2010

Web Posted - Sunday February 28, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Review

Exodus Debacle
Victimisation, or an Over Abundance of Pettiness?

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Exodus—as an organisation and a steelband is reputed to be one of the best in Trinidad and Tobago. In my interview with Pelham Goddard for the T&T Review a little less than three years ago, he spoke about the fact that more people than the section leaders in his steelband read music. My experience would suggest that not many bands have that profile among its members. As is culturally permissible, I am going to concur with the assessment of Exodus’ profile and run the risk of alienating some steelbands who also would take pride in the fact that they are as well organised as Exodus. Nonetheless, it is a risk worth taking.

....This year, the band’s ego would have been severely bruised when, for the first time in 20 years, it failed to make the cut for the finals of the Super Bowl of steelband competitions. It’s only natural for a certain level of disappointment to set in when something like this happens.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 27, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner

Hope made of steel - 60 MoBay youths to benefit from new music band

Jamaica, W.I. - The lives of some 60 unemployed youths in the communities of Cornwall Court and Green Pond in St. James are expected to be transformed with the formation of a steel band. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism as part of the Spruce Up Jamaica programme.

Dubbed the Pon De Corner project, the aim is to use the stimulus of music to steer at-risk youths into creative and economically viable activities.

In outlining plans for the project, coordinator of the Spruce Up Jamaica programme, Marline Stephenson-Dalley, explained, “The project is aimed at opening up several new avenues for those involved, as we at Spruce Up Jamaica are determined to take as many youths as possible off the (street) corners and provide them with something tangible to do.”

Stephenson-Dalley said steel drums would be acquired from Trinidad and Tobago, while a separate drum set and bass guitar would be sourced locally. All the equipment is expected to be procured at a cost of $1.3 million through the Tourism Enhancement Fund.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 27, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Pan meets Jazz at history making concert

Illinois, USA - The Northern Illinois University (NIU) Steelband and The NIU Jazz Ensemble will present a joint concert at the Duke Ellington Ballroom, at the university’s Holmes Student Center, on March 20, at 8 pm. This concert will be especially significant as it will mark one of the very first attempts at a steelband and jazz ensemble playing arrangements and original compositions which were specifically written for this combination. The compositions and arrangements were done by NIU alum, Sune Borregaard, and will include Miles Davis’ Nardis, Gillespie/ Pozo/Fuller standard, Manteca, as well as Borregaard’s own The Blue Pan and April. Directed by Professor Ronald Carter (director, NIU Jazz Studies), the NIU Jazz Ensemble includes students from around the world, and has long been considered one of the best college jazz bands in the world.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
by When Steel Talks

The Lost Art of Traditional Pan-Around-the-Neck-Bands

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The entire 2010 Panorama season was kicked off in the south on Coffee Street in San Fernando on January 15th with a preliminary competition for single pan bands. Only one band, Jah Roots, walked onto the judging venue with their traditional pans around their necks. It was refreshing to see that the art of carrying one’s pan is not completely lost, and that the crowd appreciated their efforts to preserve the tradition. There is something to be said about carrying the weight of the pan, moving, and playing at the same time. Although they played in a stationary position, Jah Roots was a pleasant reminder of the tradition of pan on the move. Jah Roots is a band that strives to participate in every traditional pan competition and they have vowed not to change their performance practices, regardless of how everyone is changing around them.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Pan community slams Pan Trinbago’s 2010 Steelband DVD of Trinidad & Tobago Panorama

Global - ....Bad lighting, bad editing, bad audio and a host of other production issues. Maybe it is time that Pan Trinbago step back and review the products that are released in its name. In a forum thread that was supposed to be focused on the availability of the 2010 DVD produced by Advance Dynamics for Pan Trinbago - steelpan music aficionados, specialists and collectors slammed the low grade production, and callous attitude and portrayal depicted by the DVDs, of Trinidad and Tobago’s national panorama competition.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Steelpan Pioneer and Historian Oscar Pile

Global -  It’s been two years to the day since the passing of Steelpan Pioneer and Historian Oscar Pile. He was also the leader of the famed Casablanca Steel Orchestra.
click for flashback

Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

All Stars celebrates 75 years of music

Trinidad, W.I. - Traditions of Carnival filled the Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, panyard of six-time National Panorama champion Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars when its sponsor hosted its annual pan lime in the lead-up to Carnival 2010. Characters such as the dame lorraine, fancy sailor, jab jab, midnight robber and fancy Indian had the attention of guests at the cultural evening put on by the local conglomerate. There was an extempo feature, too.

However, the event would not have been complete without a scintillating performance by the world-famous Trinidad All Stars.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
Ohio Northern University

Jazz Band and Steel Drum Band to Tour South

Ohio, USA -  The Ohio Northern University Jazz Band and Steel Drum Band will tour and conduct master classes during ONU's spring break (March 1-6) with stops in Kentucky, Alabama and Louisiana.

The ONU bands will make stops at Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ky., and Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. In addition to the high school performances, the students will also offer training and teaching at the respective stops.

In New Orleans, the bands will perform at Holy Cross School for Boys, located in the ninth ward. This is the school where Dr. Sarah Waters, director and founder of the ONU Steel Drum Band, taught prior to Hurricane Katrina. Waters relocated to Ohio after the hurricane's devastating aftermath.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
Tobago News

‘Palancing in the National Panorama Finals’

Tobago, W.I. - Tobago pan men and Tobagonians created history in the Panorama finals of 2010. A number of the "first time things" happened this Carnival. It was the first time that five bands from Tobago qualified for national finals in the medium band category, Steel Xplosion, Katzenjammers, NLCB Buccooners, Carib Dixeland and Westside Symphony.

Additionally, RBTT Redemption Sound Setters qualified in the large band category. It was the first time the THA allocated over $2M to pan in any carnival season, also, for the first time the THA Panorama Finals were held in the middle of Scarborough and furthermore the Honourable Orville London became the first sitting Chief Secretary to witness the victory a Tobago steel band at the national finals. Mr. London's leadership of the THA is all embracing and is demonstrated in his visual participation in festivities at carnival time.
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Web Posted - Friday February 26, 2010
Breaking News

Uptown Carnival results revealed

Trinidad, W.I. - The Uptown Carnival Committee has released its results for 2010 for mas and steelband in various categories. Brian MacFarlane’s “Resurrection – The Mas” emerged winner among the large conventional bands with 360 points. Legacy’s “Masala” was a close second with 359 points, followed by Trini “Revellers” in third with “Festivals of the World.” It’s the third title for MacFarlane this year, following his wins at the Queen’s Park Savannah and Downtown Port of Spain.

