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May 2011


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“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.
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 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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Web Posted - Tuesday May 31, 2011
When Steel Talks

Contagious Sounds Celebrates the Release of Debut Albums by Composers Andy Akiho & Ryan Francis, & Bang on a Can Pianist Vicky Chow
 

Album coover of Andy Akiho’s CD "No One To Know One"New York, USA - The Contagious Sounds series will present works from two recently released debut albums: Andy Akiho’s No One To Know One (Innova Records) which features Akiho on the steel pan in a wide range of ensemble settings, and composer Ryan Francis’s Works for Piano (Tzadik Records) which features Contagious Sounds director Vicky Chow on piano.
read more


Web Posted - Monday May 30, 2011
CarnivalSVG.com

Youlou Pan Movement
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
 

Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines - The Youlou Pan Movement is looking forward to a greater presence of steel bands in 2011 Carnival activities held both at Carnival City Victoria Park and elsewhere.

That’s the word from Head of the Youlou Pan Movement Warren Knights. Speaking at a Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) press conference on Monday May 23rd Knights said that the increased presence and involvement will come in addition to the usual junior and senior panorama as well as in pan’s involvement in J’ouvert, Miss Carival and pre carnival activities like the Youlou Pan Movement panorama launch on Sunday May 22nd.

Knights described the launch as successful while he noted that the pan sides were of an extremely high standard.  “The enthusiasm from the audience and the skill and youthful exuberance displayed by the players speaks of the possibility for further growth and development of the steel pan movement in SVG,” said Knights.

The Pan Head said that the Youlou Pan Movement has recognized the need for pan to be more marketable and as a result they will engage in promotional drives to showcase pan and attract more interest to the art form.
read more


Web Posted - Monday May 30, 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News

St. John Pan-o-Rama

Performing at the 2011 St. John Pan-o-Rama
 

St. John, USVI - Instructor Liston "Mathey" Sewer teaches steel pan because he loves it.

And it shows.

"We started in September last year," he said of the 25 fourth graders of the Joseph Gomez Pan Blasters performing Saturday during Pan-O-Rama at the Winston Wells Ball Field on St. John.

"The most important thing is to see how their motor skills develop," Sewer said.

Sewer's crew trains for 20 minutes three times a week, he said.

The event introduces the more-than-month-long St. John Festival 2011, which concludes July 4 with J’Ouvert in the morning and fireworks at night.

Pan-o-Rama showcased 12 steel pan groups from St. John and St. Thomas.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday May 26, 2011
When Steel Talks

Jazz on Pan Thoughts from Panman Garvin Blake
 

Panist Iman Pascal performs at Jazz on Pan at Brooklyn MuseumNew York, USA - He is one of the most insightful, thought-provoking, knowledgeable and intelligent people involved in the steelpan movement today. Respected steelband arranger, recording and performing artist Garvin Blake shares his thoughts on the standout cast of younger generation steelpan musicians, who took the stage at the recent USSA (United States Steelband Association) Jazz on Pan Brooklyn concert. Blake was in the audience which settled in for fascinating performances from the likes of Mustafa Alexander, Iman Pascall, Earl Brooks, Jr., Andre White and Kareem Thompson who preceded the main attraction, panist Andy Narell and his band.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday May 25, 2011
When Steel Talks

Grenada’s “Angel Harps Steel Orchestra” in the Spotlight

Angel Harps Junior Steel Orchestra
 

St. George’s, Grenada, W.I. - The islands of the Caribbean all have their unique identities and signature in spite of their many similarities. No more is this borne out than in their music, rhythms and cultural idiosyncrasies. The world-class steel orchestras of Grenada have, and continue to, contribute interesting dynamics to the global steelpan music landscape where steelbands have been in existence since the 1940s. Meet twelve– (12) time national panorama champion - ‘in the WST Spotlight’ - Angel Harps Steel Orchestra from Grenada.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday May 25, 2011
Mission City Record

Twilight concerts begin June 1
 

British Columbia, Canada - The Envision Twilight Concert Series returns June 1 kicking off its 21st year at Fraser River Heritage Park.

....The heartbeat of drums will reverberate through the park as Chilliwack’s Pandora Steel Drum Band opens the series.

The band was has been a performing part of the Chilliwack secondary music program since 2001. It was a pet project of principal Dale Halcrow (retired) and it was started by percussion virtuoso Craig Scott. The band is now under the leadership of music teacher Gary Raddysh.

