New Dimension Steel Orchestra in the "Pan Classics" Performance Spotlight

Hailing from Grenada, New Dimension is one of the finest steel orchestras in the Caribbean. They are led by the charismatic, talented, respected musician and composer/arranger - David "Peck" Edwards. Equally comfortable in any genre of music, New Dimension is equally adept and at home on the panorama stage, as it is in the World Steelband music festival delivering the subtleties of a classical piece.

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One Million Dollars (US) for New York Panorama Winner

One Million Dollars (US) for New York Panorama Winner New York - And why not? When Steel Talks has previously called for that first prize and much more for New York's pannists in competition. New York is, after all, the entertainment, media and financial capital of the world. The Big Apple always sees itself as a global artistic and cultural leader. And as quietly as it's kept, the steel orchestras of New York have been spear-heading and carrying the flame for the most vibrant, inventive, creative and socially significant music performing arts-based movement in the USA. The challenge in 2007 is for the managements of the New York steel orchestras to get their act together, and secure not only competent leadership, but also an able and progressive producer/promoter who can deliver the goods and take advantage of the vast talent the young people possess, in a time when NY is culturally and financially flourishing.

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All Female Steelpan Ensemble

A "First" in Botswana's History Botswana - Friday 23rd February, 2007 will long be remembered in the lives of 14 new students of Rainbow High School in Gaborone, Botswana. The group made history by performing before their peers in the school's weekly assembly. They did this after only six weeks - following their registering for steelpan music as an extra-curricular activity. All but two of the budding pannists had played the traditional marimbas at primary school level.

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Unheard Voices The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America

Just Published...

The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America

A. Myrna Nurse

Originating in the 1930s, the steelband (a.k.a. steelpan) movement began in the Caribbean, was transplanted to and grew in North America, and has transcended the boundaries of class, race, and gender. Based on a compilation of narratives from Caribbean and American members of the steelband movement, Unheard Voices: The Rise of Steelband and Calypso in the Caribbean and North America traces the history of this unique percussion invention of the twentieth century.

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Trinidad All Stars

Trinidad All Stars Win 2007 Panorama Title Sound Specialists of Laventille Crowned Medium Champs First Ever in South - One Million TT First Prize Trinidad & Tobago Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2007 Trinidad - Trinidad All Stars captures steelpan music's most prestigious title / Champions of the Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama Large band category In a hotly contested contest, Trinidad All Stars bested defending champions Phase II Pan Groove by two points - 288.5 to the latter's 286.5. The 2007 panorama champs played De Fosto's Pan Lamentation as their tune of choice, while Phase II used their arranger Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe's original composition Sharing Licks. This event was historic on many levels; it was the first panorama held outside of the traditional venue of Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of -Spain - Skinner Park in San Fernando, south Trinidad. Additionally, the first prize payout was one million TT (USD 159K) to the winning band. Total prize monies for the 2007 Panorama season will be in the millions of dollars tt when all summed up. In the medium category, Sound Specialists of Laventille came from behind to secure that division's first place position with a score of 279. Favored Tobago-based band Dixieland who led the pack going into the finals, had to be satisfied with, what had to be for them, a disappointing fourth place. Defending champions Sforzata were prevented from scoring a hat trick with a 2007 win, and finished in third place overall.

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Carriers of The Steelband Flag

Steelband Flag Men and Flag Women: Honorable Mention for The Year

Global - Those steelband people who merit very special mention for the year are the flag bearers of all the world's steelbands - more commonly referred to as the 'flag woman' or 'flag man.'

The role of the Carrier of The Flag is deeply rooted in tradition and history. It is a special, time-honored position that requires confidence, grace and skill. When Steel Talks takes a special look at those who carried the flag at this year's 2006 Trinidad & Tobago steelband music panorama, in video and pictures.

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