....In the Parade of Steelbands, top honours went to Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars for its presentation entitled “Fleets of Spain.” Starlift placed second with “Summit of the Nations,” followed by BP Renegades in third with “South of the Border.” In the J’Ouvert Bomb Competition, All Stars again emerged winners, followed by BP Renegades, WITCO Desperadoes, Harlem Syncopators and Blue Diamonds.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

New class for pan at Music Festival

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - This year’s Music Festival has a new class for steelpan, the national instrument.

In this the 29th edition of the festival, the Music Literacy Trust has made available a trophy for steelband composition. It will fall in the Open Class Category, (G) Musicianship Classes M12.

The composition should be written for at least a minimum of four of the conventional pans (tenor, double tenor, double second, double guitar, triple guitar, four cello/four pan, quadraphonic, tenor bass and six or nine bass), and must include a written score and a live performance of that music, with a time limit of not less than three minutes and not more than five minutes. The scores must be submitted in a timely manner for the consideration of the adjudicators.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Mas, pan feature at Hong Kong celebrations

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -Ebony Steelband and portrayals from the London-based Mahogany mas band featured in the 15th annual Chinese New Year celebrations—The Year of the Tiger— held in Hong Kong between December 12-17. Ebony Steelband played David Rudder’s Calypso Music, while Mahogany’s presentation of the Winter was a big hit on a damp Sunday night parade at Hong Kong’s Cultural Centre. The band was popular among the large crowd which saw the characters portraying several aspects of the winter season in the United Kingdom as part of the overall programme that featured the four seasons, namely winter, spring, summer and autumn.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

The Despers Paradox

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Despers panyard experience was magic. Look to the right and you felt protected by Our Lady of Fatima atop the Laventille shrine. Look to the left and you could see the Central Bank towers under the twinkling stars. Then there was the nippy breeze. All of this while you listened for a flawless rendition of that year’s Panorama selection.

Whatever the reason to remove the band from the hill, it has communicated to me in a big negative way. If it was because followers felt unsafe going up the hill, then I apologise to every Despers die hard!

As a society we have allowed the few bandit boys to deny us the people of Laventille (past and present) a few evenings of pride and pleasure. It means that the parents of “Laventillians” are now afraid of their own children. There was a time when Despers was protected by men with names like “Scar Face, Gungadin, Ben Up, Lil Axe, Fish Eye etc”. No one would have dared to run through a practice with their “pow pows”.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Liam Teague mesmerises at Schubert and Steel

Ohio, USA - When we first saw the Akron Symphony’s programme for Schubert and Steel, we thought that the third Brandenburg Concerto, the Schubert ninth symphony and a concerto for steelpan and orchestra might make for unlikely bedfellows. Perhaps some subscribers thought so too, as the crowd in EJ Thomas Hall seemed a bit sparse last Saturday night. If so, they opted out of a really interesting evening, which definitely provided something for everyone. Though the stage was full of musicians warming up 20 minutes before curtain time, there were none to be seen as the clock struck eight and executive director Phil Walz presented a certificate of appreciation to Madeline Bozzelli, president of the Akron Symphony Guild, who sponsored this event.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

NGC gives funding to steelbands

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - In 2010, the National Gas Company gave financial assistance to unsponsored, traditional (single pan) bands, and small and medium-sized, conventional steel bands. The company also assisted seven organisations involved in hosting Carnival 2010 celebrations in such communities as Rio Claro, Tunapuna, Downtown Port-of-Spain, Couva, La Brea, Carapichaima and the Carrera Annual Calypso Monarch Competition. In a statement, NGC said 38 unsponsored single pan bands received backing this year, of which 19 qualified for the semi-finals, and 11 made it to the finals. “These traditional pan sides have continued to perform at a high standard, despite the lack of much-needed funding,” NGC said.

Among those receiving sponsorship, La Horquetta Pan Groove placed first in the finals for the fifth consecutive year, while United Sounds Steel Orchestra placed third. The company provided an additional incentive to the semi-final and final qualifiers.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 25, 2010
Matlock Mercury

A new rhythm in Peak school

Derbyshire, U.K. - Reggae rhythms came to a Peak District Primary School as pupils took part in a steel band workshop.

Litton CofE Primary School hosted its annual arts week and kicked off the event with some Caribbean-style music.

Youngsters had a chance to play steel drums as part of the workshop led by Birmingham group Boil Up Tropical.

....Headteacher Bridget Hanley said: "The children really enjoyed it as they all got a chance to play and do something they hadn't done before."
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 24, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Happy Birthday, Dr. Jit Samaroo

Global - Happy Birthday to the legendary steelband music arranger Dr. Jit Samaroo of Renegades Steel Orchestra fame. The nine-time panorama champion arranger is responsible for some of the most memorable steelband panorama music pieces of all time. Today February 24, we salute this musical giant among giants. Although quiet and reserved, Jit is the only arranger to have achieved the hat-trick with the same organization. Jit ushered in a style and approach that would become synonymous with the the sound of Renegades.

Web Posted - Wednesday February 24, 2010
THOnline.com

Prescott drum group at national conference

Iowa, USA - Prescott Elementary School's Pandemonium, a steel drum ensemble for middle school students, will perform and demonstrate during the 2010 Expeditionary Learning Schools National Conference on Friday at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Prescott officials also will present a two-hour master class at the conference about how the school uses an arts-based curriculum built on expeditionary learning principles.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Rudolph Charles - Twenty Five Years Later, Steelband Leader Still Exceptional

Global - In a little more than one month - March 29^th, to be exact - it will be twenty-five years since the death of one of the most influential figures in the history of the steelpan movement. Rudolph Valentino Charles was one of the finest leaders, innovators and visionaries ever produced by the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. His ideas, concepts and products still reverberate in steelpan music communities globally today, both in terms of his inventions and the people he influences and motivates. Moreover, his thought process and vision went way past the steelpan art form.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
PR Web

Bickley Rivera Introduces the Island-born Steelpan to the Smooth Jazz World with her Debut Album “Chillin’ After Five”

Florida, USA -  Tampa-based steelpan (steeldrum) instrumentalist-singer-songwriter releases "Chillin' After Five" featuring international recording artists Praful, Ed Calle and Magrus Borges in her soothing and pacifying nujazz music collection. The album, ‘Chillin’ After Five’, consists of eleven original songs and one cover song showcasing the mellow vibes of the steelpan, and her velvet vocals. Rivera also performs all keyboard tracks. The underlying tone is a smooth jazz flavor, but the music is also layered throughout with elements of electronic, dance, chillout, reggae and downtempo.

