The Tropical Connection and Tripoli Band

The Tropical Connection and Tripoli Band led by renowned steel drum player Emile Borde takes one on a musical journey which recreates the excitement of an authentic caribbean island show. Drawing from the history and evolution of the Steel drums and Caribbean Culture, the island show features familiar Caribbean, Calypso, Reggae, Latin, Jazz, and World music as well as some originals and performers of the Caribbean arts including Caribbean and limbo dance ring, fire-eating, and bottle glass walking. The result is a joyful, high-energy expression of the Caribbean Arts.

Born in port of Spain, Trinidad, home of the steel drum and calypso music, band leader Emile Borde has emerged as one of the most talented and versatile top entertainers in the current steel drum movement, having introduced the pans to a wide and surprising variety of music ranging from classical to jazz to hip-hop. The son of famed steel band pioneer Hugh Borde, Emile received formal training in piano and voice before embarking on his career as an arranger, steel drummer, and singer with the grammy nominated Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band, which has taken him all over the United States performing with such legends as Harry Belafonte, Chubby Checker, Sergio Franchi, Liberace, Sugar Minot, Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Pride, Max Roach and Bob Marley's Wailers.

History of the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band led by Hugh Borde, Emile's father: