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Web Posted - Wednesday June 19, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Steelband unity at Renegades

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Despite the fact that they are not sure if they still have a sponsor, Skiffle Steel, of Coffee Street, San Fernando, came to Charlotte Street in Port of Spain and gave northerners a treat with their music on Tuesday evening.

Skiffle Steel’s sponsorship contract with Junior Sammy Group of Companies came to an end in March and since then there has been no indication from the company if they will continue as sponsors of the band or renew the contract.

This did not seem to weigh on the players’ minds when they got to bp Renegades’ first-ever Labour Day Kaiso and Steel concert.

The event also featured calypsonians Crazy and Explainer along with Supanovas Steel Orchestra, Republic Bank Exodus, Skiffle Steel and host Renegades.

Skiffle’s repertoire included “Whole Wide World”, “Georgia” and “I want to Make Love to You”, which had patrons singing and dancing, as well as their 2013 Panorama song “The Dream” and Andy Narell’s “Coffee Street”.
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Web Posted - Wednesday June 19, 2013
When Steel Talks

Pan On Fire for Solo Contest - Tristan Japsi Victorious

USSA holds first solo competition - But Steelpan Folks Curiously Missing...
 

New York, USA - First off, very few have been as critical of USSA (United States Steelband Association) over the years as When Steel Talks (WST); however, if the truth be told, the last couple of events produced by USSA have been great ideas. Moreover, USSA has moved their ideas from thought to action and actually produced some solid events.

The latest USSA event was the Pan On Fire solo competition held at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom in Brooklyn. This was indeed an event that should have been standing room only - but curiously enough the turnout and support of the event was surprisingly disappointing. The contest was designed to showcase the musical talents of the young up-and-coming steelpan musicians—of which Brooklyn is in no shortage of—through a solo competition.
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Web Posted - Monday June 17, 2013
When Steel Talks

The Steel-band in Trinidad: Should it be seen as Art, Culture or…. Business?

• Posted by Glenroy R Joseph on June 17, 2013 at 11:49am
   

WST Forum - “I am always struck by the notion that some insist on seeing the steelband's future purely as business.

“And I'm not talking about the professional panist, or even the small 'side" that does gigs and may even be doing quite well.

“And obviously for a steelband to be successful, its finances should be handled in a proficient and businesslike manner.

“I'm talking about the Steel Orchestra, the large steel band made up mostly of amateurs who actually play for the joy of it, though of course financial compensation for their efforts is highly appreciated.

“Now, pan has potential to generate income, and maybe this potential has not been fully taken advantage of. Some can and will make a profit from pan, and we sincerely hope that as many as possible do so. Every way that the steelband can generate revenue should be explored and exploited.

“But the purpose of business is profit.”
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Web Posted - Monday June 17, 2013
British Pathé

Rare Trinidad Carnival - Colour 1957 - Video

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -

TRINIDAD CARNIVAL - Colour

Web Posted - Saturday June 15, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Gill’s Pan Shop gets Gold ISLQ Award
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Gill’s Pan Shop has been selected by the International Star for Leadership in Quality (ISLQ) Evaluation Committee, as proposed by BIDgroup (Brandname of the companies BID Business Initiative Directions, SA Imagen-Arte, SA Imarpress, y Jban Atlantic SL), to receive the ISLQ Award in the Gold Category in 2013.

Pan pioneer Merlin Gill and his son Mazzini, General Manager of Gills Pan Shop are expected to journey to Paris, France, for the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony that will be held in the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile (Concorde La Fayette) at Palais de Congress de Paris, on Monday July 1, 2013.

This event which will be held within the 17^th International Quality Convention Paris on June 30 and July 1, 2013, is part of the annual programme of BID, Business Initiative Directions Awards, designed to recognise the prestige of the outstanding companies, organisations, and businessmen in the business world.
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Web Posted - Saturday June 15, 2013
Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Steel drum program for teens a hit but needs permanent funding
 

Pennsylvania, USA - Janera Solomon, the theater's executive director, wasn't content to just listen to the students rehearse. She picked up a pair of mallets and joined the students, bobbing along to the beat. As the daughter of renowned steelpan craftsman and musician Phil Solomon, she has had a life immersed in music.

