Zuhrah Steel Drum Band

In 1989, it was the vision of Illustrious Potentate, James O. Burlingame to form a new Unit within Zuhrah Shrine. This new Unit of Zuhrah had to be special. Something that was unique to all of Shrinedom. Working with fellow Nobles of Zuhrah, many ideas were discussed and pondered. During the December Stated Meeting of Zuhrah, Potentate Burlingame officially announced the 25^th Unit of Zuhrah Shrine would be the Steel Drum Band.

Time was limited if the new Steel Drum Band was to be parade ready by the spring of 1990. Using money loaned to the Band by the original charter members, several sets of drums were ordered from true Jamaican Craftsman located in San Diego and Chicago. The hunt was also underway for a float of some type. It was evident that it would be impossible march in a parade carrying all or part of a 55 gallon drum.

Things were starting to come together, by April a hulking “I” beam frame was located and construction began on the float. Arriving shortly after that were the shinny new drums. Time was really short now. Building the float during the day-light hours, and learning to play the drums after dark. What dedication these members had for the newly formed Steel Drum Band.

The time had come. The float was completed, three songs, Yellow Bird, Limbo Rock and Mary Ann were “well rehearsed”, it was show time. June 9, 1990 mark the day of the first appearance of the Zuhrah Steel Drum Band in Owatonna, Minnesota. They were an instant hit. The crowds went wild to the sounds of the Caribbean.

As time went on, other Nobles of Zuhrah started to flock to the unique sounds of the Steel Band. More songs were added to the music list, new faces showed up at parades, it was a dream come true. In 1992 a vehicle was purchased by the Band to pull the float to the ever-increasing number of parades the Band was requested to perform in. By 1995 it was time for a facelift to the float. Due to the heavy construction of the float, it was evident the load on the tow vehicle was getting to be too great. The load was lightened and made more aerodynamic. What an improvement.

The Band has made many pilgrimages as far away as Rapid City, Denver, and St. Louis, being well received in any city visited. In 1998, through the gracious donation of a Band Member, a new, professionally built float was donated to the Band, complete with a new sound system and paint job. With a current song roster of over 15 tunes, and over 20 members the Zuhrah Steel Drum Band has become the talk of the town in any town visited.