....Bickley, a multi-genre songwriter, chose to compose these selections with the love of the beautiful steelpan sound in mind. "I was inspired to write these smooth jazz and chillout songs because I knew that the steelpan had more to say than just caribbean island notes", says Bickley. "I felt the instrument's acceptance as a solo instrument had begun, and was time for fans to experience its full beauty.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
SVG Today

Pan against crime

St. Vincent & the Grenadines - Pan against Crime, the pro-active initiative to reduce violence and crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines held a concert in Georgetown on Saturday 20th February to celebrate their 2nd anniversary and to collect donations for the people of Haiti who were recently hit by a devastating earthquake.

The Programme was done in collaboration with the Social Investment Fund SIF, which used the occasion to donate a set of pans to the Georgetown Steel Orchestra in the hope that it will help to bring the communities together to fight against crime and poverty in the area.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
The Indianapolis Star

Westfield High School Steel Pan Class Showcase

Indiana, USA- Players concentrate as they play the steel pans in the Westfield High School Steel Pan Class Showcase in the high school auditorium Tuesday February 16. The 28 students took up the steel pans, more commonly known as steel drums, when the class was offered for the first time in November. The ensemble featured steel pans in four voices, lead, double seconds, guitars and bass, and an engine room comprised of congas, drums and hand percussion instruments to lend rhythmic support. The steel pans, imported from Trinidad, are mostly associated with calypso and island music. In addition to the steel pan class, a world drumming class has been added to the music curriculum at the school.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Additional Steelband Competition Results for Carnival 2010

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Steelpan lovers now have the results of several single pan-band and conventional steel orchestra jousts, including that of the Pan Trinbago Bomb 2010 Competition held at Victoria Square, Park Street, Port-of-Spain, on J’Ouvert morning.  The outcome of the Bomb and Night steelpan events in San Fernando, south Trinidad has also been revealed.
click for results

Web Posted - Tuesday February 23, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Engineering students learn to tune steelpans

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  The Faculty of Engineering at UWI is proud to announce the first workshop on steelpan tuning for students registered in Science and Engineering. The first workshop was held on February 4. The workshop is a substantial part of the course, ENGR3000 The Technology of the Steelpan, which has been offered to students of the University since 2000. Workshops are held every Thursday afternoon from 4 pm to 7 pm. In previous offerings of the course, the workshop component was conducted by tuner Jimi Phillip, who now tutors in the Pan in Schools programme. Students were simply required to observe and record the process.
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Web Posted - Monday February 22, 2010
BBC.co.uk

Reading Steel Band evicted from Abbey Gate

Berkshire, England - A steel band orchestra which has been based in Reading for 12 years has nowhere to rehearse after losing their practice rooms at Reading's Abbey Gate.

Reading Abbey was founded by Henry I in 1121 and the gateway is one of only two of its non-ruined buildings remaining.

For the past five years it has been the headquarters of the Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO).

However, the gateway was closed on February 15, due to concerns over the building structures.

Now the orchestra, which has performed at Womad and Reading Carnival has no premises in which to practise.
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Web Posted - Monday February 22, 2010
by When Steel Talks

An Interview with Musician, Performer and Steelband Arranger Duvone Stewart
A WST Exclusive with the panist and arranger

Global - Diligence, professionalism and consistency could be said to be just a few of the watchwords and hallmarks which guide the life of Tobago-born 33-year old steelpan musician, arranger and performing artist Duvone Stewart.

....In this exclusive 2010 interview, When Steel Talks (WST) delves into the steelpan world of Duvone Stewart which, at a tender age, began with a discovery and love for the national instrument of his country. This passion was nurtured by his parents, who were both steelpan musicians.
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Web Posted - Monday February 22, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Goodwill pannists win fans at the Savannah

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - It was a treat for all those present at the Junior Panorama Finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah on February 7 as the Goodwill Industries Steel Orchestra gave a guest performance and showed the audience what they could do with a few steel pans and a lot of determination.

All 21 players are individuals with varying levels of disabilities including Downs Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, hearing and visual impairment, diabetes, Specific Learning and Mental Disorders. They hail from institutions such as the Princess Elizabeth Centre, Lady Hochoy Home, Immortelle Children’s Centre, Servol Life Centre, as well as from the wider community.

Their tune of choice was “Ethel”, sung and composed by Austin Lyons (Superblue) and arranged by Clyde George and they fearlessly played for an appreciative crowd after only five weeks of diligent practise with tutors Vivian Williams and Clyde George.
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Web Posted - Monday February 22, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

‘Palance kings’ ready
to face the music

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....Speaking to the T&T Guardian minutes after they closed Saturday’s after Carnival Champz of Steel—Plus, with an exhilarating performance, JW and Blaze said they would deal with any and all grudges if and when they surfaced during their reign.

....Three years after Pan Trinbago scrapped the Champs In Concert programme and replaced it with Creme de la Creme which did not aim to feature winners of Carnival exclusively, the newly-installed executive moved to restore the championship elements to the after Carnival showcase.  Rebranded as Champz of Steel—Plus, and produced by Ian Wiltshire, the presentation which secured the best of Carnival 2010 commanded a large audience. Panorama champions in all categories sizzled.

The line-up included St Margaret’s Boys (Under-13); St Augustine Secondary (Under-21); La Horquetta Pan Groove (single pan) and Arima Golden Symphony (small conventional). The medium and large conventional victors were Steel Xplosion and PCS Silver Stars.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 21, 2010
Chambersburg Public Opinion

Chambersburg Area Senior High School grad travels world to tune steel drums

Pennsylvania, USA - Billy Sheeder has a rare gift.

He's one of only a handful of people in the United States who tunes steel drums professionally, and he recently accomplished something that no other American has done.

Sheeder, a 1988 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, was the first American to tune steel pans for bands at Panorama Steel Band Competition in Trinidad, the world's premier steel band festival.

....Sheeder went to Trinidad with no guarantee of work. 
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Web Posted - Sunday February 21, 2010
Delaware Online

Delaware schools: Feeling the steel-drum beat

Delaware, USA - Dean Mike McDermott of P.S. du Pont Middle School in Wilmington listened as students on the school's auditorium stage banged out "Frosty the Snowman" on steel drums, producing the familiar pinging sound associated with calypso music -- and much warmer climes than a snowman brings to mind.

