Woodbrook, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan on D Avenue II in Woodbrook, Trinidad was a huge success; the crowds turned out and Trinidad’s best steel orchestras paraded from east to west—a reversal of last year’s direction—along Ariapita Avenue in North-west Trinidad on August 24. Getting off to a start about half hour later than the 6:30 p.m. schedule time, the event in its entirety was broadcast on Trinidad & Tobago’s TV 4 and streamed live online to viewers around the world. This year’s celebration of Pan on D Avenue was dedicated to two noted individuals. One was steelpan icon Anthony Williams, one of the country’s steelband legends, and who was scheduled to be present as the Grand Marshall, but due to his age was under the weather and unable to make an appearance. The late Ralph MacDonald was the second person honored and to whom the show was dedicated; MacDonald passed away December 18, 2011. There was a short, pre-produced segment where internationally-renowned musicians in their own right – the likes of ace musician, arranger and composer Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, performing artist, arranger, composer and close friend Robert Greenidge and calypsonian David Rudder - along with MacDonald’s widow Grace, all paid tribute to Grammy-award and multiple Gold Record winning composer and percussionist Ralph MacDonald. Grace MacDonald attended Pan on De Avenue II in her late husband’s honor.
The event was a Woodbrook Community Association (WCA)- and councilor Cleveland Garcia-initiative, and organized in large part by these parties. The first edition of the event was held last year in celebration of the country’s fiftieth anniversary of the twin-island republic’s 1962 independence from former colonial power Britain.
Thirty-four of the best-known steel orchestras and single-pan bands paraded in succession. They included the likes of Woodbrook Playboyz, Couva Joylanders, reigning Panorama champions Phase II Pan Groove (with leader Len “Boogsie” Sharpe on four pans to the delight of fans), Desperadoes, Simple Song, Trinidad All Stars (who sent the crowds wild with their classic “Woman On The Bass”), Brimblers, Humming Bird Pan Groove, Silver Stars, Exodus, Harvard Harps, Skiffle, Arima Golden Symphony, and many, many more. Additional steel orchestras such as The Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble (TTCSE) - were stationed at strategic points along the parade path, entertaining music lovers who preferred not to ‘walk the route.’
At the start of the event there was somewhat of a lull between the bands as they stopped and played a couple songs each, and/or a medley. However as time marched on past midnight, the bands began moving more quickly, getting to the point of where those later along in the line-up were dropping selections from their planned repertoires, and shortening their set when they paused. But as TV 4’s co-host Jemma Jordan aptly noted, “there was no drop in the ‘quality’ of the performances.”
The crowds of supporters reveled in the street, surging forward when their favorite bands were in the spotlight, with racks perched atop flatbeds drawn by trucks and tractors. In a few cases separate pan racks alongside were propelled forward by ‘people power.’ The racks pulled along mechanically rocked and bobbed as the players pounded out their rhythms and danced all the while. Many of the steelpan musicians in the majority of the bands opted for white T-Shirts printed with the words ‘Pan On “De” Avenue 2,’ while a few stayed with signatory band attire.
While the entire event was enjoyable and listenable, a few
bands stood out sonically via what came across on the internet
feed, and were just superior in terms of audio. Overall band
size, set up, and to some extent maybe where some movable mics
were positioned - all impacted the output, but Couva Joylanders
and Desperadoes simply fared so much better in respect to what
the audiences taking in the show online experienced. The audio
of others was somewhat overpowered by drummers and overall
engine rooms, especially the iron. A few like Silver Stars,
Skiffle and Super Novas—which was the final steel orchestra in
the parade—were among the other bands which were not glaringly
affected, and their musicality could be somewhat appreciated –
in terms of what the online audience got to experience.
The energy level was highly visible in many bands, with Silver
Stars’s portrayal being quite visual; the truck bearing
musicians sported adornments which appeared to be from their
2013 panorama performance. Moko jumbies high on stilts and clad
in bright green T-Shirts accompanied the group, executing short
dance skits. Area staple St. James Tripolians was led by Keith
Simpson, sporting his traditional predominantly blue ‘sailor mas’
costume as he accompanied the band.
The vast repertoire of music - classic and current - heard
over a span of several hours, was all pan lovers could wish for.
From Woman On The Bass (All Stars), to Coffee Street
(Skiffle), to Rebecca and Ah Goin’ Party Tonight
(Desperadoes) - these all had people dancing and singing along.
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, The Fog, More Love, Dingolay, She
Used To Be My Girl, Nah
Getaway - the music list with scores of favorites just went
on and on as the steel orchestra musicians played their hearts
out, well past 2:00 a.m.
While the steel orchestras generally ruled the musical roosts,
there were still complaints that some “DJs” were in their usual
disruptive mode, and disrespectfully overshadowing the
steelbands while they performed. It would seem that the name and
subsequent meaning and intent of the festive celebrations “Pan
on De Avenue” were lost on these DJs. Some of those who had
attended the 2012 parade, and were again present for this year’s
edition said that the ‘DJ issue’ was also a factor then as well.
Sad.
On the positive side, the Woodbrook Community Association
together with councilor Cleveland Garcia and those responsible
for this production, have ‘a hit’ on their hands. Many people abroad are already making
plans not to miss the anticipated 2014 Pan On D Avenue parade
and celebrations. It is expected to be an even bigger and better
event.
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