...."I'm a former teaching artist. I taught in a lot of schools, a lot of communities, and I've gotten to see how great it was for kids to learn a new instrument and a new art form," Ms. Solomon said.

She knew that she wanted to create a youth steel band ensemble, a dream that evolved into a six-week after-school program taught by Mathew Docktor.
read more, get video

Web Posted - Thursday June 13, 2013
UKZambians.co.uk

Kenya Airways flies the Melodians Steel Orchestra (UK) to Livingstone in Zambia

England, UK - The internationally acclaimed Melodians Steel Orchestra departed London-Heathrow last night on board a Kenya Airways flight to Zambia to play at the British Embassy in Lusaka for the Queen’s Birthday Party. The orchestra is now in its 26^th year and has travelled to over 30 countries throughout the world to play at major musical events.

After playing at the Queen’s Birthday party on the 14^th June they will fly to Livingstone on the 20^th June to play at the first ever Livingstone Cultural Arts Festival on the Waterfront. They will Fly Kenya Airways new route to Livingstone which commenced service on June 6^th. Kenya Airways now flies three times weekly – Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays – between Livingstone and its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi via Harare International Airport in Zimbabwe.
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Web Posted - Thursday June 13, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Sundar Popo, Earl Rodney: musical maestros
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ..... Another creative genius who is still alive and living in the deep south is a man who is widely regarded as one of the greatest steelband arrangers of all time, Earl Rodney of Point Fortin.

Under his guidance, Solo Harmonites dominated the Panorama scene capturing four championship titles between 1968 and 1972. With his very first Panorama title, Rodney demonstrated his brilliance with a masterful arrangement of “The “Wrecker’’ by Lord Kitchener.

In a recent interview he admitted that his choice of tune was not popular with some members who would have preferred something that reflected the joy of Carnival instead of a calypso about “wrecking old cars”. He held firm and Solo’s “The Wrecker’’ took the town by storm, running away with the top prize.

The following year Rodney chose Sparrow’s “Bongo’’ to defend the title but had to settle for third place although he maintains that “Bongo was my ‘baddest’ arrangement”.
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Web Posted - Thursday June 13, 2013
The Baltimore Sun

Catonsville High music teacher retiring after 40 years

Students praise steel drum band founder’s infectious enthusiasm

Maryland, USA - The steel drum sounds that filled the room at Catonsville High School were so infectious that students playing the instruments couldn't help but dance. Music teacher Jim Wharton, the cavorting leader of the impromptu jam session, was steadily beating a cowbell when he stared out a nearby window and spotted a truck driver looking in while reversing the vehicle.

"Come on," Wharton beckoned, motioning the driver to pull over and join the troupe. Even though his calls went unheeded, the 62-year-old child at heart resumed getting his groove on, savoring the Caribbean flavor he helped introduce to Baltimore County schools more than 20 years ago.

After teaching music in the county for nearly 40 years, Wharton is retiring. His last day teaching is Friday, the end of the academic calendar for Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel counties.
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Web Posted - Wednesday June 12, 2013
When Steel Talks

Kaethe George, longtime companion and business partner of Dr. Ellie Mannette passes

Condolences to family and friends on the passing of Kaethe George
 

Virginia, USA - When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of Kaethe George on her passing. Ms. George was the longtime companion and business partner of steelband icon Dr. Ellie Mannette, and on June 11, 2013 succumbed to cancer after a valiant battle with the disease.
click for more

Web Posted - Tuesday June 11, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

The school where Pan is king

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Just last month, 11-year-old Ishmael Williams of St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School emerged as the most outstanding student in a pan construction and tuning course offered by Pan Development Unlimited (PDU).

Williams was also one of the youngest participants to take part in the course in its almost 40-year history.