"I love it," he said of the sound. "Reggae is one of my favorite styles of music. It makes me feel like I'm on vacation. It's very relaxing."

McDermott also liked that the students were involved in a school activity, taking pride in a learned accomplishment and gaining an interest in music in general through the unusual instrument.

School music teacher Kara Newham made that possible when she started the music appreciation class for seventh- and eighth-graders this year, using steel drums as a catalyst to bang her music message across.
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Web Posted - Friday February 19, 2010
Tobago News

Xplosion sets record

Tobago, W.I. - Steel Xplosion, playing an explosive and "wicked" "Radica", created history by winning the Championship title in the Medium Band category at the Queen's Park Savannah on Carnival Saturday night. It is the first time that a Tobago steelband has won a National Panorama competition.

The medium band from Carnbee Main Road, Tobago, impressed the judges with their rendition of Kenneth Salick's 'Radica.' The band won $600,000.

Arranged by Carlton "Zanda" Alexander, the orchestra scored 280 points while last year's winners CLICO Sforzata placed tenth with New York-based Andre White's arrangement of "Wild and Free."
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Web Posted - Friday February 19, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Pan Trinbago brings on ‘Champz of Steel Plus’

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Upcoming on Saturday 20 February 2010 is Pan Trinbago’s ‘Champz of Steel Plus’ which replaces Champs In Concert - the steelpan body’s post-Carnival show. Taking place at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Steelband Panorama champions in all categories including Silver Stars and Steel Xplosion, as well as soca and calypso monarchs, the Carnival Bands of the Year, Carnival Kings and Queens and more, are scheduled to grace the stage and delight patrons before the night is over.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 18, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Steelpan Body gave/sold broadcast rights to CNMG
Panorama exclusive broadcast rights only worth TT$125,000 and TnT Carnival overall TT$500,000?

Global - Amongst the self-congratulatory accolades, a somewhat remarkable bit of information was revealed as When Steel Talks (WST) took in the press conference as Trinidad and Tobago ministers gave their post-carnival summary. Not being in a position to pose any key questions, WST sat and listened. And listened. You know the old adage, talk less, listen more, learn a lot. Mind you, WST was only listening in to see if there would be any follow-up or mention, of the internet/Pay-Per-View debacle over last weekend.  There was none.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 18, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Silver Stars Steel Orchestra set to open for Beyoncé

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - According to  to Executive VP of Mobile Services TSTT (Tele-communication Services of Trinidad & Tobago), 2010 Trinidad and Tobago National Panorama Champions Silver Stars Steel Orchestra will open for performing music artist Beyoncé this evening at her performance in Trinidad. Silver Stars will perform the Trinidad and Tobago national anthem and their winning panorama composition.

Another unidentified medium steel orchestra will also be on-site.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 17, 2010
Marshall Democrat-News

‘Fun in the sun’ to warm Marshall Philharmonic patrons at concert Sunday

Missouri, USA - On Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2:30 p.m. in the Harold L. Lickey Auditorium of Bueker Middle School, the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra will present the third concert of its 47th season featuring MUSteel, a Caribbean-style percussion ensemble from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

....MPO conductor Kevin Lines heard Mizzou's steel drum band under the direction of Julia Gaines a year ago at state music conference. It was then that the collaborative effort began to bring the group to Marshall for a joint concert with the community orchestra.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 16, 2010
Kaieteur News

GPF wins Mash Steel Band Competition

Guyana, SA - The Guyana Police Force (GPF) band in an awesome performance thrilled the crowd and gave them something to jump and shout about. In the end, the band walked away with the winning prize in the small band category in the Republic Bank-sponsored Mashramani Pan-O-Rama steelband competition.

For its effort the band won $450,000 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Avenue Homestretch Avenue, D’Urban Park Georgetown Sunday last.

Coming second in the small band category was Parkside Steel Orchestra followed by Roots and Culture.

The competition was staged in four categories: - Soloist, Pan Duet, School Band and Small Band.
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Web Posted - Monday February 15, 2010
by When Steel Talks

An “Oops” Moment in Steelband Panorama 2010
The case of the disappearing steelband panorama internet broadcast
Who Is Responsible??!!

Global - A funny thing happened on the way to this year’s steelband music Panorama internet broadcast. It got lost, and found, and lost again, and then resurfaced - for some. Talk about “mass media confusion.” And yes, ‘confusion’ would be the operative word to describe the online broadcast fiasco of the 2010 steelband music Panorama event by the Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG). The end results were massive migraines, many disheartened customers and frustration for many partakers and curious people from all over the world, interested in the carnival season internet stream of which the Panorama finals event was part. Moreover an opportunity to expand and cultivate a global base was squandered and even permanently impaired. In this “must” forum, the stakeholders were never able to establish or exact professionalism at the highest order.
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Web Posted - Monday February 15, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Star-Struck
Edwin Pouchet’s ‘Battle Zone’ thrills Savannah crowd

Trinidad and Tobago - With an intensely scintillating performance the Silver Stars Steel Orchestra successfully defended its National Panorama Championship sticking Phase II Pan Groove in second place for the second year running.

Silver Stars scored a total of 291 points at the final, which took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain from 6.45 p.m. on Saturday and ended with the results being presented at 3.45 a.m. yesterday.

Phase II was 7 points behind with a score of 284 points for its rendition of ‘Pan Army.’

Phase II supporters did not take the results well and some of them reacted angrily towards the jubilant Silver Stars members. People wearing the Phase II outfits and jerseys hurled obscenities towards the Silver Stars pannists, many of them youths and young adults.
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Web Posted - Monday February 15, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Pouchet ‘overjoyed’

Trinidad and Tobago - Arranger Edwin Pouchet was lost for words to describe his feelings even several hours after he took PCS Silver Stars to their second successive Panorama victory on Sunday morning.

Silver Stars beat the field with a superb rendition of Pouchet’s ’Battle Zone’.

He managed to get out, ’Overjoyed, pleased, happy for the players who worked very hard, happy for the management team.

’Hard work pays off, not coming first in the semi-finals worked for us. I did different things, slight adjustments to the introduction, middle and end.’

