Dear Editor:

We, the members of Pan Fried Steel Band, 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, March 24 for the 12th annual Caribbean Night. We hope you had as much fun as we did. Your enthusiasm and energy, all the exuberant clapping, dancing and singing, made the start to our gig season a joyful experience for us, and 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 of the Opera House, especially Cathy Sherrill, executive director; Kevin Kiley, technical director and “wizard;” Kim, box office manager; Gem, canine Opera House greeter; and all of the Friends of the Opera House, and volunteers whose hard work and dedication made this “a very happy gig” for our band and, we hope, for the community.

None of the band members ever miss a practice for several weeks prior to this gig since we all consider it one of our favorities! 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 throughout the building. Thank you, Cathy, for making this all happen. We love starting the season with you all.

Pat McKee

for Pan Fried Steel

Yarmouth