Javascript DHTML Drop Down Menu Powered by dhtml-menu-builder.com

 


Get The Latest News
Join Mailing List

  Bookmark and Share

GSMN
GLOBAL STEELPAN MUSIC NEWS

GSMN
GLOBAL STEELPAN MUSIC NEWS

June 2010


Archive


Pan News Digest



Web Feed 

NY Panyard 2004 DVD

click to hear sample

“Tonic Gems”

A Must-Have:
 from Pantonic Steel Orchestra
 

Press Releases
The latest from our PR department. Hot CD Releases

BASEMENT
CD & DVD Productions


Allway Sync is free file and folder synchronization software for Windows.
Synchronize files on your local, network and removable drives

 




Use Arles Image Web Page Creator to quickly and easily create image galleries on the web.

 

 




Remove Duplicates from Outlook Express
Handy plugin for removing duplicate emails in Outlook Express folders and dbx files .

 

 

 
Outlook-Express-Backup.Com - download a handy utility to backup your Outlook Express emails and settings.

 


 
Sharewareguide shareware and freeware download

 

-A professional software and freeware download provider including Audio and Multimedia, Utilities, Game, Internet, Software Development, Home & Education, Web Authoring, Business (PAD file enabled).

 

 





The Yard Series


   


 The Business of Steelpan Music 24 -7



When Steel Talks (WST)
T-Shirts are now available!
 Show your love for the Steelpan artform!
Get your
When Steel Talks
Everybody Listens!

Tee shirt now!


Click for details


Connect with When Steel Talks on facebook


Join the When Steel Talks mailing newsletter

Stay on top of everything happening in the global steelpan music world...

Over 100,000 members

subscribe now!



 Follow When Steel Talks on

 


 

The top news headlines on current events from
 When Steel Talks! News


Use Headlines! News to find breaking news, current events, the latest headlines, news photos, analysis & opinion on top stories, world, business, politics, events, performances...
headlines.panonthenet.com  
more
 
When Steel Talks on Facebook


“The Bradley Years”

The Bradley Years represent the definitive collection of steelband music arrangements and performances for a large steel orchestra. This collection showcases seven classic arrangements from the master arranger Clive Bradley.  Bradley is considered to be the best steelband music arranger ever by many, including his peers.  In addition, the arrangements are performed by one of the finest steelbands in the world, New York’s Pantonic Steel Orchestra. Clive Bradley had a very special relationship with Pantonic.  This orchestra clinched the title of panorama champions five times in seven years - performing Bradley’s musical works.  The performances were captured by Basement Recordings days before, and in one instance, mere moments before they took the stage for the prestigious annual steelband music panorama competition.  The recordings capture, reproduce and present an unrivalled clarity with sonic realism, of a large steel orchestra fielding between one hundred and one hundred twenty musicians - unlike any other steelband music recordings in its class.   

This body of musical work is a sterling addition for all fans, educators, players, historians and fine music collectors.
click to listen


 WST YouTube Channel


Pan in New York CD and DVD available here



“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.
read more


Simply one of the greatest steelband recordings to date! 
A collector’s item...

[ PANTONIC + BASEMENT + BRADLEY ] x 4 =
MASTERPIECE

- Clive Bradley the Master at Work -

Very Sweet Pan Music
Get Your Copy Now

click  - limited copies available >>





BRADLEY’S PAVILION

Live Steelband Performances

 
 

Join the
 
When Steel Talks
Family

One million pan-fans
under a world pan groove..
.

http://www.panonthenet.com/mailout/join/index.htm  

 

Web Posted -
When Steel Talks

Steelband Site Ring
Join Now

When Steel Talks site ring dedicated to Steelband/Steelpan businesses, associations and organizations.

View


HALL OF FAME



WST YouTube Channel



Support PanOnTheNet.com


Hire Basement Recordings for your project


Here’s What you Missed!! - Last Month’s News, click Here!



When Steel Talks Now on facebook
Stays The Course

Check out our Page and Group on Facebook

When Steel TalksWhen Steel Talks has set up a group on Facebook where we can post more steelpan pictures, videos and events. We would like to add you as a fan so you can expand your steelpan music experience. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.

When Steel Talks

Here’s the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Steel-
Talks/22270666964 

 



Follow When Steel Talks

Pan 4 Life
Steelband listings and information


Web Posted - Wednesday June 30, 2010
When Steel Talks

Ace Steelpan musician Ryan Joseph is ‘Lypo Tom’ in “The Pan Man” 
 

Steelpan musician Ryan JosephNew York, USA -  He is one of the better known faces on the New York steelpan music scene. A frontline player with the champion steel orchestra Pan Sonatas, and, one of the core members of its stage side, Ryan Joseph is additionally a member of the highly visible, well-known, cutting edge music group Steel Sensation based in Queens, New York. And now he will add the role of ‘actor’ to his many achievements when he takes on the lead role of “Lypo Tom” in the play “The Pan Man” on July 2 and 3 in New York, with three shows carded for each date.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 30, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Our national instrument moving forward
 

Fonclaire and Deperadoes Steel Orchestras perform at NAPATrinidad & Tobago. W.I. -  Steelpan is definitely alive and well in Trinidad and Tobago as was seen last weekend when the Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism continued its NAPA Fest at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on Saturday night with a weekend of music billed as Pop Meets Steel. Steel orchestras, which have been responsible for the high level of excellence, which the national instrument has been enjoying, were featured before a packed house on premiere night. The festival, which was started in April by past Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald, saw a celebration of youth, the recognition of the masters, and a display of the country’s artistic excellence.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 30, 2010
The Academy Extra

MC&MA Steel Band Attracts A Top Draw Crowd
 

Manchester Creative and Media Academy’s (MC&MA Girls) Steel BandManchester, England -  Manchester Creative and Media Academy’s (MC&MA Girls) Steel Band entertained some of the North West’s most prominent education officials at a prestigious annual event for new teachers.