Asked why he did not go with his other composition ’Lightning Strikes Twice’ Pouchet said, ’That’s a boastful statement, and I am not that kind of person. Although I composed the song, Alvin (Daniell) wrote the lyrics. Now that it has happened I am truly at a loss for words. It was a challenge.’
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Web Posted - Monday February 15, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Silver Stars retain Panorama title

Trinidad and Tobago - PCS Silver Stars Steel Orchestra won in the conventional large band category, during Saturday night’s combined National Panorama finals at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, thus retaining their title and proving that lightning does, indeed, strike twice. Playing a scintillating rendition of “Battle Zone,” composed and arranged by Edwin Pouchet, the defending “champs” from Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain, scored 291 points. Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove placed second with 284 points, playing “Pan Army,” composed and arranged by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, while Neal and Massy Trinidad All Star Steel captured the third spot with 282 points. The band performed “Large Is Large,” composed and arranged by Leon ‘Smooth” Edwards. Music action among contestants in the medium conventional category saw Tobago’s Steel Xplosion dethrone Clico Sforzata of Curepe. Steel Xplosion’s fine rendition of “Radhica,” arranged by Carlton Alexander, earned the band the premium spot with 280 points—22 points ahead of Sforzata.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 14, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Silver Stars and Steel Xplosion Triumph for Steelband Panorama 2010

Trinidad and Tobago - Trinidad and Tobago’s National Panorama competition climaxed for yet another year, with Silver Stars and Steel Xplosion Steel Orchestras taking top honors in their categories on Carnival Saturday night in Port-of-Spain at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Along with bragging rights, both bands walked away with the approximate equivalent of USD $159,489 and USD $96,463, respectively.

In just under eight hours, twenty steel orchestras took the stage - ten each in medium and large categories - and delivered scintillating sounds on steel before thousands of fervent pan music lovers gathered.  It would be nearing 3:00 a.m. local time before the final notes were played.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 13, 2010
Kaieteur News

Republic Bank’s National steel pan competition set for tomorrow at NCC

Guyana, SA - The Ministry of Culture is encouraging all to come out and enjoy some sweet steel pan music a the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, tomorrow, as the Republic Bank-sponsored National Mashramani Steel pan competition is staged for an over all purse of $2.3M in cash prizes.

Andrew Tyndall, the event convenor, said that the show is part of the national programme but persons looking for a uniquely entertaining evening flavoured with sweet quality pan should ensure that they get to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall early as the nation’s pan players take on each other competitively.

On that occasion ten bands are expected to compete in five categories that feature school bands and small bands. There are three minor categories such as junior and senior Soloists and duets.

The bands include the Guyana Police Force, Parkside, and Pan Groove Steel orchestras. In addition, there will be heated competition from the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, The Bishops High and Dolphin Secondary school bands as well as the roots and culture steel band, Outreach Ministries and Lady Fatima steel bands.
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Web Posted - Saturday February 13, 2010
by When Steel Talks

La Horquetta Pan Groove and Arima Golden Symphony Steelband Panorama Champs Again

Trinidad and Tobago - Both La Horquetta Pan Groove and Arima Golden Symphony retained their respective pan titles in the Friday February 12 bmobile National Panorama Single Pans and Small Conventional Bands Finals held at the Lord Kitchener Stands, South Quay, Port-of-Spain.

For La Horquetta Pan Groove, it was their fifth consecutive win. Hailing from Arima, the Single Pan band scored 275 points and with it the first prize of TT $200,000 (USD $32,154.34) for their performance of Duvone Stewart’s arrangement of “Fire Coming Down.”
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Web Posted - Saturday February 13, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Pannist, 10, set to make history

Trinidad, W.I. - At age ten, Akeem Joseph is the youngest member of BP Renegades Steel Orchestra. He is set to make history tonight as the youngest pannist selected to play in the National Panorama finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Akeem’s father, Glen Clarke, who is also a pannist, declared: “Akeem can easily be called a pan prodigy.”

Akeem is also a member of the BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, which recently placed second in the Junior Panorama finals. He plays the tenor pan and is a Standard Three student of Belmont Government Primary School He said he likes the tenor because it allows him to play more notes, and to “show off” his skills.

“I like playing the tenor; it’s the best. I enjoy going to the pan yard. When I reach home after school, I do my homework and in the evening I go to the panyard to practise. Sometimes I don’t go home and go straight to the panyard instead. Playing the pan makes me feel good. When I grow up I want to be a pan arranger,” Akeem said.
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Web Posted - Friday February 12, 2010
Asheville Citizen-Times

What's a ‘Fourchestra'? Jonathan Scales fuses jazz, steel pan

Ashville, North Carolina - Where does banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck meet rapper Jay-Z? At the top of Jonathan Scales’ list of musical influences. The Asheville-based musician, heading up the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, will be bringing the quartet's innovative steel pan sound to Mo-Daddy’s on Friday.

Scales fell unexpectedly in love with the steel pan, an instrument born in Trinidad and Tobago, while pursuing a degree in musical composition at Appalachian State University. Originally a saxophonist trained in classical composition, Scales found himself more involved with his extracurricular steel pan activities than the instrument he was studying in college. “It just felt more natural to me than my sax,” he said. “My saxophone teacher wasn’t very happy with me, but he’s proud of me now.”
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Web Posted - Friday February 12, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. -  Hundreds of Tobagonians are heading to the "Big Yard" in Port of Spain tomorrow (Saturday) night to support the island's six bands and close to 500 panmen in the bmobile National Panorama Large and Medium Band finals at the Queen's Park Savannah.

RBTT Redemption Sound Setters will play in second position in the large band category with "Pan on Fire" arranged by Winston Gordon.
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Web Posted - Friday February 12, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. -  The decision to host the 2010 THA Panorama at the Garden Side Street Car Park received harsh criticism from Minority Leader Ashworth Jack at his bi-monthly media briefing on Tuesday.

He highlighted the inconvenience caused by motorists traversing the Scarborough area on Tuesday and the difficulty in finding appropriate parking. "I think we all want the panorama to come off but we are saying that there needs to be a bit of control," he reiterated.
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Web Posted - Friday February 12, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

$50m Govt funding so far for Carnival

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, W.I. - Government has forked out over $50 million for Carnival 2010 so far, according to figures released by Culture Minister Marlene McDonald yesterday.

....She said Government also invested in a total of 48 unsponsored steelbands, comprising 64 single pan and 84 conventional bands to the tune of $2.2 million. She said small bands from as far as Biche and Tamana have received assistance and single pan bands from Laventille to La Horquetta are now engaging community youth in a meaningful way.