Students perform at a very high level but are also encouraged to have fun making music. The steel drums or pans are instruments unlike most tuned percussion, and their sound is truly festive. Pandora Steel Band is one of only two student steel bands in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.

The group performs about 50 times per school year. Community groups and service clubs invite the band for parties and fundraising events. They often perform for surrounding communities at carnivals and festivals.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday May 24, 2011
When Steel Talks

Jazz on Pan a Noteworthy Brooklyn First
 

Panist Kareem Thompson performs at Jazz on Pan at Brooklyn MuseumNew York, USA - It was an evening of Jazz on Pan - and music lovers did not even have to journey into the city ‘proper’ to experience two and a half hours which showcased the skills of some of the finest young steelpan musicians this region has to offer, along with a headline act.

....A who’s who of essentially Brooklyn’s younger generation in the steelpan world would grace the stage - each delivering a few selections before headliner and veteran steel panist Andy Narell and his band.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday May 22, 2011
NY Daily News

Pan Jazz 2011 on deck in what’s rapidly becoming much more than a jazz and steelpan music concert
 

Steel drum player Victor ProvostNew York, USA - Under a unique Caribbean folkloric theme, South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela and veteran steelpan musicians will be performing in next month's Pan Jazz 2011, which is becoming much more than a jazz and steelpan music concert.

....The event features a food-and-drink reception, travel and product exhibitions and a Caribbean carnival presentation in addition to the music.

The Caribbean folklore theme “Tales from the Silk Cotton Tree” traverses through the concert starring Masekela, steelpan musicians Victor Provost and Leon Foster Thomas....
read more


Web Posted - Saturday May 21, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Songwriter ‘Lexo’ joins with lyricist for Panorama 2012
 

Anthony ‘Lexo’ AlexisTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Songwriter/pan composer Anthony “Lexo” Alexis has now joined with Jason “Peanuts” Isaac as his lyricist for Panorama 2012. With the strains of 2011 music still in the air, the veteran composer, who formed a formidable team with Len “Boogsie” Sharpe for six years, is upbeat about his new link. “I feel honoured to work with Jason “Peanuts” Isaac,” Alexis told T&T Guardian. Jason, who has own music firm JPI Music Inc, of Brooklyn, USA, is also upbeat about having Alexis on board, and is looking forward to a fruitful union.
read more


Web Posted - Friday May 20, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pakistani artiste gets gift of music
 

Legendary Pakistani artiste, Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is presented with a steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, by Randy Ramtahal, a director on the TSTT Board of Directors, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, on May 14Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The next time legendary Pakistani artiste, Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performs here, which he promises will be soon, he just might play some steelpan music for his local fans. Bmobile, during Ali Khan’s concert at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, on May 14, presented the gift of a tenor pan, complete with case, to Ali Khan in appreciation of his excellent musical presentation that totalled over two hours with a twenty-minute break midway through. The steelpan was presented to Ali Khan by Randy Ramtahal, a director on the TSTT Board of Directors during the second half of his performance.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday May 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

Steelpan phenom Liam Teague delights audience in first UK appearance
by Robbie Joseph
 

Liam Teague performs at Pan Jazz in the UKEngland, UK - US-based steelpan music artist, composer, arranger and educator Liam Teague performed for the first time in the UK, at the Pan Jazz concert held on the third Sunday of every month. May 15th saw Carnival Village - housed in the famous Tabernacle, Powis Square, London - come alive with some scintillating steelpan music by the man hailed as the “Paganini of the Steelpan.” Teague currently serves as the Head of Steelpan Studies and is an Associate Professor of Music at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the United States. Along with Clifford Alexis, he co-directs the Northern Illinois University Steelband. Liam is the recipient of many awards in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, including championships for his ability with the steelpan, violin and recorder.
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Web Posted - Thursday May 19, 2011
newsnet5.com

Akron company, Panyard Inc., marches to beat of a different drum
 

At work manufacturing a steelpan at Panyard Inc.Ohio, USA - From the outside, Panyard Inc. looks like a bland building in the middle of an Akron working class neighborhood on California Avenue.

But if you step inside, close your eyes and listen, you can easily imagine sitting on a Caribbean beach with a mai tai at your side.

Panyard is recognized as the world leader in manufacturing steel drums. The company, now in its 21st year, carefully crafts instruments that make that "put a smile on your face" reggae sound.

....Panyard is just starting to turn a nice profit. A big reason for that: kids and schools clamoring for a beginner steel drum called The Jumbie Jam.