The established group was especially invited to the opening ceremony of Teach First North West at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.

The MC&MA Steel Band played popular tracks including Billie Jean by Michael Jackson, and they were well received.

Enrichment Event Co-ordinator Mr. Graham said: “The students played in the south gallery, and at the end of which there was a queue to congratulate and celebrate their brilliance and success.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 30, 2010
The Buffalo Bulletin

Trinidad steel drums rock Buffalo
 

Wyoming, USA -  Downtown Buffalo is graced by architecture that would be familiar to late 19th century travelers and adventurers. It is not an environment that would make visitors think of white beaches, cool Caribbean breezes or rum drinks – but that’s what happened Sunday evening as the Buffalo Steel Drum Band practiced as visitors strolled past the DeerField building.

Visitors would step out to take the cool, evening air along Main Street, only to do a double-take and track down the unusual sounds wafting from the DeerField. Looking inside, visitors found 15 steel drum players of widely varying expertise and experience. Bare feet were the rule, as players struck their instruments.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 29, 2010
When Steel Talks

Organizers Focused on 2011 Steelpan Festival
Reviewing Applications Now!
 

Pan Coalition at 10th Annual Montreal International Steelpan FestivalMontreal, Quebec, Canada -  This year's exciting edition of the Montreal International Steelpan Music Festival is yet another, already written into the history books, but the show's organizers are already at work planning for next year's 2011 event. The show's producer Salah Wilson expects the 2011 version to be the biggest and most expansive steelpan music event in Canada.

The Montreal International Steelpan Music Festival is an invitation-only event that is ideally suited for performing steel orchestras, ensembles and solo artists - from the college, community and/or professional arenas.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 29, 2010
When Steel Talks

Carl Chase - The Man Behind Steelpan in Maine
 

Carl Chase on stage at Montreal International Steelpan FestivalMontreal, Quebec, Canada -  He is quiet, reserved, unassuming and soft-spoken yet his passion for the steelpan and its music burns white hot. Meet Carl Chase, the man singularly responsible for the introduction and proliferation of the steelpan and steelbands in the state of Maine, USA.

At the recently-concluded 10th annual Montreal International Steelpan Festival, When Steel Talks got a chance to talk to and observe Mr. Chase in action. Under his leadership, the amalgamation “Pan Coalition,” is an annual participant in this international Canadian steelpan music festival. The coalition is made up primarily of Flash! in The Pans, Chase’s own group, and several other bands from the Blue Hill, Maine area.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 29, 2010
When Steel Talks

Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra captures the hearts and minds of Montréal for F.I.S.M.
 

Starlift JuniorsMontreal, Quebec, Canada -  With the results of two competitions now in hand, Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra closed out the 10th Annual Montreal International Steelpan Festival (F.I.S.M. - Festival International de Steelpan de Montréal) with a varied repertoire that showcased even more, their musical skill set and performance abilities. The crowd was very pleased with their presentation which included classic hits like Thriller (Michael Jackson), La La (Lord Nelson) and Mo Wuk (Patrice Roberts), among many others.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 29, 2010
The Working Waterfront

Steel pan music finds a home on the Blue Hill peninsula
 

Flash in the PansMaine, USA - There's island music in the air in Blue Hill this summer, the kind of island music that seems more at home among palm trees than spruces.

Since 1974, the Blue Hill peninsula has been Maine's center for steel pan music. There are at least five active steel pan groups on the Downeast coast, and more springing up each year. This pine-state pan revolution can be traced to one man, pan maker and seafarer Carl Chase of Brooksville.

Chase said his lifelong steel pan love affair started with a chance encounter with the music in high school.

"I just sort of...stumbled across a record," Chase said.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 29, 2010
The Trinidad Express

Moving stage breaks down at ‘Pop Meets Steel’ show
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - One of the moving stages at the multi-million dollar National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain broke down in the middle of Sunday’s NAPA Fest ’Pop Meets Steel’ show.

The stage malfunctioned when players from Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille were on stage. The players had to scramble across the stage to remove their pans when one third of the stage, which moves from north to south, did not work.

Sound Specialists was the third steel orchestra to perform and after their performance, the players exited the stage to the south while their pans were going to the north. Realising something was wrong, the players ran across the stage to secure their instruments in full view of the audience.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 27, 2010
Tarrytown Patch

Steel Passion Heats Up Summer
 

Steel PassionTarrytown, NY, USA -  Locals can get a taste of the Caribbean right in Tarrytown this summer.

Steel Passion, a steel drum band of the Christ Episcopal Church, has been performing seasonally at the Washington Irving Boat Club for the past three years.

Jack Jolly, a member of the church, joined the band in 1978.

"I started from scratch," he said.

According to Jolly, the band was started in 1965 by a group of Philipse Manor-based businessmen who had seen a steel drum band play at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club.