McDonald said for the overall growth of the steelpan movement in 2010, Government also invested, through Pan Trinbago, $24 million in steelbands, and by extension thousands of steel pannists. She said an additional $1.5 million is also being provided as a result of the increase in the number of finalists in the small, medium and large categories from eight to ten in the National Panorama Final. Also, she said, with the support of the Tobago House of Assembly, an additional $2.2 million is being allocated to facilitate the preparation of the five medium and one large steelband from Tobago in the finals of Panorama 2010.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 11, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Special Honorees at 2010 Steelband Panorama Finals

Trinidad and Tobago - Special homage will be paid to three (3) persons at the bmobile National Panorama Finals on Saturday.  Ms. Marjorie Wooding, Mr. Kenneth “Slim” Julien and Cecil Walker (posthumously) will be presented with Awards “in recognition of their dedicated and distinguished support and contribution to the steelband movement”.

The presentation and remarks by Keith Diaz, President of Pan Trinbago will open the evening’s programme that will feature Medium & Large Conventional bands in a keenly contested competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, from 6:00 p.m.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 10, 2010
The Wheaton Wire

Music Class Explores Trinidad & Tobago

Massachusetts, USA - The sound of steel drums calls to mind a warm tropical breeze, and during the frigid winter months in Norton, the idea of a steel pan ensemble from Wheaton College seems about as unlikely as a bobsled team from Jamaica. Yet, not only do we have one, the Lymin' Lyons got out of the classroom to experience the rich traditions of the steel drum, calypso and soca in Trinidad and Tobago , they also got academic credit in the process.

Over January break the thirteen students in Music 204: Music and Traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, spent ten days in this Caribbean nation off the coast of Venezuela, learning its history and culture. The students traveled to see various pan yards, centers where steel pan groups perform every night, and saw how the music strengthens communities by bringing generations together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 9, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Reigning Pan Grove tops semi-final

Trinidad and Tobago - Reigning champion La Horquetta Pan Groove topped the semi-final round of the National Panorama Single Pan Band competition at Victoria Square, Port of Spain, on Saturday night.

Performing at position 28 out of 32, the Arima-based steelband wowed both patrons and judges with the Duvone Stewart arrangement of ‘Fire Coming Down’, composed by Austin Lyons.

The band amassed 265 points, beating out NLCB San Juan East Single Symphony and Arima All Stars, which tied for second with 257 points.
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 9, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Small Steel Orchestras and Single-Pan Bands line-up for Panorama 2010 final night appearance

Trinidad and Tobago - Uni Stars will perform at position one, while United Sounds will be the final competitor, performing at position seventeen in the Single-Pan band category, when the bmobile National Panorama Single Pans and Small Bands Finals unfolds at the Lord Kitchener Stands, South Quay, Port-of-Spain, on Friday 12 February beginning 7:00 p.m.

Single Pan defending champions La Horquetta Pan Groove who is seeking their fifth consecutive title will play at position six (6).

Seventeen (17) Single Pan Bands and ten (10) Small Conventional Steel Orchestras are listed to perform their Panorama selections before their respective panels of adjudicators.
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Web Posted - Monday February 8, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Single-Pan Finalists for Steelband Panorama 2010

Trinidad and Tobago - Reigning champions La Horquetta Pan Groove topped the Semi Final round of the National Panorama Single Pan Band competition on February 6 in front of Victoria Square, Port-of-Spain. They and sixteen other single-pan bands move on to the finals, together with ten conventional steel orchestras in the small band category - all competing for the final time on Friday February 12.
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Web Posted - Monday February 8, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

Pan youths shine

Trinidad and Tobago - Defending Primary Schools National Junior Panorama champions, St. Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School of Belmont, once again displayed their pan supremacy and secured not only first place in the finals yesterday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, but also a hat-trick of wins.

The band performed “Magic Drum” sung by Machel Montano, composed by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and arranged by Sheldon Peters. Although the preceding band, “GMPS Little Bunch and Skiffle Bunch Juniors” played the same song, St Margaret’s rendition was superior.
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Web Posted - Monday February 8, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

St. Augustine cops Junior Pan

Trinidad and Tobago - After nine hours of pan music at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain yesterday, this was the sound that resonated throughout the atmosphere, after the St Augustine Secondary Steel Orchestra copped the title in the Under-21 category in the National Junior Panorama final.

St Augustine, who played ‘Pan By Storm’, beat their way to the trophy, $27,000 and bragging rights for the next 365 days. The group, captained by Stefan Pierre, switched places with last year’s winner, bp Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, earning their victory by a 7.5 point margin after amassing 455.5.

One member of the ousted champs bp Renegades cried openly on stage as members of the St. Augustine raced past him chanting, ‘Yuh want some sorrel ah wah ... eh’ while lifting their trophy after the results were announced.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 7, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Can Pan Trinbago Deliver the Goods on Internet Broadcast of Super Bowl of Steelband Music?

Global - True greatness is achieved by those who are able to deliver the goods without compromise on the grand stage, with distinction and excellence.  Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Michael Jackson, Pelé, Usain Bolt, The Williams Sisters, The Oscars, The Grammy telecast, cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers, Clive Bradley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Muhammad Ali, The Apollo mission to the moon - the list goes on and on. Everyone is presented an opportunity for greatness at some point in their existence. The question is: can you step into the moment and deliver?

Such a moment has presented itself to the new administration of Trinidad and Tobago’s governing body for steelpan known as Pan Trinbago. The upcoming finalé for the 2010 steelband music panorama competition in Trinidad and Tobago is solely a Pan Trinbago production. And they alone bear the ultimate responsibility for how the product they ‘govern’ is presented on the global stage for Panorama finals.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 7, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

E-pan makes its debut
Salmon Cupid at the helm

Trinidad and Tobago - An exciting and revolutionary steel pan is here! The first electronic Double Second Steel Pan made its public debut in T&T yesterday. Created by Trini-born Salmon Cupid, who teaches music in Toronto, the pan is advanced in technology. Unlike the original steel pan, the electronic steelpan (E-Pan) has different sounds such as organ and trumpet built-in. In a Sunday Guardian interview, Cupid said it also does not need pan sticks to be played. Instead one’s fingers can be used thereby offering the capability to effect more chords at a time. Cupid, who has been playing pan since the mid-80s, said the pan adds to the excitement for youths and finesse to the instrument.
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Web Posted - Sunday February 7, 2010
Der Westen

Sound Tapestry of Jazz and Steel

Germany -  A very unusual tapestry of sound filled the Haus Ennepetal: The WDR Big Band and the Steelband Project Narell created on Friday evening a musical density, filled with highly professional jazz sounds and the insinuating harmony of the world's "oil drums.