But at St Margaret’s Boys’ on St Margaret’s Lane in Belmont, pan victory is nothing new. The school boasts nine Junior Panorama champion titles including an eight-year winning streak between 2006 and 2013. This year, the school’s under-13 orchestra beat 11 other participating schools with its rendition of Vibes by Destra Garcia and they performed at the Florida Memorial University Youth Steelband Festival in Miami for the fourth time.
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Web Posted - Tuesday June 11, 2013
Fauquier Now

Pan Masters will open Bluemont Concerts June 29

Virginia, USA - The Pan Masters, a popular Caribbean steel band, will open the 2013 Bluemont Concert Series in Warrenton on Saturday night, June 29.

The Bluemont series will bring high-quality performers to the Warren Green lawn, at Culpeper and Hotel streets, on eight consecutive Saturdays.

“We are very excited about this year’s wonderful variety of music,” said Lily Dunning, Bluemont’s new Executive Director.
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Web Posted - Monday June 10, 2013
When Steel Talks

Meet William Jones of CASYM:  An American Success Story- UpClose!
 

New York, USA - In an exclusive with the organization's founder William Jones, thirty years after its inception, Mr. Jones shares the history and key to CASYM’s longevity and success in producing outstanding individuals.

In addition, Mr. Jones speaks on opportunities missed, shortsightedness of other leaders and the magic of the steelpan.
click for interview

Web Posted - Monday June 10, 2013
East London Advertiser

Steel drums come to Limehouse for autism charity concert

London, England, UK - The sound of steel drums echoed through the East End on Saturday evening as performers staged a charity concert.

The Ebony Steel Band took to the stage at the Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Butcher Row, Limehouse, for an exclusive performance.
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Web Posted - Sunday June 9, 2013
CultureMap Austin

Austin Community Steelband: Giving kids the power of exotic music
 

Texas, USA - In a city like Austin where so many children are exposed to music at an early age at school, at home or in the community, you expect to see young musicians playing in bands. It's one of the perks of living in the Live Music Capital of the World.

But not every kid enjoys the same musical opportunities; some attend schools and live in areas of Austin that lack funds and resources for music programming. That's where Paula Beard and the Austin Community Steelband come in, a nonprofit steelpan school.

....For the past six years Paula has been working with the Boys and Girls Club, the Austin Independent School District and other organizations to identify children who would be a good fit for the band. Students who make the cut have to put in up to 4 hours a week of practice led by steelpan drummer Cecil Frances.
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Web Posted - Friday June 7, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

South Africa loves pan music
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Africa is fathomless,” said Hugh Masekela last Sunday evening when addressing a farewell reception, held in his honour at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain. The world-acclaimed South African musician, who spent the past month in T&T, was hosted by the Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism and the South Africa High Commission.

....Masekela, who departed the country last Monday, was in the country to do a collaborative CD with Petrotrin Siparia Deltones Steel Orchestra, led by captain Akinola Sennon, and under the musical direction of Carlton “Zanda” Alexander.

....An associate of Phillip from their days of residing in Harlem, USA, Masekela first heard Deltones when the band performed on San Fernando Hill ten years ago. Impressed by what he heard, the Grammy Award winning trumpeter approached Alexander to produce music which encompassed musicians from Cuba, Deltones and Masekela.
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Web Posted - Thursday June 6, 2013
When Steel Talks

Meet Yael Litwin of NYU Steel

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, New York, USA - She is a talented and committed  steelpan musician. She is a proud member of NYU (New York University) Steel Ensemble. Meet, and share the experiences of, Yael Litwin in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks.
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Web Posted - Thursday June 6, 2013
Peoria Journal Star

Metamora band director introduces students to exotic steel drums

Illinois, USA - The official start of summer might be a couple of weeks away, but Metamora band director Wally Parks brought a little taste of warmer climates to about a dozen students Thursday afternoon.

The tropical sounds of Trinidad and Tobago filled the band room at Metamora Township High School as the novice drummers, who ranged from fifth-graders to high school seniors, bounced their drumsticks off the concave steelpans sitting before them.

