www.PanOnTheNet.com
Pan Music 24-7

Without Compromise

 

GUEST BOOK
Let us hear your views   

 

 

 

Great Expectations - WSMF
New Yorkers Expect The Best
New York's Steelpan community expresses concern and outrage
over Trinidad's operation within their sphere...


In what has becoming a major public relations snafu - the behavior of the World Steelband Music Festival (WSMF) organizers has rubbed many New York steelpan community members the wrong way.  And this, with little over a month to go before the event, which has been the biggest "non-secret" of the year.

Many in the New York  pan community feel disrespected that Pan Trinbago initially lacked  the courtesy or even bothered to be in consultation with their representatives, until arrangements were in place.  New York pan people raised serious concerns over the promoters employed by the Trinidad organizers.  Indeed, it seems that the organizers have chosen to empower many of the very people the New York pan community itself has worked to avoid for years.  This - because of these people's alleged ill-feeling and sometimes openly articulated opposition towards the artform, and also because they supposedly proved themselves incompetent in the past.  Many felt that through the upcoming WSMF, the Trinidad government is openly financially rewarding individuals who historically do not have the interest of the New York steelpan artform and the community at heart. 

Ultimately the Trinidad government is responsible for any perceived discourtesy or miscommunication, as they are the financial backers of the organizers of the World Steelband Music Festival.

Nonetheless, the New York pan community will be there to welcome, and fully support the steelpan art form and the performances of their fellow pan musicians at the WSMF.  One thing is for sure:  the New York pan community will only get credit and praise for the success of this show through their support of the WSMF - this in spite of the behavior of the Trinidad government.  On the other hand - no one will fault the New York pan community should things go less than great.

The bar has been set.  In New York great things have happened at, and therefore are expected for - major steelpan shows.  Pan Trinbago and Trinidad have big shoes to fill.  From the Rolling Stones to Luther Vandross to Bob Marley to Tito Fuentes to the New York Philharmonic to Winton Marsalis-- New York knows and expects nothing but great musical events - regardless of the genre of music.

For the record, both Pan Trinbago's president - Patrick Arnold, and secretary - Richard Forteau recently met with several representatives of the New York steel orchestras where they were able to openly voice their concerns.   At this juncture, both Arnold and Forteau have confirmed that the show is carded for June 19, at the theatre in Madison Square Garden.

 

The Theater at Madison Square Garden seating from 2,000-5,600.

   ‘


©2005 A WHEN STEEL TALKS  - EXCLUSIVE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Related Links

 
Send your articles and/or pictures for consideration to whensteeltalks@hotmail.com
 

©2005 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved