Surprise!!!

So Caribbean Musician [CM] received a call recently, and it went somewhat like this...

Caller: Hello, We have some special guests in and there is a barbecue coming up.

CM: Oh, that's great so how may we assist?

Caller: Well, we were wondering if you have any cool Steel Pan players who can make it into a party?

CM: We do, that's easy - no problem! Do let us know when you are looking to do this?

Caller: Tomorrow night at 8 o'clock [This call was received around 7:00 pm the night before...]

CM: Alright - let's verify the schedules of our Steel-pan Players and see if we have any that are readily available given that its for tomorrow.

Caller: Sorry about the short notice but we only just realised that some entertainment is needed...

CM: You are in luck...we do have a Steel-pan player

Caller: Fantastic - we're excited to see your Steel-pan Player tomorrow night...

- - -

The steel pan player turned up as promised and was warmly greeted by the visiting guests. This is where the twist got knotted...the steel-pan player was asked to hide in the garden. He was no

w joined by two other persons that were in on whatever it was that was going on. Within another seven minutes another person joined the now growing group of individuals hiding in the garden.

Still not sure what to make of the whole situation Mr. Steel-pan player continued to wait with baited breath. Then it became clear as the guest of honor entered the place and then as if on cue the steel-pan player was asked to start playing Happy Birthday! Once that started, the others in the garden sprung into action and shouted Surprise!!!

A surprise indeed, as the guest of honor was visibly emotional, and with such friends it made it more special. From there on in, the house erupted into one big party. From pop and ballad to calypso and reggae music and vibes filled the place. On request around the house the steel-pan player was part of an impromptu conga line, and for over an hour between the garden, pool and house, music was magic. Some guests even got a lesson on playing the pan and selfies were in order.

Our guest of honor was surprised and so were we to some extent, with the level of creativity of the host, and friends.