Tickets are still available for a concert by the Ronald Lee Experience on Friday, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts in Cruz Bay. It’s the second performance in the school’s Sis Frank Concert Series.
Ronald Lee Jr. describes the ensemble’s style as Caribbean-infused jazz. “My concerts highlight the African-Caribbean diaspora,” he said. In addition to Lee (who plays piano and steel pan), band members include Eljhaie Brathwaite on steel pan/bass; Kayla Boodoo on vocals/piano; Jaren Hodge on drums; and guest artist Jairay Petty on piano.
Tickets are $50 and are available at the school’s website or by calling 340-779-4322. A limited number of tickets may be sold at the door.
It’s fitting that during Black History Month, two of the compositions the band will perform highlight historic events of the Virgin Islands. The first, “1733,” was composed by St. John pan-player Victor Provost and commemorates the insurrection at Fortsberg on St. John. The second, “Fyah Bun 1878,” is inspired by events on St. Croix and is composed by band member Eljhaie Brathwaite.
Ronald Lee Jr. (not to be confused with his father, Ronald Lee Sr., or longtime St. John resident Ronnie Lee) is well known on St. John. He currently teaches piano at the St. John School of the Arts, where he provides private and group classes. He is also the current president and instructor of Love City Pan Dragons Steel Orchestra.
Last year, he led the Pan Dragons to a first-place win at PANFest 2025 in collaboration with another steel band he has worked with in Maryland, known as CAFE (Cultural Academy for Excellence).
Since graduating from college three years ago, Lee has taught and performed throughout the V.I., and his reputation now extends far beyond the territory. Every year, he travels to Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the National Panorama Competition, and he recently traveled to Japan for a study abroad program, connecting with steel pan musicians in Japan.
In 2024, he was accepted to a music-intensive program in Aspen, Colorado, called Jas Academy Afro Caribbean Big Band, hosted by Artistic Director Etienne Charles.
Born and raised on St. John, Lee found his passion for music through playing with the Pan Dragons as a youngster. He chose to attend George Mason University because that’s where renowned steel pan player Victor Provost teaches music. (Provost will perform in March with longtime collaborator Alex Brown as part of the Sis Frank Concert Series.)
Returning to St. John after graduation was always Lee’s goal, he said, “Because I enjoy my culture, and with all the knowledge I have of music, I wanted to give back to the community.”
That he has done, according to Jeune´ Provost, director of the St. John School of the Arts. “Ronald Lee Jr.’s work reflects a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community engagement. Whether on stage or in the classroom, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians while celebrating the vibrant musical heritage of the Caribbean,” she wrote.
Lee’s time on St. John is not infinite. He has plans to return to the States to pursue a Master’s Degree in Music. For now, audience members can enjoy original compositions and arrangements by him, band members, and collaborating musicians at Friday night’s concert.
