Dear Editor:

We, and our Pan Fried Steel bandmates, want to thank all of our old friends and supporters, as well as our new friends, who joined us at the Opera House on Saturday, April 5 for the eighth annual Caribbean Night. Your enthusiasm and energy (all the exuberant clapping, dancing and singing) made the start to our gig season a joyful experience for us. We thank you for coming out and helping us celebrate the end of a long, harsh winter.

We also want to thank all of the staff at the Opera House, especially Executive Director Cathy Sherrill, Technical Director Kevin Kiley, Box Office Manager Millie Santiago, Intern John Solorzano, Board President Susan Brackett, Chairman of the Friends of the Opera House Margaret Tew, Greeter "Gem" and all of the Friends and volunteers whose hard work and dedication made this "a perfect night" for our band and, we hope, the community.

None of the band members ever misses a practice for several weeks prior to this gig since we all consider it one of our best. Your energy, seamless proficiency, organization, care and concern for the whole evening (advertising, house readiness, setting the mood with gorgeous decorations and bar treats) is always more than professional; it's priceless!

It is obvious every time we play at this beautiful venue that you put your hearts and souls into everything you touch and do. Thank you, Kevin, for the island atmosphere with your exquisite decorations and lighting all through the building. Thank you, Cathy, for making this all happen.

As many people, both band members and audience, said at the end of the evening, "Now we're ready for summer to start."

Pat and Bob McKee
Pan Fried Steel
Yarmouth