....Playing the steel drums was a new experience for most of the students, but for Metamora sophomore Luke Sherwood, who also plays trumpet in the school’s band, it was the first time he’d played any percussion instrument.
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Web Posted - Thursday June 6, 2013
The Vincentian

SJCK gets new steel pans

St. Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I. - The student body of the SJCK celebrated the arrival of new pans for the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Pan Starz Orchestra, to the tunes of ‘We Jammin’, ‘Billy Jean’, ‘Differentology’ and more.

The celebration marked the Pan Against Crime Committee’s donation of pans to the school, Monday 3^rd June.

Calma Balcombe, the School’s principal, addressing the gathering at the School, expressed “gratitude to the Committee of the Pan Against Crime organization for considering us to receive new steel pans to complement our steel orchestra – the St Joseph’s Convent Pan Starz.”

....The enthusiasm of the students to receive the new tenor, double tenor, double guitar, triple guitar and high bass pans could be easily felt as the students celebrated with steel pan, song and dance. The Pan Against Crime movement has accumulated over 2500 persons and has seen children excel academically as a result of their involvement.
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Web Posted - Wednesday June 5, 2013
When Steel Talks

Pan, Calypso and Mas!! - Rare Carnival 1969 Photograph
 

Trinidad & Tobago - Trinidad Carnival 1969 - Night and Day...
click to view

Web Posted - Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks

Salah Wilson delivers Master’s degree recital at Canada’s York University

Montreal, Canada - On Sunday June 1, 2013 at York University in Montreal, Canada, renowned Montreal-based panist and arranger Salah Wilson—who is completing his Master’s degree in ethno-musicology at York—delivered to examiners, thesis advisers and attendees gathered, samples of his renditions of famous compositions, some classical and some popular, such as Pachebel, Barry White, Chuck Mangione, and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe. Included was one of Salah’s own compositions, “Blues for Pans.”

....Accompanying Salah on stage were members of his family, all excellent musicians, and more so, his grandson Rashiyd Wilson, an intense player if ever there is one.
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Web Posted - Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks

Moving to WeBeat 2013 - The rhythm of Steel Orchestras, Calypso, Honorees and more

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Thursday June 13^th has been designated “Pan Night” for WeBeat13. The annual WeBeat festival in St. James, north Trinidad, was originally inspired by then-Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TIDCO) while promoting the concept of a Renaissance District in St. James and visualizing in the initiative, opportunities for the tourism thrust TIDCO was working toward. Reflecting the multi-cultural aspects of Trinidad & Tobago was fundamental to the initiative. This year, WeBeat was initially cancelled essentially due to lack of funding then reinstated a couple days after news of the cancellation broke.

The 2013 edition of Pan Night is aptly called “Pan Explosion,” showcasing the steelpan, the country’s national instrument. Four of the country’s popular steel orchestras - Exodus, Starlift, St. James Tripolians and Harmonites will perform selections from their vast repertoires.
read more, get event schedule

Web Posted - Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks

Just Listen!! - Another side of the great Clive Bradley
 

Trinidad & Tobago - Featuring Clive Bradley - The Esquires with Brass - He's a Strong Man - (Tropico) Island Funk
click to listen

Web Posted - Monday June 3, 2013
China Central Television

Chinese President’s wife attends concert in Trinidad - Exodus Steel Orchestra - Video

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - President Xi Jinping’s wife Peng Liyuan attended a concert held in her honor on Saturday, at the National Academy for Performing Arts.

