Steel Drums in New York, 1977 | From the Vaults | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Every year on Labor Day weekend, the spirit of Carnival comes to New York City for West Indian American Day. Unfortunately, the annual parade is cancelled this year, but you can learn more about the steel drum’s fascinating global history, from its origins in Trinidad and Tobago to its status as one of the world’s most popular musical instruments, in this thought-provoking hour-long film. Musicians such as Ellie Mannette and Pete Seeger talk shop and explain what they love about this extraordinary instrument.  

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