....They called the group The Phillipse Manor Brute Force Steel Drum Band, named for the famous Esso Brute Force Steel Drum Band from Trinidad, and held practices in member Bill Andrew's basement.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 27, 2010
Jamaica Gleaner

‘Paganini of the Pan’ heads to Jamaica
 

Liam TeagueJamaica, W.I. -  A lover of pan since he was 12 years old, Liam Teague has been playing for more than 24 years. A graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU) and a skilled pan player who has been hailed as the 'Paganini of the Steel Pan', Teague currently serves as assistant professor of steel pan and co-director of the steel band at NIU.

....No stranger to the Jamaica pan scene either, Teague has played for The Little People Club directed by Cathy Levy, former Miss Jamaica, as a soloist and with the group at the Little Theatre.

"The experience was wonderful and I have always had very fond memories of Jamaica since," said Teague.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 25, 2010
When Steel Talks

Best Steel Orchestras in the World assemble at “POP Meets STEEL”
 

KatzenjammersTrinidad and Tobago -  Some of the world’s best and most renowned steel orchestras will be assembling in Trinidad and Tobago for command performances over two days as part of the NAPA Festival project.

Trinidad All Stars, Silver Stars, Phase II Pan Groove,  Katzenjammers, Fonclaire and more, will be part of the star-studded cast.  And the common  thread among them all, is that each orchestra has participated in the the Pan in The 21st Century over the years.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 25, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Leon Foster Thomas makes things happen
 

Cover of Leon Thomas' latest CD, "What You Don't Know"Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. Leon Foster Thomas, a Trini pannist based in Miami, must be complimented on a brilliant CD titled Leon Foster Thomas, What You Don’t Know. The CD features ten exciting tracks; nine originals by Thomas, and a cover of Sparrow’s Obeah Wedding. The music is easy listening jazz from this pannist. The songs are Rite Dey, No looking back, Thingz Happen, Torment, Wonderland, Higher Heights, What You Don’t Know, Wish and an extended version of title track What You Don’t Know.

Brooklyn’s pan grannies Ageless Dreams
 

Cover of Blenman Steel's CD, "Ageless Dreams"The pan grannies of Brooklyn, USA, have released a new CD called Ageless Dreams. These grannies, having kicked away their rocking chairs for pan sticks, are under the tutelage of master pannist Alston Jack. Called the Blenman Steel Sounds, these gals have been making some terrific sounds with the pan. Ageless Dreams is an exciting CD, which shows the versatility of these pan musicians.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 24, 2010
UK in Austria

Austria meets the musical Caribbean
 

Steel Band Workshop at the British Ambassador's ResidenceVienna, Austria How can such melodious sounds come from these strange instruments made of steel? This was the question written on the faces of some local Viennese students as they walked into the Ambassador’s residence, and heard the BT Melodians playing the steel pans.

The BT Melodians are a British multi-ethnic steel orchestra, who came to Vienna to perform at the Embassy’s Queen’s Birthday Party on 15 June. On the following day, we arranged a steel band workshop for some trainee teachers from a local school. As the students arrived, they were greeted with the tropical melodies of the steel pans.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 24, 2010
Crossville Chronicle

Steel drum band performs
 

Tennessee, USA On June 25 at 8 p.m. the Playhouse will host the Deep Grooves Steel Drum Band from Nashville. This one-night event is sponsored by Progressive Savings Bank/The Rains Agency.

The Deep Grooves Steel Drum Band was formed in 1993 when several percussionists “discovered” each other through the Nashville music scene. They saw the need for a steel band, so they got together to share their love of Caribbean music and the steel band art with the Nashville community. Under the direction of Mat Britain, the band has grown in popularity and has become a crowd favorite throughout the South.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 23, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Young panists star at Sforzata jamboree
 

Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra performs at Sforzata Pan JamboreeTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. Clico Sforzata Steel Orchestra staged a Pan Jamboree on June 13 at the band’s Pan Theatre on Evans Street, Curepe. The evening was a delight to pan music enthusiasts who prefer to sample the music of several bands at a time, as the four-hour long programme featured PCS Silver Stars, Sagicor Exodus, BP Renegades and Couva Joylanders. Patrons also enjoyed a well-stocked bar and delicious corn soup, courtesy band treasurer Joslyn Earle. However, some meat-loving patrons suggested that they should have been catered to as well, and in response, Earle said she would consider expanding the menu for the next jamboree to be held later this year.
read more


Web Posted - Monday June 21, 2010
Jamaica Observer

Beethoven Meets Bob Marley a sold-out affair
 

Kingston, Jamaica, W.I. The Jamaica Symphony Orchestra (JSO) played to a sold-out Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston two Sundays ago at the concert Beethoven Meets Bob Marley, which was packed with modern compositions written in the western classical tradition.

....Marley Symphony began with a revolving wave of harmony (in minor arpeggios) from 2nd violins upon which 1st violins bowed the melody of I Shot the Sheriff. Mid-verse the harmony was overtaken by a heavy double-bass slap phrase to introduce, Exodus, which was supported by the one-drop crash of drums and tonal smile of steel pans. This was soon layered by horns, which twisted the melody into Redemption Song, which slid into One Love before returning to Redemption Song.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 20, 2010
When Steel Talks

Pan Sonatas heat things up with hot Curry
 

Pan Sonatas Curry-QueNew York, USA When Steel Talks was on the road, off on another steelpan-cuisine quest - this time the Curry-Que of reigning New York Panorama champions Pan Sonatas. The group is known for having the sweetest steelpan instruments in the tri-state area, courtesy of master steelpan manufacturer and tuner Bertram “Birch” Kelman.  But, they are equally adept and renowned, especially throughout the community, for their food - with many “sweet-hand” chefs who command the kitchen whenever the occasion demands.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 20, 2010
When Steel Talks

Steelbands join NAPA Fest
‘Pop Meets Steel’ – an Explosion of Culture
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. The inclusion of steel orchestras from Pan in the 21st Century in the NAPA (National Academy for the Performing Arts) project gives the steelpan community the opportunity to showcase the versatility of the national instrument in the acoustically designed NAPA space.