....With two trucks, a lot of cutting-edge sound and stage the two bands after Ennepetal had come.  That still remained for about 600 audience, space may be described as an absolute windfall for the auditorium.  Nearly three hours took the Calypso Night, in which not only met sound worlds, but to a very intense musical togetherness found one another.

Editor’s note: please note that the above is an extract from the Google translator.  Here is the link for the full translation.
Click here for the original text in German

Web Posted - Saturday February 6, 2010
by When Steel Talks

On the Drag Steelband Panorama Competitions

Trinidad and Tobago - Golden Hands and Valley Harps Steel Orchestras are the winners of the inaugural NLCB On the Drag competitions.

The events were staged by Pan Trinbago on the drag at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad during the bmobile National Panorama Semi Finals on Sunday January 31.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
Spiceislander.com

“Cordial” Meeting held with Steelbands’ Association Officals

St. George’s, Grenada - Representatives of the Grenada Steelbands’ Association and the Department of Culture have agreed to continue dialoguing with the aim of resolving outstanding grievances of the Association.

Pan players recently warned that they will consider not participating in Panorama 2010 if monies owing from last year’s carnival pan competition were not forthcoming.

A payment to the Grenada Steelbands’ Association was made Friday at a meeting involving Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill; Carnival Committee Chairman Colin Dowe; and Steelbands’ Association executive members Brian Sylvester, David Peck Edwards and Michael Blaize Robertson.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Finals - Steel Orchestras’ Order of Appearance - Steelband Panorama 2010

Trinidad and Tobago - The order of appearance for the medium and large conventional steel orchestras for the 2010 national Steelband Panorama in Trinidad and Tobago has been decided. Defending Panorama champions Silver Stars will play in position eight on February 13 February at the Queen's Park Savannah. And in the medium category - Katzenjammers from Tobago have drawn position one.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
Tobago News

Steel Xplosion rises to the top

Tobago, W.I. - Six bands and close to 500 pannists from Tobago will create history when they play in the "Big Yard" in the National Panorama Large and Medium Band finals at the Queen's Park Savannah on Carnival Saturday night in the Greatest Show on Earth.

Steel Xplosion, playing A "wicked" "Radica", showed who's boss in the Medium Band category placing first with 270 points, the same it received in the preliminaries. The band got the right count and exploded midway into the song. Valley Harps and arranger Michelle Huggins-Watts played "Battle Zone" and are hot on the heels of Xplosion.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Pay-Per-View option coming soon for viewing Steelband Panorama 2010

Trinidad and Tobago - If all goes according to plan, steelpan music lovers the world over should be able to opt for the Pay-per-view (PPV) option made available via CTNTWorld, part of the state-owned CNMG (Caribbean New Media Group) - this, according to iMedia Caribbean marketing exec Ian John. “From Monday (February 8) the Pay-Per-View will go live where they can actually make payments online,” John told When Steel Talks (WST). This is part of an ongoing initiative as “Pan Trinbago and the state are trying to maximize revenue, to cover some of the costs incurred,” John explained.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
by When Steel Talks

WACK 90.1 fm ‘Culture Krazy’ station forced off the Internet for Steelband Panorama and 2010 Carnival Events

Trinidad & Tobago - With the Trinidad and Tobago 2010 carnival season almost upon us - one of the country’s leading champions of their performing arts and culture, radio station WACK 90.1fm, finds itself the victim of an ironic twist of fate. The upstart station will not be allowed to broadcast over the internet, this season’s major carnival events to the very audience that it has almost single-handedly served, cultivated and captivated with a continuous stream of local music genres like calypso and steelpan music.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. - Although the THA has reportedly pledged $6 million for the 2010 Tobago carnival, it is strange that both Pan Trinbago Tobago region and TUCO Tobago zone are expressing disappointment with the allocation of funds for their planned events.

In a recent disclosure, a Pan Trinbago Tobago official was upset over the only two competitions for Tobago steel bands on carnival days in Scarborough while other members of the steel band fraternity are furious about the situation.

The reality is that to maintain a steel band is an expensive business. The cost of one tenor is approximately $6,000. There is also the cost of transport for steel pans which is very costly....Denying adequate funding cannot be culturally or politically correct.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago - Culture Minister Marlene McDonald yesterday said Government fully supports Pan Trinbago’s recent decision to have patrons pay to occupy the “drag” at the Queen’s Park Savannah during Panorama events.

“The executive of Pan Trinbago has my full support in taking this brave step during its first year in office. Clearly it also has the support of the patrons who gave tangible endorsement on Sunday. I am therefore encouraging the national community to support the executive of Pan Trinbago, the body responsible for the development of the steel pan in this new initiative,” McDonald said.
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Web Posted - Friday February 5, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. - The Tobago House of Assembly and the Ministry of Culture will share the cost of travel and accommodation for the Tobago pannists who are participating in this year's bmobile National Steelband Panorama in Trinidad.

Chief Secretary Orville London in disclosing this on Wednesday said it was estimated that the cost of travel and accommodation was estimated at $2.6 million for the seven bands to appear in the semi-finals on Sunday and the six that will now be in the finals next Saturday night.

Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz had noted that the association was in a quandary as a result of the number of Tobago bands qualifying for the competition and said he will appeal to the THA and the Ministry for financial assistance since it did not have the financial resources to cover the additional cost.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 4, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Trinidad and Tobago Single-Pan Semi Finals 2010 Panorama: Music Selections and Appearance Order

Trinidad and Tobago - Scrunters Pan Groove will be the first band “on stage” while last year’s winner L.H. Pan Groove will perform at position 28 in Saturday’s National Single Pan Bands Semi Finals in front of Victoria Square, Park Street, Port of Spain, from 7:00 p.m.

Both bands were among the 32 semi-finalists who drew for playing positions at Pan Trinbago’s Head Office Court Yard on the afternoon of Wednesday February 3.

The bands will be vying for 16 places in the bmobile National Single Pan (and Small Bands) Finals on Friday 12 February 2010 at the Lord Kitchener Stand, South Quay, Port of Spain. Competition starts at 7:00 p.m.
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Web Posted - Thursday February 4, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Trinidad and Tobago National Junior Panorama 2010 Music Selections and Appearance Order

Trinidad and Tobago - Pan holds the spotlight once again this weekend as the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Pan Trinbago and Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) host the National Junior Panorama.

This time it’s the turn of young panists as 35 junior steel orchestras compete in the National Junior Panorama at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, from 9:00 a.m. on Sunday February 7, 2010.

