The NIU Steel Band kept the audience dancing with extra musical surprises at the end of its Sunday 40th anniversary concert.

The band performed at the Music Building’s Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. NIU Steel Band is co-directed by assistant professor Liam Teague and composer Cliff Alexis.

The band first played “Summer Song,” which had a tropical quality to it. The song was appropriate since Sunday’s weekend felt like summer. “Summer Song” felt like you were lying on a beach while the steel drums serenaded you.

The next song played was “Man in the Mirror,” a classic by Michael Jackson. I’ve listened to “Man in the Mirror” dozens of times, and the Steel Band’s performance certainly did the song justice with its accurate representation of the drums, melody and rhythm.

Steel pans weren’t the only instruments featured in this show. The berimbau, an African instrument resembling a musical bow, and saxophone were utilized.

“De Hammer” started off with senior jazz major Gerald Williams on saxophone, moving smoothly though the audience with his sweet tunes. Williams was playful with the audience, making them laugh several times.

“[De Hammer] was dedicated to Al O’Connor, Cliff Alexis and Lester Trilla,” Williams said. “So what I was doing [was] playing a couple tunes mixed with a little jazz and a little fun. I just wanted to make sure I touched the audience and make sure that everyone had a good time.”

“Pan 2000” had a fast tempo. The audience couldn’t help but clap and dance, as it was one of the most energetic pieces of the night.

Even though the program said “Pan 2000” was the last song, the band surprised everyone with a couple bonus songs to end the concert. It played “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and followed with “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. The band members were enjoying themselves and dancing around while keeping their beat. I enjoyed hearing songs I recognized and could really get into.

One of the biggest perks of Steel Band is its diversity in music styles.

“We’re capable to play almost any style of music that there is,” said Scott McConnell, recording arts graduate student. “… We really don’t have any boundaries.”