‘Pop Meets Steel’ is the fifth in the series of NAPA Fest featuring different genres of Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural expression. This event will be held over a two-day period: Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27, at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain, under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism.
read more


Web Posted - Saturday June 19, 2010
When Steel Talks

The Passing of Music Educator and Steelpan Activist Esther Batson
 

Ms. Esther BatsonGlobal -  Music Educator Esther Batson was one of the stalwarts in the steelband culture of Trinidad and Tobago, and adjudicated steelband competitions internationally.  Ms. Batson passed away on June 18 in Trinidad.

Responsible for the mentoring and development of several of the country’s noted steelpan talents, it was Ms. Batson’s initiative of cultural exchanges which eventually resulted in the steelband program at University of Miami.  Her daughter Dr. Dawn Batson, is the Visual and Performing Arts Chair at the Florida Memorial University (FMU), and also the Director of FMU’s steel band program. Esther Batson has noted that the biggest challenge facing women in the steelpan art form was getting the public to support pan women financially.

When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family of Dr. Dawn Batson on the passing of her mother, Esther Batson.  She will be greatly missed.
more on Esther Batson


Web Posted - Friday June 18, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Kaiso, pan lovers flock to WeBeat
 

Rhapsody Steel Orchestra closes WeBeat 2010 Steelband ParadeTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - WeBeat patrons savoured every moment of We Vintage Kaiso—the Calypso segment of WeBeat St. James—last Friday at the St James Amphitheatre.  The lineup of calypsonians included Black Stalin, Baron, Johnny King, Scrunter, Shadow, Twiggy, and Bro Valentino.

....We Vintage Kaiso provided the ideal start to the weekend climax of the nine-day WeBeat Festival, which ended with the parade of steelbands and traditional Carnival characters the following night.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 17, 2010
BCLocalNews.com

Chilliwack students bang steel drums at the park
 

British Columbia, Canada - The Pandora Steel Drum Band returns to Fraser River Heritage Park on Friday, June 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the Envision Twilight Concert Series.

Pandora is a Caribbean steel band from Chilliwack Senior secondary school. Started in 2000 by teacher Craig Scott and principal Dale Halcrow, the band was named in the style of Caribbean calypso bands with “pan” (steel drum) in the name.

As the only high school steel band in western Canada, this unique group performs at various community functions. Students rehearse and perform outside of the school timetable but it is a full credit course.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 16, 2010
When Steel Talks

Students Graduate from P.H.I. (Electronic Pan) Programme
 

Graduates jam a rhythm section on the P.H.I.Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  On June 10th 2010, nineteen  participants graduated from the Percussive Harmonic Instrument (P.H.I./ PHI) Training Programme at the T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Panyard, Enterprise, Chaguanas, in central Trinidad.

....Participants were given the opportunity to showcase to their friends and family what they learnt, rendering pieces that were derived from activities such as composing, arranging, sequencing and playing various instruments (tones) on a steelpan interface (PHI). These were all taught by Mr. Earle Philip, another patent holder of the PHI.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 16, 2010
Gazette.Net

Caribbean native brings steel pan sounds to Germantown Library
 

Lennard Jack, Jr. at Germantown LibraryMaryland, USA -  Lennard Jack Jr. remembers being a young boy and walking past men playing steel pans on his way to school in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where both he and steel pans were born. In the years since, both Jack and his instrument have come a long way: On June 5, he performed at the Germantown Library as part of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

"They never allowed us young kids to go play in the steel band, because back in the day, most of the guys that played were what we called riff-raffs," Jack said.

When he was 17, Jack finally got his chance to play the steel pan. He met master steel pan tuner Bertrand Kelman, who quickly became a mentor.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 15, 2010
North Fort Myers Neighbor

Academy Steel Drum Band wraps up school year with fund-raiser at Chick-fil-A
 

Florida, USA - A group of talented young musicians from North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts ended their school year by raising funds for next year’s music programs.

Several members of the academy’s Steel Drum Band performed to raise funds at Chick-fil-A on Pine Island Road with proceeds to benefit next year’s steel band.

Proceeds from the evening (20 percent) will directly benefit the students and the band program at NFMAA. Funds are used to maintain the steel drums, purchase the mallets, music they use to play on the drums, and their Caribbean attire.

"They’ve been everywhere," said academy Principal Dr. Douglas Santini of the steel drum group. "They’ve done 38 performances this year, one for the Commissioner of Education Eric Smith. They have been in many civic functions and even weddings, and competed in Orlando at the Universal Music Festival where they received first place."
read more


Web Posted - Monday June 14, 2010
When Steel Talks

Boycott Avoided - Grenada Steelband Association Approve Carnival Plan
Carnival Saturday will be a ‘Pantastic Saturday’
 

St. George’s, Grenada - “Carnival Saturday will be a Pantastic Saturday!” This was the exclamation by GCC’s (Grenada Carnival Committee) Chairman, Colin Dowe, in responding to the news that the membership of the Grenada Steelband Association (GSA) had given a thumbs-up to the amendments suggested by the GCC to a proposal presented to it by representatives of the executive of the GSA.

