for Orange and Durham Counties.
PERFORMANCES
Steel and Djembe: A Festival of Drums and Percussion: (Gr. K-12) This high-energy, collaborative performance weaves together the African and Caribbean cultures through stories, music, sing-a-longs, and rhythm participation. Through the performance, students gain an understanding of and appreciation for the interplay of history, music, culture and the work performed in the rice fields of West Africa as well as the cane fields of the Caribbean. Â Master drummers, Mickey Mills and Braima Moiwai, demonstrate steel and djembe drumming techniques, call and response interactions, cultural songs, traditional stories and Limbo Dance with audience participation followed by a question and answer period.
Mini-Carnival: (Gr. K-12) Students dance, sing and clap to Mickey Mills and his Steel Drum Band as they learn the traditions and experience the music of other cultures. This performance is especially appropriate for celebrations, festivals, field days and assemblies.
WORKSHOPS
Island In The Sun: (Gr. 2-6) Explore the world of Trinidad and the Caribbean Islands in this interactive workshop during which students will play Caribbean games, listen to legendary tales, perform traditional stories, sing island songs, learn hand drum techniques and practice shango dancing –all while learning the rich history of the Caribbean Islands.
RESIDENCY
Steel-A-Rama: (Gr. K-12) This residency brings the history, traditions and culture of the Caribbean islands to life by re-creating the atmosphere of the islands through the popular music of the steel drum. Students will learn the history, traditions, construction and drumming techniques of the steel drum. This lively residency culminates in a mini-carnival the students will remember!
COMMUNITY ARTS REACH CONCERT
Mickey Mills & Steel: Four to five piece Steel Drum Band will provide a joyful, island atmosphere for your festival, fair, celebration or community event.