"The Jumbies, we're putting out close to 3,000 or 4,000 a year, and that's growing rapidly," Kerns said.
read more / see video


Web Posted - Thursday May 19, 2011
When Steel Talks

No Pan in the 21st Century/Pan Down Memory Lane for 2011
 

Sforzata Steel OrchestraTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago has officially notified its membership - and the public - that due to a “fall in sponsorship,” a decision has been taken to shelve this year’s staging of the Pan Down Memory Lane and Pan in the 21st Century competitions customarily held in May.

Pan Trinbago will instead produce a show on June 18th 2011 with some of the past winners of Pan Down Memory Lane and Pan in the 21st Century competitions.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday May 19, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Borough Day engine of cultural growth
 

Fonclaire Steel OrchestraTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....The actual Borough Day—Pan on the Move—which initially was a late afternoon into the night street parade affair, now runs from late Friday night to midnight on Saturday, no sleep, and carries a J’Ouvert, and a segment which showcases traditional and Tuesday mas. This escalation, and the movement away from the typical annual steelband event, is a sure sign of progress. Interestingly though, the size and scope of the festival does not detract from the underlying theme and genesis of Borough Day, which clearly is a focus on the street traditions of steelpan and calypso, and for that, these planners should be very highly respected. The 2K11 edition was built around tributes to the late Mighty Duke and SuperBlue, both Point Fortin bred national icons, driven by a reaffirming and inspirational slogan—Pan Glorious Pan.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday May 18, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Fyzabad band tops in Siparia pan contest

Members of the Fyzabad 4th Dimension steelband play their way to victory at the Pan on the Move competition in Siparia during the weekend of celebrations
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - In a spirited battle of the steelbands at the annual Siparia Fete pan competition, Fyzabad 4th Dimension snatched the $10,000 first prize in the Pan on the Move on Saturday evening. The colourfully dressed young panists delivered sweet music before the large crowd on the streets. Under a slight drizzle, the competition flowed smoothly. It was divided into three segments: Pan on the Move, religious competition and a Baron competition.
read more


Web Posted - Monday May 16, 2011
Town Crier

Steel Pan fever
Toronto District School Board students groove to Caribbean rhythms at weeklong fest
 

Toronto District School Board’s annual Panfest
 

Ontario, Canada - Students from across the city moved to the beat of the pan, performing and listening to hundreds of their peers play during the Toronto District School Board’s annual Panfest. The weeklong festival’s finale took place at Bickford Centre near Bloor Street West and Christie Street on April 21.
click for slideshow


Web Posted - Monday May 16, 2011
CARIBARENA Antigua

Carnival Revolt Underway
“if the CDC wishes to proceed with Carnival without a steelband competition then ‘so be it.’”
 

Carnival RevoltSt. John’s, Antigua, W.I. - A major test of willpower has developed between the Carnival Development Committee (CDC) and representatives of three major participant groupings in the annual summer festival.

The CDC has set Monday May 16 as the deadline for registration for those wishing to take part in any of the Carnival competitions.

....The deadline will affect calypsonians in both the Monarch and Soca Monarch competitions, as well as mas and steel bands.

....The Steelband Association, which signs a contract with the CDC on behalf of participating steel bands, will also not meet the May 16 deadline. President Patrick Stone Johnson said the association is owed money by the CDC for Carnival 2010, and that it will not enter into any new arrangements with the CDC until all the arrears are cleared.

He added that if the CDC wishes to proceed with Carnival without a steelband competition then "so be it".
read more


Web Posted - Saturday May 14, 2011
LoHud.com

African American Day in Nyack

JamCarr Ekklipse Steelband
 

Rockland Country, New York, USA  - Lynn O'Connor of Nyack, right, dances to the music of “Ekklipse” of Spring Valley steel-drum band at the third annual African American Day parade and multicultural festival at Memorial Park in Nyack on May 14, 2011. O'Connor, originally of Trinidad, said she is a friend of the band
original pic & more
related article here


Web Posted - Saturday May 14, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Diamond Vale panists take Journey in Steel
 

Having abandoned their instruments, members of the Diamond Vale Government Primary School Steel Ensemble render The Song of Music trilogyTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Twenty years after forming the nation’s first school’s steelband, the Diamond Vale Government Primary School Steel Ensemble took patrons on A Journey in Steel at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, under the direction of their conductor and arranger Yolande Joseph. They also released a CD, When Dreams Come True. At the concert, on Tuesday, the young panists showed poise and talent and performed to a standard that could rival many adult pan sides. The diminutive players stood behind their glistening pans, looking sharp in their maroon blazers. They started the show with an energetic rendition of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nacht Musik, arranged by Chris Tanner. A more hushed Panis Angelicus, arranged by Nervin Saunders, followed, after which came Can Can, arranged by Dr Jeannine Remy.