....Former president of the GSA, Mr. David Peck Edwards, reinforced the movement’s dedication to steelpan music and carnival. “We are committed to pan,” he emphasized. “Our current members participate in panorama at great personal sacrifice. Our families, our finances, our health all suffer so we can ensure that steelband remains a part of carnival in Grenada, so we do not want anyone to misinterpret our protest. We just want to see things put right for pan people.”
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 13, 2010
SpicemasGrenada.com

Phase II Pan Tuner Willing to Teach in Grenada
 

St. George’s, Grenada, W.I. - ....One of the challenges not raised in the imbroglio is the dearth of skilled and professionally trained Grenadians capable of tuning steelpans. There is one known reputed pan tuner in Grenada – Wilfred Harris. There is at least one other, Dudley Dickson, but he lives overseas.

One of the world’s foremost pan manufacturers and tuners, Dickson wants to return to the Caribbean from Europe to teach young people the skills he has acquired in almost 50 years in the steelpan business.

Dickson, who is based in Britain, has been making annual visits to Trinidad for that country’s carnival panorama competition. He has a contract as pan tuner for Phase II Pan Groove, which placed second in this year’s panorama championship in Trinidad & Tobago.

Following the Trinidad panorama, Dickson travelled to Grenada where he expressed a willingness to start workshops here and in the rest of the Caribbean to teach young people the art of manufacturing, servicing and tuning steelpans. He said it was not the first time he had made the offer to Grenada. “I always wanted to come back to live in the Caribbean and pass my knowledge on,’’ Dickson revealed. “At the moment, I’m doing a small thing at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. I also have a five-year contract with Phase II. This is my third year. I come down every year and tune all their pans. Phase II has about 120 players.’’
read more


Web Posted - Saturday June 12, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Jazz lovers enjoy Caribbean Jazz Fusion
 

Master Pannist Ray Holman is accompanied by his bassist to skillfully blend pan and Jazz to the delight of Wednesday night’s JazzBeat audienceTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Jazz segment of the annual WeBeat St. James Festival took place on June 9 before a small but enthusiastic crowd of Jazz lovers at the St James Amphitheatre, on the Western Main Road, St James. JazzBeat has become a key element of the Festival, and is the real high point of WeBeat for some patrons, but T&T Guardian learned that JazzBeat 2010 was in danger of being cancelled because of poor funding.

.....The JazzBeat audience enjoyed the voices and instruments of Ray Holman and Friends, Johan Chuckaree, and the band Moyenne, with Chantal Esdelle, Douglas Redon, Darryl Sheppard, and Glenford Sobers. Holman and his band, and Sobers, who played as part of the band Moyenne, are both well known for their skill and versatility with the steelpan. They are both becoming even more popular for their skill in blending the national instrument with Jazz in a variation of the genre sometimes referred to as “Caribbean Jazz Fusion.”
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 11, 2010
YardEdge

Jamaica Symphony Orchestra performs June 13
 

Jamaica, W.I. - On Sunday June 13th 2010 the JSO will stage ‘Beethoven Meets Bob Marley’ the first show of its 2010 Concert Series.

‘Beethoven meets Bob Marley’ explores several genres of music from classical to the contemporary. The music of eighteenth century German composer Ludwig van Beethoven will be heard alongside folk music, memorable movie soundtracks and the reggae music of Bob Marley arranged and orchestrated by the multi-talented Jamaican musician Jon Williams.

The orchestra will be conducted by Mr. Franklin Halliburton, Mr. Albert Shaun Hird and Mr. Rafael Salazar, all accomplished musicians who have contributed to the development of instrumental music in Jamaica.

....While the typical symphony orchestra has only four sections: Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion; the JSO has distinguished itself by including the steel pan, which originates from Trinidad and Tobago, as a fifth, equal section of the orchestra. This additional section gives the JSO a distinctly Caribbean sound.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 11, 2010
Triblocal

“Made in America” Concert Features Steel Band
 

Illinois, USA - The Fox Valley Philharmonic will perform uniquely American music on its “Made in America” concert scheduled for Sunday, June 27th at 3:00 pm at Oswego East High School in Oswego.

The Fox Valley’s only community orchestra will perform Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony #9 (From the New World),” “Rainorama” which will feature the Music Matters School of Music’s steel band, and a couple of traditional patriotic pieces in honor of the Independence Day holiday.

