In March 1998 four (4) young pan players residing in New York having similar dreams got together and formed a band. Kerwin and Kendell Alexander (sons of well known musician Lloyd Alexander) joined by Dwight Dasilva and Tracy Russo as vocalist began the journey to building a successful brass band. Some of there earliest performances were at John Jay College and Flushing Meadows Park in New York.In 1999 there efforts were even stronger, they were determined to take Cloud IX to the top and the sky was the limit. Lead by the late Jessel “Chin “ Harris who worked vigorously with the band to encourage growth and success. They made various improvements setting the foundation and building a successful band that now has thirteen members which includes four brass players Jamel Harewood, Joel Braithwaite, Christopher Watson and Elijah Scanterbury (son of Calypsonian Tunapuna Scanty), the drummer Joel John, Kerwin Alexander on bass, Kendell Alexander on Keyboard, Duane Headley on guitar, Clyde Kool Headley on Keyboard accompanied by vocalist Christopher “Sparks” Bando, Tyro “Mr. Lee” Mathews, Varlene “Val” Toby and Margaret “Ginja” Alexis.

This versatile band coming out of Brooklyn New York with a strong Trinidadian background is definitely pushing Soca music and sharing it with anyone who would listen. They have worked with many artists and took New York by storm in the last two (2) years performing at one of the hottest clubs in Brooklyn “The Elite Ark”, and Reggae Fest. They have even moved crowds at the Baltimore, Philadelphia, Springfield, Rochester, Boston and Long Island Carnivals, backing well known artist such as Machel Montano, KMC, Bunji Garlin, Rupie, Denise Belfon, The Black Stalin, Calypso Rose, The Baron, Brother Marvin and Edwin Charles just to name a few. They took part in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2003 celebrations where they blessed the stage on the school tours held in Trinidad annually, Youth Fest and the Boy scouts Fete on Carnival Sunday.

This year Cloud IX has made a point of sending Positive messages specifically to The youths, being that most of there members are still very young, they would like the General public to know that they have officially joined the fight against HIV.They are now working on Project Caution. This project was designed to educate people about HIV. The coordinator Jaunelle Todd and her associates are working alongside the band to help send the message and what better way to do this but, through parties and festive times, so now during every Cloud IX performance Condoms and literature will be distributed, to encourage our youth to practice safe sex.

Cloud IX’s aspirations include taking Calypso and Soca Music worldwide and to perform at the International Brass Festival held annually in the Republic Of Trinidad and Tobago They are Currently working on their first album, which will be released by mid 2004.