....Ensemble members showed their talent is not limited to playing pan: they came forward and sang I Am His Child.
read more


Web Posted - Friday May 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

David Maunday, veteran North Stars Steelpan Musician Speaks
 

Pan Am North Stars Steel OrchestraGlobal - In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks, veteran North Stars Steel Orchestra player David Maunday shares an insider’s view of what and who made Trinidad & Tobago’s Pan Am North Stars Steel Orchestra so legendary, and a business bastion of musical professionalism. He talks about the band’s iconic leader Anthony Williams, and Maunday also delves into what led probably to the eventual demise of this formerly stalwart steelband music business organization.
read more


Web Posted - Friday May 13, 2011
When Steel Talks

Miami University Steel Band hosts PanFest 2011 with 150 Steelpan Musicians
by Chris Tanner

Miami University Steel Band performs at PanFest 2011
 

Ohio, USA - Oxford, Ohio was the site for a full day of pan dubbed PanFest 2011, a collaborative effort between university, high school and community steel bands, along with renowned pan artists. The evening concert culminated in a mass steel band performance involving eight ensembles, comprising over 150 musicians performing simultaneously.

The Miami University (MU) Steel Band, under the direction of Chris Tanner, hosted the event. Tanner’s group joined with the Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Steel Band to perform a first half set of primarily original compositions, including Tanner’s Panorama-style composition, Star City Suite.
read more


Web Posted - Thursday May 12, 2011
metroWYN

Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra to perform at opera house

The Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra (CKSO)
 

Lancaster, New York, USA  - Join the Carnival Kids Steel Orchestra (CKSO) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27 for a special concert to benefit the Lancaster Opera House.

....Under the direction of Ken Kowalski, CKSO comprises student musicians from Lancaster Central High School. The band performs approximately 20 times a year and is the third oldest established high school steel drum program in the country. With hit songs sure to get you thinking of summer, this promises to be a fun concert.
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday May 10, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Perreira gets bpTT head-start for music career
 

Aaron Perreira, centre, receives his award as Most Outstanding StudentTrinidad & Tobago, W.I. - If the musical talent of budding pan-tuner Aaron Perreira is anything to go by, then the future of the steelpan movement is in good hands. Perreira, 18, a former student of Belmont Boys Secondary School (formerly Intermediate,) is the proud recipient of a special trophy awarded by energy company bpTT as the Most Outstanding Student in a pan construction course. Presentation of the award was made on Monday by Ronda Francis, corporate responsibility manager, bpTT. Sharing the moment was Barry Yeates, founder and manager of Pan Development Unlimited (PDU).
read more


Web Posted - Tuesday May 10, 2011
Madisonmohawks.org

Madison Steel Drum and Jazz Band Highlights
 

Madison Steeldrum eventMiddletown, Ohio, USA - This past weekend was a busy one for members of the Madison Instrumental Program! The Steel Band and Jazz Band were both in action multiple times throughout the weekend! On Friday, May 6th the Steel Band performed before the Dayton Dragon's games for the second year in a row! The Dragon's actually used a picture of the Steel Band from last year to publicize their performance opportunities this year! After their performance on the plaza the steel band members were treated to their own private area in the ballpark to watch the game for the rest of the evening.

On Saturday, May 7th the Steel Band members were back in action as they were part of the opening ceremonies for SpringFest. After their performance most of the members changed from their Steel Band shirts into their Jazz Band Shirts and performed for a second time during the SpringFest festivities. 90% of the Jazz Band members also participate in the Steel Band!
read more


Web Posted - Monday May 9, 2011
When Steel Talks

Trinbago Veteran TV & Cultural Personality & Desperadoes Steel Orchestra supporter Allyson Hennessy passes
 

Wearing her Desperadoes 'T-Shirt', Allison Hennessy interviews Len "Boogsie" Sharpe at the 'wake' for the late Clive Bradley in Desperadoes' Panyard
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Trinidad & Tobago veteran television and cultural personality Allyson Hennessy, who passed away on Saturday night after a relatively short illness.