....The Music Matters School of Music steel band is composed of high school percussionists led by Jeff Matter of Batavia. The ensemble has a busy performance schedule and will play a solo piece in addition to the work with the orchestra.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 11, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Starlift Juniors host fund-raising concert
 

Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra & rapso group 3 CanalTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan, Rapso, Soca, Vintage Kaiso, folk songs, and ballads were all on the musical menu in Musical Expressions, a concert hosted by the Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra last Saturday. The concert was held to assist the band in raising much needed funds for their participation in the Montreal International Steelpan Festival in Canada which takes place later this month. The band, consisting of children and teenagers, will also be performing for the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in Canada’s capital city Ottawa, located approximately 150 kilometres from Montreal.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 11, 2010
Tobago News

Arnold supports People’s Partnership
 

Tobago, W.I. - [Patrick] Arnold [former president of Pan Trinbago] told Tobago News, "This new government will be a big plus for the culture and arts of Trinidad and Tobago." He recalled "it was the last UNC government which gave the carnival interest groups the right to run their own shows and keep the gate receipts." Arnold added, "The carnival groups also had control of the Dimanche Gras show in Trinidad and all the carnival groups were given a substantial increase in their financial grant for carnival." He said "under the PNM, we in Pan Trinbago only received $47,000 to run our affair for a whole year. I often had to use my own money to pay our office staff. It was the then UNC government which changed our situation; we even got land for the development of our head office."

Arnold recalled that "the former UNC government sought to help us develop our organisation so when Ramesh Maharaj was Attorney General, he held weekly meetings with us and when Kamla took over as AG she continued to meet with us but all that ceased when the PNM came back into government."
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 11, 2010
ThisIsKent.co.uk

From reggae to calypso
 

Kent, England - A steel band has promised to "bring the Caribbean to Tunbridge Wells" at this year’s Mela.

Phase 5 will be the opening act at the multicultural extravaganza, to be held on July 18.

It will be the group’s fifth appearance at the event and band member Wilfred Hohenkirk, dubbed Captain Kirk, is relishing a return to Calverley Grounds.

"We are looking forward to this year’s event very much," said Mr Hohenkirk. "We always chat about this at the start of the gig season and are looking forward to interacting with the audience.

"As a band we love playing at the Mela. We like the idea of taking part and showing off our music in friendly competition with other sections of the community."
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 9, 2010
When Steel Talks

Desperadoes’ Great New York Triumph
 

Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at the Apollo Theater, 1987Global - The year is 1987 and pan is about to begin its meteoric rise. One of the (critical) events that catapulted this ascension is the now-historic Desperadoes Steel Orchestra tour of New York which included performance stints at Carnegie Hall, Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, to name a few.

What is not known is the massive undertaking and delicate ‘background’ goings on/negotiations that would be required to successfully pull this off, or - to make it happen at all.

Fortunately we are again still to these ‘historic footnotes’ through the journalistic undertakings of Leslie Slater and Dalton Narine - then in charge of the “Pan” publication where the story was originally published.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 8, 2010
Examiner.com

Practical faith in Englewood
 

Colorado, USA - ....The Audains have committed to building the esteem and courage of the youth they see through prayer, teaching and practical application of spiritual principles. The young people who live in the area are faced with ongoing violence and few role models in the community to show a different way. The feeling of some of them is that they have been thrown away.

That idea of children feeling thrown away gave the Audains an idea: they want to form a steel drum orchestra in Englewood. The Audains are from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, an island nation in the Caribbean. Steel drums were first developed in Trinidad and were made from old rubbish tins, car parts, and garbage can lids -- things that had been thrown away. The Audains want to show children how God can use something others call junk to make a beautiful sound.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 8, 2010
Ke Alaka’i Hawaii Student News

Shaka Steel’s Spring Term sound; outdoor concert called a success
 

Hawaii, USA - Shaka Steel band members showcased their talents for the community at free event held outside the Cannon Activities Center on June 2. “For six weeks we have practiced for this concert. Some of the members had never read music before or played,” said to the director, Dr. Darren Duerden. However, it was hard to tell that any of this was true because the performances got the audience involved singing and dancing along to the music.

Amanda Luke is a member of Shaka Steel and said she was excited to perform for the community. Luke, an international cultural studies major from Oregon, said, “I’ve been playing since last semester on the double second’s pans.”
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 8, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

WI youths exhibit musical gifts
 

Members of CrossFire Steel OrchestraNew York, USA - ....There are many of youths out there whose ideals are exemplary, striving in many a laudable role. For example, the overwhelmingly youthful appearance of Crossfire Steel Orchestra, with artistry and professionalism to match, is sufficient to silence the naysayers.

Just days before the long Memorial Day weekend in St. Albans, Brooklyn, melodies poured delicately from steel pans as the audience swayed to catchy gospel renditions and the perennially popular, Where is the Love.  Speaking with members of this popular Brooklyn musical outfit was refreshing and proud moment for those who still have faith in the West Indian youth. Not all were born in Trinidad or the neighbouring islands. Some were second generational, born in the US but still were very West Indian. The event was appropriately dubbed a “Curry Q.” Again, vintage West Indian. The goal was to raise money for their steel orchestra. Indeed, it was a demonstration of their growing maturity and responsibility.
read more


Web Posted - Monday June 7, 2010
When Steel Talks

Utopia Pan Soul SteelPan Jazz Brunch
 

Utopia Pan Soul's culinary fareNew York, USA - It’s 90 degrees in the shade in Brooklyn, New York on a fantastic Sunday on the dawn of Summer. And the Pan Jazz Brunch hosted by Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation is the only one place to be on this afternoon.

Utopia Pan Soul is known for its music accomplishments; however the organization is also famous for its culinary masterpieces at its events. Armed with a team of family, friends and members who are versed in the culinary arts - there was no shortage of delicious dishes to assuage your appetite.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday June 6, 2010
NY Daily News

Pan Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall has a Caribbean twist
 

PanJazz at Lincoln Center 2010New York, USA - There’s plenty of buzz about the anticipated theatrical and cultural additions to the "Pan Jazz 2010: Folklore - Tales of the Caribbean," coming to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in Manhattan on June 19.

