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June
2013 |
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BASEMENT
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The Business of Steelpan Music 24 -7
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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.
click to listen
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WST
YouTube Channel
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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 >>
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When Steel Talks family!
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When Steel
Talks
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WST’s Official Steelpan Music
Shop
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Web Posted -
Sunday June 30, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
New York Pan Stars present Pantastic Friday
Pan, powder and fog in de place!
|
New York, USA -
In concert with the band, the crowd
spontaneously and enthusiastically shouted -
“Spread yuh hands and leh go - Spread yuh hands
in the air everybody - Spread yuh hands and leh
go - Hand in the air....”
There is nothing like a hot New York Summer
night, the sound of iron and the melodic mixture
of steel dropping the rhythms of the night,
while making hypnotic music that has the crowd
singing, dancing and/or just taking in the pan
vibes.
And if you were one of the many performing
steelpan musicians on this night, you already
know there is nothing like that intoxicating
smell of Pan, iron and sweat mixed in with the
highs and joy of performing live in front of a
Brooklyn crowd.
read more |
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Web Posted -
Sunday June 30, 2013
TimesReporter.com
|
Dover, Phila High drum bands join efforts at
show
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Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, USA - Pictured above
- The Dover High School (from left), Grace
Moravian of New York City and New Philadelphia
steel drum bands play the finale during Sunday's
Grace in the Valley Concert.
Steel drum bands from Dover and New Philadelphia
high schools combined talents with a steel drum
band from Queens, N.Y., to put on a show Sunday
afternoon at the Performing Arts Center at Kent
State University Tuscarawas. In addition to the
concert, performers practiced Saturday morning
before having a picnic at Schoenbrunn Village
later that afternoon.
read more |
Web Posted -
Saturday June 29, 2013
Hamilton
Spectator
|
Steeltown’s steelpan player
Drumming got him into trouble — and into
Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music
|
Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada -
....Wherever he was — at home on Francis Street
or in class at Bennetto Elementary School —
Dejehan "Lucky" Hamilton tapped on surfaces,
kept a beat, made a racket.
His mother wanted him to learn piano, but for
Hamilton, now 19, drums were a singular passion.
....At the time, no one knew the banging that
landed Hamilton in so much hot water would lead
him to one of the most prestigious music schools
in the world — Boston's Berklee College of
Music.
....He found out about the school in 2011. It
was the only place he knew that had a steelpan
program, but the cost was an issue. Hamilton is
the second-youngest of six kids. His mother
raised them alone on her salary as a custodian
at McMaster University. Still, Hamilton's mother
encouraged him to apply. If he got in, they'd
figure something out.
Fortunately, Berklee took care of that. The
school was so impressed with Hamilton's audition
(he played Spain, a Latin jazz tune by Chick
Corea) that they offered him a full academic
scholarship for four years. It made him the
school's first Canadian steelpan player and one
of only three in the current student body.
read more |
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Web Posted -
Thursday June 27, 2013
Carnivalsvg.com
|
Junior Pan Fest
|
Kingstown, St.
Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I. - Junior
Panorama ain't missing me" is how one pan fan
put it this week as action heats up for Vincy
Mas 2013.
On Sunday June 30th, can the
community champions Sion Hill Euphonium Steel
Orchestra defend their title and will the C W
Prescod Primary School retain the schools
trophy?
The only way to find out is to come to this
year's St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC)
Junior Pan Fest where performances will come
from 12 pan sides.
The competitions being contested are the School
Based Bands Competition and the Community Based
Bands Competition and these competitions will
see performance from six pan sides each.
Taking part in the school competition are the
Girl's High School (GHS), the St. Joseph Convent
Kingstown (SJCK), the Adelphi Secondary School,
the CW Prescod Primary School, the Bishop's
College Kingstown (BCK) and the Troumaca Primary
School.
read more |
Web Posted -
Thursday June 27, 2013
Capital Gazette
|
Island fun at Annapolis Senior Activity
Center
|
Maryland, USA
-
More than 150 seniors listened to the steel drum
and Caribbean music of Orlando Phillips at the
Annapolis Senior Activity Center’s island party
on June 5.
Some did more, participating in a “wild” Congo
line. Some dancers even went on the stage to
show off their moves.
One senior said the center could play this music
every day of the week, because she loved it.
Another said it reminded her of her teenage
years. Still another noted that her aerobics
instructor would be proud.
read more |
Web Posted -
Thursday June 27, 2013
Carnivalsvg.com
|
None stop entertainment at Steel and Glitter
|
Kingstown, St.
Vincent & the Grenadines, W.I. - While
persons await the performance of the band Touch
at the Steel and Glitter Show (Panorama) on
Friday July 5th, they will be
entertained fully as 11 Mas bands and seven
steel pan sides compete for top prizes.