A lover of the steelband music and artform herself, Ms. Hennessy was a staunch proponent of the legendary Desperadoes Steel Orchestra and could be counted on for a public and positive outlook regarding the historic Laventille Hill-based music organization.
read more


Web Posted - Sunday May 8, 2011
When Steel Talks

‘Children You Must Love Your Mother’ - Steelpan Tribute to MOM on Her Day
sung by Elva “Choklet” King
composed by steelpan musician Hayden Lynch

Steelpan composer and musician Hayden Lynch
 

Global - It’s Mother’s Day all around the world, and Steelpan Moms and Steelband Music-related Moms - are as important and revered as any on the planet.  Over the years they have been commemorated in song, and, also in steelband composition as well.

For the 2011 Panorama season, composer and steelpan musician Hayden Lynch penned a tribute to Mothers, beautifully vocalized by Elva “Choklet” King, called “Children You Must Love Your Mother.”

The team of Lynch and King brings together in lyrics, music and performance, an enjoyable and apt ditty honoring Moms globally, especially those connected with the steelband culture and art form.  Listen and enjoy!
click to hear


Web Posted - Sunday May 8, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Smooth Borough Day celebrations in Point Fortin
 

Point Fortin, Trinidad - ....Concerns that loud music from DJs would disturb the steel bands were nipped in the bud as the DJ’s switched off their music while the pan bands passed through the streets. The We Meet/Pan Jam started on Friday night from 7 pm in which pan lovers chipped beside their favourite bands as they proceeded to the judging points.

Among the steel bands were, TCL Skiffle Bunch, Trinidad Valley Harps, Point Fortin Tornadoes, WITCO Desperados and bpTT All Stars [sic]. After the sounds of steel had passed, there was one of the biggest street parties in the country in which music was provided by DJ’s positioned along the Main Road. The J’Ouvert celebrations began promptly at 4 am with bands coming from every corner of the borough with a few guest bands from San Fernando.
read more


Web Posted - Saturday May 7, 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News

Children’s Parade full of color and cheer

Steelband in the Virgin Island's Children's Parade
 

St. Thomas, USVI - ....Of course, no parade would be complete without steelpan music, and at the Children's Parade the bands were out in force: the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School steelpan; the 12-year-old Ulla F. Muller Panatics Steel Band, who were "Keeping pan alive in the V.I."; the Antilles Steel Hurricanes steelpan band; the St. Thomas All Stars Steelband; St. John's Love City Pan Dragons; the V.I. Superior Court Rising Stars' BCB Steel Orchestra; the Jammerz; the Pro Style Band; the Devil Rays steel orchestra; and Poizon Band.

One of the highlights of the parade was the majorettes - those baton-twirling girls in ostentatious costumes who fascinate spectators with their rhythmic gymnastics. Friday's parade featured the 50-year-old Sebastien Majorettes; the Charming Twirlers Majorettes, celebrating their 25th anniversary; and the St. Thomas Majorettes.
read more


Web Posted - Saturday May 7, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Philmore shows pure pizzazz at Pazzaz
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Iconic panist Ken “Professor” Philmore delivered a masterclass music “lecture” in the art form last Friday night to kick off a funky weekend phase of the Tobago Jazz Experience. Long regarded as one of the finest in the world, Philmore further enhanced his reputation as he dazzled the large crowd at “Pazzaz,” the seventh night of the festival at the scenic Pigeon Point Heritage Park.

Philmore found himself surrounded on the card by explosive steel orchestras like reigning National Panorama champion Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars and last year’s champ PCS Silver Stars but he towered like a colossus, exploring material ranging from contemporary jazz to old school R&B. Asked to come behind a sizzling performance by Silver Stars, “the Professor” came out swinging, hardly missing a beat as he launched into Spyro Gyra’s enchantingly melodic Morning Dance.
read more


Web Posted - Friday May 6, 2011
When Steel Talks

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Steelpan & Steelband Music Moms all over the world!

Happy Mother's Day to alll Steelpan and Steelband Music Moms from When Steel Talks
 

click here


Web Posted - Friday May 6, 2011
When Steel Talks

Andrew Morrison’s interest in the Physics of the Steelpan Instrument

Tuning a tenor pan instrument
 

Global - The 161st Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America takes place in Seattle, Washington at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel later this month, May 23-27, 2011.  And why is this of interest, one may ask? Well, two of the invited presentations/papers focus on the Steelpan instrument.