This year’s inclusion of the innovative rapso-style performance and visual arts collaborative 3 Canal and works by award-winning Trinidad Carnival designer Brian MacFarlane to the sixth annual concert will complement pan jazz performances by steelpan composer-arranger Andre White, jazz panist Leon (Foster) Thomas, steelpan musician Freddy Harris Jr., trumpeter Etienne Charles, saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, drummer Brannen Temple and bassist Ben Williams.
read more


Web Posted - Friday June 4, 2010
Delaware Online

Delaware schools: Steel pan musician brings Appo calypso
Students try their hand at Caribbean instrument
 

Aneysha de Coteau, panist and instructorDelaware, USA - The sounds of island music lifted the spirits of the audience at the amphitheater outside Bunker Hill Elementary on Thursday night.

Dozens of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders from the Appoquinimink School District struck steel pans under the direction of a professional steel pan artist from more than 2,000 miles away.

Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago native Aneysha deCoteau led students of Waters, Meredith and Redding middle schools during the exhibition -- the culmination of the school district’s second artist in residency program.

Student pannists stood working 30 shiny steel pans with rubber sticks to familiar tunes like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Edelweiss" while a few sat in the front of the ensemble steadily tapping 10 African drums.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 3, 2010
StLuciaCarnival.net

No Panorama!  No Respect for PAN!
 

St. Lucia, W.I. - There will be no Panorama this year. Again! And one of the main reason, I understand is that money promised has not been paid for competition since 2008. I could not believe my ears. Can someone confirm for me, please? If this is indeed true, it is, indeed, a sad state of affairs.

Pan has always seem like the bastard child of our culture, despite its position at the apex of Caribbean innovation, having earned the accolade as “the only musical instrument to be invented in this century”. The humble birth place and the early history of Pan may have had something to do with lingering image of “badness”. But Pan has elevated the status of every Caribbean person for its amazing versatility and uniqueness. So why the disrespect? Only two nights ago, I listen to Chalkdust deliver a lecture on NTN and he intimated that every time we respect Mas and Pan we pay homage to our African ancestors who were the original Mas makers and Pan-men/women. We are standing on their shoulders.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 3, 2010
Stabroek News

 Meet Prashanthi Mendis
Attorney-at-law, international musician and panist
 

Guyana, S.A. - I bet you know of many accomplished Sri Lankan Cricketers. But do you know of any Sri Lankan steelpan players!?

I recently met one. And a female at that. Dr. Prashanthi Mendis is an ethnomusicologist, an accomplished musician which includes her right to be described as a pan-player as well.

....It was in the early eighties when the Mendises arrived in picturesque St. Kitts/Nevis in the Caribbean. Dr. Dayaanthan was to work on drafting Civil Aviation Treaty Law and Dr. Prashanthi was to begin a lasting musical affair with the steelpan.

As the very first notes of a steelband – the Kittitian Coronets Steel Orchestra – caught her trained, creative ear, she knew she had to investigate. Just what sounded so beautifully, tantalisingly different as it/they produced such sweet melodies? Band leader Mellie Hewlett satisfied her instant curiosity and he himself was captured by Dr. Prashanthi’s all-encompassing and competent musicality. After just one session, when he introduced her to the arrangements of notes on particular pans, she started to play and sounded like a really good regular pan-player.

So much stunningly so, that Mellie Hewlett presented her with a spare tenor pan as her reward for his surprise! Right in the Panyard!
read more


Web Posted - Thursday June 3, 2010
When Steel Talks

 Introducing Pan Oasis - Grenada’s newest Steel Orchestra
 

Pan Oasis band launchSt. John, Grenada - Pan Oasis, the newest steel orchestra in Grenada, and third in St. John, was launched on Sunday 29th on the grounds of the Florida Government School.

Robert Cadet of Marigot, St. John and former arranger of the Florida/Westside Steel Band is the driving force behind the venture. Cadet pledged many years ago to bring back pan to the town of Gouyave.

In his remarks Cadet said he was glad to see his dream come through and that he has bigger plans for the band.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 2, 2010
When Steel Talks

 Steelpan Educator Martin Albino receives prestigious Moulin D’or 2010 Award
 

Steelpan educator and award recipient Martin AlbinoLa Salle, Montreal, Canada - The Moulin D’or (Golden Mill) is an award given by the city of La Salle to outstanding citizens who volunteer in the Community.

....Martin Albino has been working tirelessly with both youths and seniors in the community for the past twelve years, teaching them not only to play the steelpan instrument, but also how the instrument is constructed, and at the same time making his students aware of the incredible history of the steel drum.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday June 2, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

The musical journey of Michael ‘Toby’ Tobas
 

Panist Michael 'Toby' TobasTrinidad & Tobago, W. I. - At the tender age of 11, music began stroking the soul of drummer/ percussionist Michael “Toby” Tobas, who grew up “behind the bridge” in the nation’s capital in an era which gave birth to and crafted the unique sound of the steelpan for the underprivileged of T&T. Because of that stigma, parents did not zealously encourage their children to associate with the instrument. Toby, who grew up on Turn Back Alley, said: “The steel pan was all around. Across the street was Renegades, and below in Jackson Place was the original Highlanders founded by tuner, Kim Loy.