Local performers played traditional Chinese folk songs on Caribbean steel drums. Peng Liyuan had a go at playing the steel drums herself, and spoke with the performers.
watch video

Web Posted - Monday June 3, 2013
Guardian UK

Jeremy Deller’s English Magic at Venice Biennale - soundtrack by London’s Melodians Steel Orchestra

England, UK - English Magic - a new film work by Jeremy Deller - forms a major part of his exhibition for the British Pavilion in 2013. The film brings together many of the ideas behind the works in the Pavilion, featuring visual and thematic elements that reflect Deller's interest in the diverse nature of British society and its broad cultural, socio-political and economic history. The music is performed by the Melodians Steel Orchestra from South London and was recorded in Studio 2 of Abbey Road Studios in London.
watch video

Web Posted - Sunday June 2, 2013
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

China’s First Lady applauds TT panmen, artistes
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - So impressed was First Lady of China, Madame Peng Liyuan yesterday with the performance of Exodus Steel Orchestra at the concert in her honour that she extended an invitation to the panists to visit China.

As the St Augustine-based steel orchestra played two Chinese nation-building songs - “Fields of Hope” and “I Love My Home Town”, China’s First Lady nodded her head, keeping time with the tempo and smiled broadly in appreciation. At the end of the first song, Peng and members of the Chinese entourage applauded heartily with the second song also being well received by the audience at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain. At a photo opportunity at the end of the one-hour show, Peng greeted the Exodus panists and even tried her hand striking a few notes on the national instrument.
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Web Posted - Sunday June 2, 2013
GlobalTimes.cn

Peng Liyuan plays steel drum after watching artistic show in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, plays a steel drum after watching an artistic show by local performers at the national performing arts center in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, June 1, 2013. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan are here on a state visit to the Caribbean country.
more images

Web Posted - Saturday June 1, 2013
Brampton Guardian

Kids can make some noise this summer

Ontario, Canada - The sounds of the Caribbean are returning to Brampton when the Steelpan Music Summer Camp returns on July 2.

Executive Director of the camp, Ed Peters, explained that the camp is organized and run by the Brampton Steel Pan Percussion Band. The program is returning to St. Leonard’s School for the second year in a row.

Youngsters ages six to 16 to try their hand at playing in a steel drum band during the seven-week session. While in enrolled in the camp, young musicians will learn about the history of the steel drum, in addition to learning performance and playing techniques, including proper playing posture, breathing techniques and the ability to play cohesively.
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Web Posted - Saturday June 1, 2013
Hickory Daily Record

Drumming workshops returning to Hickory
 

North Carolina, USA - Rick Cline will host his yearly steel drum and African drumming workshops again this year at the S.A.L.T. Block in the Western Piedmont Symphony rehearsal hall.

The steel drum workshop is June 17-21 from 7 to 9 p.m. each day. Cline aims to expose the class to Caribbean music and history of the steel drums as well as how to play this exotic instrument. The cost for the steel drum camp is $90 and the only requirement is some ability to read music.
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Web Posted - Wednesday May 29, 2013
AP

US Vice President Joe Biden tries out a steelpan


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Vice President Joe Biden, left, accompanied by Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, tries out a steelpan, the traditional percussion instrument of the Caribbean twin-island country, during their meeting at the Diplomatic Center in St. Ann’s, Trinidad.
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Trinidad and Tobago Newsday:
....“I’m asking each of you heads of state to please write a note to President Obama,” he said. “Tell him it’s critical that I come back to Trinidad and Tobago and then I can visit each of your islands for us to stay at least a couple weeks.”

....Minutes after he ended his speech and bid the Prime Minister farewell, Biden stopped the vehicle that was taking him to the Piarco International Airport in order to give one final message to the Persad-Bissessar.

“Don’t forget that steel-drum is mine!” he said. “You tell President Obama that!” As with his arrival on Monday night, Biden had been greeted hours earlier by pan music as he walked the red-carpet to enter the double doors of the Diplomatic Centre at 11:14 a.m.
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Upcoming

Global  - Upcoming Steelpan music events from all over the world
click to calendar

Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Complete RESULTS for the Trinidad & Tobago 2013 Panorama

Global - Full results for the Trinidad and Tobago 2013 Panorama are in. Steel Orchestras competed in the medium and large categories at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad last evening.  Both 2012 defending champions were dethroned.
click for full results

Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view