In a May 25 session devoted to: Musical Acoustics: Materials in Musical Instruments chaired by Uwe J. Hansen, of Indiana State University, Department of Physics - an Invited Paper titled “Material properties of steel in the steelpan” is the subject of interest. This paper comes from Andrew C. Morrison, currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at DePaul University, Department of Physics in Chicago. From 2000–2005 NIU (Northern Illinois University) was ‘home’ to Morrison where he was a Teaching Assistant.
read more


Web Posted - Friday May 6, 2011
Taunton Daily Gazette

We are the world: BSU concert raises money for Japanese disaster victims

A member of the Tropical Beat Steel Band plays a steel drum as Bridgewater State University students dance to the rhythm
 

Massachusetts, USA  - A member of the Tropical Beat Steel Band plays a steel drum as Bridgewater State University students dance to the rhythm. The concert was part of the annual World Music Day, an all-day event that each year collects donations for a worthy cause.

This year the proceeds went to Japanese Red Cross Society relief efforts for survivors of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country in March. World Music Day, along with other recent campus events, including cultural programming, lectures, concerts and bake sales, have thus far raised approximately $5,000 for the cause.
click for original post


Web Posted - Friday May 6, 2011
Caribarena News

Halcyon Steel Celebrates 40 Years

Halcyon Steel Orchestra playing at a Sunday night party at Shirley Heights.jpg
 

St. John’s, Antigua, W.I. - The reigning Panorama champs, Hadeed Group of Companies/AMP Halcyon Steel Orchestra, will observe [observed] its 40th anniversary on Thursday May 5.

The band, which hails from the Gray’s Green community, was founded in 1971 by then MP for the area, Selvyn Walter.

In his campaign leading up to the 1971 general elections, Walter promised to give the residents of the St John’s Rural West constituency “a steel band that would be the national champion arising out of the most populous and talented sector of Antigua”.
read more


Web Posted - Wednesday May 4, 2011
Barbados Today

Steel pan introduced at NYU
 

Barbados, W.I. - Merchant sang Pan in Danger some 26 years ago. He must be smiling now, from his musical space beyond Earth.

The news that would surely bring a smile to his face is the development at New York University. There, world-famed percussionist Jonathan Haas, described by Ovation magazine as "the Paganini of the timpani", has done something revolutionary for the steel pan.

He has introduced pan into the percussion programme at NYU in a spectacular way. Matriculating students there must master not one, but several instruments in the steel pan family, as well as their instrument of choice. It is not a choice but is mandatory, which sets NYU apart from all of the other colleges there offering steel pan on their curriculum. What is more, this month the university's pan side is releasing a CD this month, of composer Philip Glass' Piano Etudes.
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Web Posted - Monday May 2, 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News

Steel Band Jamboree

The Joseph Sibilly Elementary School Sun Rays perform Sunday during the Steelband Jamboree at Lionel Roberts Stadium on St. Thomas
 

St. Thomas, USVI - The unmistakable sound of steel pans rose from Lionel Roberts Stadium on Sunday afternoon as bands from St. Thomas and St. John performed in the Steel Band Jamboree.

One by one, bands representing schools and other organizations took the stage to play for about 15 minutes each. People crowded the infield of the stadium to dance to the rhythm as musicians pounded out the beat.

The Rising Stars Steel Youth Steel Orchestra also performed. The group pulled its three-trolly trailer into the infield as people crowded in to listen to the loud music play.
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Web Posted - Sunday May 1, 2011
PNJ.com

Cultures unite in their love of music at Goombay Festival
 

Steelband performs at Goombay festivalFlorida, USA  Hot sun, cool breezes and the unmistakable sound of steel drums. Eyes closed, it was easy to mistake downtown Pensacola for a Caribbean island.

On Saturday, the historic Belmont-DeVilliers area was awash with the sounds and scents of the Goombay Festival. The fifth annual event featured reggae, calypso and steel drum performances throughout the afternoon and evening, along with various food and merchandise vendors.

Second tenor steel drum strapped to his chest, Larry Adams strolled through the crowded Belmont parking lot with other members of the University of West Florida Percussion Ensemble. The 23-year-old was enjoying his first Goombay Festival.

"It's great to see so many cultures and different types of people in one place," Adams observed. "Personally, it's really cool to walk around, playing for everyone. It's very freeing."

And downright infectious.
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Web Posted -
When Steel Talks

When Steel Talks Steelband Music Message Board is Open
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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.

 

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