“From there I could hear Trinidad All Stars and Sputnicks; and in the night you could hear the sound of Tokyo coming over the hill.” He said: “I remember very distinctly the rich spontaneous rhythms that would surge impulsively on the street corners from the boys on the block. Sometimes with no instruments, just using speech rhythms. “These youths represented the urban counter-culture and society’s outcasts. Little did I know that the poly-rhythmic blend they built, sometimes using a discarded milk tin, a cardboard or wooden box and the inevitable bottle and spoon; all part of the deep African tradition, would be effective in my development as a professional percussionist/ instructor.”  Thus began the evolution of Michael “Toby” Tobas.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 1, 2010
When Steel Talks

 An Exclusive with Steelband Arranger Jeannine Remy
Winning Arranger for 2010 Pan in the 21st Century

 

Arranger Jeannine RemyTrinidad & Tobago, W. I. - Recently, Dr. Remy, as arranger, captured the sought-after 2010 Pan in the 21st Century title with Sforzata Steel Orchestra. She arranged the winning rendition of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows.”

Remy is no stranger to steelband music competition, having participated several times in the Trinidad and Tobago national panorama competition. However, this is the first time a woman has walked away with a title.

In this exclusive 2010 When Steel Talks (WST) interview, Remy talks about the competition and her approach to this historical achievement.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 1, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

John John Hill comes alive with sound of music
 

Tokyo Youth Steel OrchestraTrinidad & Tobago, W. I. - “The hills are alive with the sound of music,” is a familiar and endearing line from the movie The Sound of Music, and one which Community Worker Herbert Sam Desuze wants to be associated with Laventille.

Desuze is one of the many Laventillians who is working feverishly to restore his community to its former glory, by planning a series of events to try to uplift the image of what is now labelled a “crime hotspot.” According to Desuze, one of the more immediate projects was the rebranding of the Tokyo Youth Orchestra. “We are planning to introduce conventional instruments to the band. “Instead of just having the steel pan, we want to teach the children to play things like the guitar and the organ,” Desuze said.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 1, 2010
Mlive.com

Local college-student band ‘The Steelheads’ to give free concert at Mott Community College
 

The SteelheadsMichigan, USA - The Steelheads - a percussion ensemble and steel band composed of students from Mott Community College (MCC) and the University of Michigan-Flint - will perform with the Mott Middle College High School Steel Band at 7 p.m. Monday, June 7.

The award-winning band which specializes in Caribbean and jazz-style sounds, will give the free concert in the auditorium of the Mott Memorial Building, located on MCC’s main campus, 1401 E. Court St., Flint.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday June 1, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Ken gives Sweet Lime a beating
 

Panist Robert TobbitTrinidad & Tobago, W. I. - Even after torrential rains all of last Tuesday evening and most of Wednesday during the day, causing floods in several parts of the country, many braved the weather and came out to Wine & Jazz at Sweet Lime Restaurant.

The popular Ariapita Avenue eatery is one month shy of hosting its first anniversary of Wine & Jazz. A special celebration is being planned, with several local performers for the event. For those who decided to stay home, you certainly missed a treat. Ken “Professor” Philmore, arguably amongst the three most talented and dynamic pan soloists in the land, was the featured performer for the evening.
read more




Web Posted -
When Steel Talks

When Steel Talks Steelband Music Message Board is Open
on the Ning Network

Some of the most important, controversial, thought-provoking and enlightening discussions on the steelpan instrument, music and culture worldwide, have taken place over the years on the When Steel Talks “Message board.”  Considered by many to be a lightening-rod for change in the steelpan music community, the WST message board  has provided a means unlike any for steelpan enthusiasts to share information and communicate ideas.

Windows MSN Groups has informed us that they are shutting down their groups service as of February 21, 2009.  You can now find the When Steel Talks Group at whensteeltalks.ning.com/forum 
We look forward to you joining us.

by Popular Demand

When Steel Talks
T-Shirts are Here!


click to order now




Find more photos like this on When Steel Talks



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.
click for more, and to ORDER



Web Posted -
When Steel Talks

When Steel Talks Now on facebook

Check out our Page and Group on Facebook

When Steel TalksWhen Steel Talks has set up a group on Facebook where we can post more steelpan pictures, videos and events. We would like to add you as a fan so you can expand your steelpan music experience. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.

 

When Steel Talks
Here’s the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/When-Steel-
Talks/22270666964


Last Month’s News - Click Here


 

Top Steelband Music Videos

When Steel Talks Video Channel

This Week’s New
WST Steelband Music Videos


   
Add Steelpan Music News Feed To Your Site: Click Here
 

RSS FEED
News Summaries

 


Pan World Share their Thoughts and Memories
on Clive Bradley

 Message Board * Guest Book * Blog



Join Us on facebook


 

Join Mailing List:  Receive the latest news from the steelpan world
Send us feedback: Let us know how we can improve the newsletter.
Unsubscribe: Click this link to be automatically unsubscribed from the newsletter mailing list.

Home * Site Search * Headlines * EventsPan Global * Message Board  * Guest Book * Pan News * Pan Radio * Twitter * Facebook * About UsContact

© 2010  basement recordings, inc. all rights reserved

ANY REPRODUCTION, REPRINTING OR COPYING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL - AUDIO, VISUAL OR TEXT - FROM THE BASEMENT RECORDINGS/WHEN STEEL TALKS/PANONTHENET WEBSITES, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF WHEN STEEL TALKS.

Search for Anything Steelpan Music Related

Google