Junior steelbands like their senior counterparts may select any calypso - once that composition has not been played by the band in a Panorama competition. Each steelband shall perform for a maximum of six (6) minutes.

Participating bands will be judged in three categories i.e. Primary School (12 bands), Secondary School (10 bands) and Under 21 (13 bands) for prize monies totaling TT $697,000.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 3, 2010
by When Steel Talks

One Year Later

Global - It's been almost exactly one year to the day since When Steel Talks (WST) migrated from the old MSN board after many years, to the then-new WST Ning forum, and made it an essential part of the WST global steelpan network and experience.  In addition we started the WST Facebook page. Much has happened over the year as we have become acclimated to this space and interacted with the other divisions (Ning, Twitter, Facebook, PanOnTheNet, YouTube, WST-News) of When Steel Talks. You - the stakeholders in the global experience and culture of the steelpan art form - are the fuel for this engine.

From Andy to Zanda - we have have been pleased and proud to call all of you members of the WST global steelpan music family..

Peace and Pan

Web Posted - Wednesday February 3, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. - Seven Tobago steel bands are among the 45 in the bmobile National Panorama Semi finals carded for the "big yard", Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain on Sunday from 9 a.m.

They are Steel Xplosion (270 points), NLCB Buccooneers (262 points), Katzenjammers (257 points), West Side Symphony (248 points), Carib Dixieland (247 points), Our Boys and RBTT Redemption Sound Setters. No points are awarded in the large conventional band category. Only two bands who performed for the judges on Monday night did not make it to the "big yard", they were T&TEC East Side of Belle Garden and Central Symphony of Government House Road
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 3, 2010
Tobago News

Tobago, W.I. - The vast potential of our steelband culture was once more exposed on Monday night when large numbers of steel band lovers came out to show their appreciation for the steel pan culture. The Tobago-leg of the National Panorama Preliminaries which was hosted at pan yards across the island was again an indication of an industry which if properly exploited could be an ultra positive productive area of national youth development.

In every steel band which exists in our island and nation, the involvement of youths exemplifies the possibilities which could be derived if emphasis is placed on creating a self sustaining steel band industry. The reality is that it takes long hours of practice on a nightly basis for pannists to perfect a panorama tune. However, Panorama takes place only once per year, after which the youths go back on their 'own scenes' in the communities.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 3, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Invaders Steel Orchestra to help Haiti

Trinidad & Tobago - Caribbean Airlines Invaders Steel Orchestra has joined with United Way Trinidad and Tobago to assist with raising funds for Haiti. Invaders will be donating TT $20.00 from each of its J’Ouvert morning packages to United Way.

“We chose to partner with United Way Trinidad and Tobago as they have the means to direct funds to vital NGOs in Haiti.” said Liz Namsoo, Chairman Fundraising Committee of Invaders.
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Web Posted - Wednesday February 3, 2010
by When Steel Talks

2010 Steelband Panorama Semi-Finals in Pictures

Trinidad & Tobago - The National Steelband Panorama Semi-Finals held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad - in pictures.
click for pix

Web Posted - Tuesday February 2, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago - Trinidad and Tobago’s Chinese Bicentennial Steel Ensemble (CBSE) and members of the visiting Tianjin Song and Dance Troupe entertained an appreciative group of guests with the music of steel and traditional Chinese instruments at a reception hosted at the residence of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Trinidad and Tobago.
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by Popular Demand

When Steel Talks
T-Shirts are Here!

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Web Posted - Tuesday February 2, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Trinidad & Tobago - Pan music, sweet pan music on a stage in the open air with lighting that is inappropriate for high quality live television, an acoustic system not modified for pan music and a stage where it takes over 15 minutes for one band to enter and exit.

The people in the area traditionally known as the north stand stood in the dust looking over the shoulders of those ahead of them as they sought to get a glimpse of their favourite bands. In the backdrop is the beautiful centre for the performing arts, a monument for the use of the few. It was a very, very sad picture of our culture and development over the many years of Panorama.

How difficult is it for us to build a state-of-the-art stage where more than one band can be loaded and the stage rotated to allow the performing band to be highlighted while the other band enters or exits?
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Web Posted - Tuesday February 2, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

Trinidad & Tobago - Exodus Steel Orchestra will not challenge the semifinal results of Sunday’s National Panorama semifinals at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, manager Ainsworth Mohammed said yesterday.

The band placed 12th in the standings, locking it out of the top ten bands moving on to the finals on Carnival Saturday.

Initially band members protested and said they challenge the results, but Mohammed said Exodus will respect the judges’ decision.

’We will not challenge the results. Yes we are very disappointed because we know the music we played and the work we put out and this hurts us very much. The quality of our performance was good and this is not coming from us only because the general feedback is that Exodus sounded good. We have been around Panorama for a very long time and we know what is good enough to make it to a final or to win,’ Mohammed said.
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Web Posted - Monday February 1, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago - Phase II Pan Groove leads the pack going into Trinidad and Tobago's national steelband panorama 2010 competition finals, with the 2009 champs Silver Stars on their heels, and south-based Skiffle Bunch rounding out the top three of the final ten. The top ten from the small and medium steel orchestra category also advance to their championship rounds. The shocker of the event was former champions and world-renowned Exodus Steel Orchestra not making the final cut.
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Web Posted - Monday February 1, 2010
by When Steel Talks

2010 Semi Finals Results
Exodus fails to make the cut

Trinidad & Tobago - The results for the 2010 steelband music panorama semi finals are in.  Get complete breakdown in points and placings for all the bands and categories.
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Find more photos like this on When Steel Talks

“CD Samples”
 Pan in New York 2009

Global - Experience the beauty of the steelpan instrument through the two latest CD releases from Basement Recordings.  Three-minute samples from the Pan In New York 2009 CDs - of both regular and slow tempo performances - are being featured.  Content is being added, so keep checking regularly.   Both “Pan In New York 2009,” and “Pan In New York 2009 - The Cooldown Versions” are a continuation of the Pan-4-Life series from Basement Recordings.
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When Steel Talks
T-Shirts are Here!

Global - When Steel Talks (WST) T-Shirts are available!  Show your love for the Steelpan art form!  For USD $12.00 plus shipping and handling, make sure you have your WST T-Shirt!  Available are colors (above): Black, Red, Blue and Hot Pink - sizes Small (S) through X-large (XL).

For USD $14.00, sizes XX-large (2X) and XXX-large (3X) are also on hand.  Supplies in red, blue and pink are available on a limited basis.
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