The Steel and Glitter show showcases in a
competitive way, the talent of the senior pan
players as well as the talent of the local mas
builders in the Sections of the Band
competition.
The seven steel orchestras competing on the
night are the Potential Steel Orchestra, the
Georgetown All Stars, the Symphonix Steel
Orchestra, Elite Steel Orchestra, South East
Steel Orchestra, Starlift Steel Orchestra and
defending champions the Sion Hill Euphonium
Steel Orchestra.
read more |
Web Posted -
Wednesday June 26, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
New York Steelbands say “We ready, We ready...” at Crossfire’s Yard Opening
The smell and sound of Pan hits the Big Apple
|
New
York, USA - Maybe it was the fact that it
was the first official day of Summer and
technically the longest day of the year. Or
maybe it was because there was a brilliant full
moon glowing over the yard. Or maybe it was
simply the luxury of TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday). Whatever the reason, esteemed members of the New York steel orchestra contingents delivered a global message that was precise and clear - the message, as Caribbean music superstar Bunji Garlin
put it, was - “We ready - We ready - We ready.”
read more |
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Web Posted -
Tuesday June 25, 2013
The Trinidad
Guardian
|
At 75, more still to come from Rodney
|
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -
At the peak of his solo career, musician
and arranger Earl Rodney was travelling
frequently between the UK, the US and Trinidad
performing at various events. Since 2008, he’s
been based in Trinidad and has remained largely
out of the public eye.
According to Rodney, travelling was rough and a
well-deserved break was needed. The 75-year-old
Point Fortin-native has spent a lot of time
working on his garden, finishing his home, and
generally relaxing.
This does not mean, however, that he’s given up
music.
....“I keep playing all the time. I’m improving.
Everyday I go on my pan and find out things I
didn’t know before. It’s like you’ve never seen
the pan before. I haven’t reached a bottleneck
yet. It’s like out there (pointing to the sky),
there’s no end.”
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 24, 2013
NIU Today
|
NIU steelpan maker, artist Cliff Alexis
selected for 2013 Percussive Arts Society Hall
of Fame
|
Illinois,
Chicago, USA -
NIU’s
Cliff Alexis, steel drum builder and tuner
and co-director of the world-renowned NIU Steel
Band, is among four prominent percussionists
chosen for induction to the Percussive Arts
Society Hall of Fame.
The induction of the quartet, all important
figures who have shaped the percussion world
through their innovations, performances and
scholarly work, takes place Thursday, Nov. 14,
during the 39th annual Percussive Arts Society
International Convention at the Indianapolis
Convention Center.
....Alexis is internationally recognized within
the steelpan community for his generous
contributions as a performer, composer,
arranger, tuner, builder and educator.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Sunday June 23, 2013
Jamaica
Observer
|
Panoramic perspectives
|
Jamaica, W.I. -
In a culture dominated by hardcore reggae
and dancehall rhythms, St Vincent and the
Grenadines steel pan players Reajhaun Baptiste
and Rodney Small said it took some convincing to
win over the local audiences.
Baptiste, 27, and Small, 25, recently completed
their four-year bachelor's degree in jazz and
popular music performance at the Edna Manley
College of the Visual and Performing Arts in St
Andrew.
"My strategy to win over the Jamaican audience
was to first give them their own culture on pan.
So I played dancehall and reggae, then mixed it
with my own musical style," Small told The
Sunday Observer.
Baptiste said the steel pan is oftentimes
stereotyped as an instrument associated with
Carnival.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Thursday June 20, 2013
The Mountain
Times
|
Cue the Fourchestra
|
Boone, North
Carolina, USA -
Jonathan Scales, front man for the Jonathan
Scales Fourchestra, said it is almost impossible
to pinpoint the distinct sound of his steel
pan-driven trio.
To decipher Scales’s vision and
sound, which has been compared by some labels as
“blurring the lines of jazz,” would require a
firsthand experience.
That’s something he hopes
Boone Saloon regulars will do when he takes to
the downtown venue’s stage Saturday, June 22.
“The best way to describe it,” Scales said, with
a pause. “....I play the steel drums, and it’s
not a sound you would normally hear. You are not
going to hear stereotypical cruise ship music.
This is more of a progressive approach, and we
push the boundaries by mixing styles in our
rhythmic and harmonic approaches.”
read more |
Web Posted -
Thursday June 20, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
The Proof is in the Pudding - CASYM’s Young Stars
Shine at Steelband Concert
CASYM Spring Concert 2013 - featuring PS
161, Class 1 and Class 2
|
New
York, USA - “Show me!” That is
simple Brooklyn-ese for ‘let your success do
your talking.’ And having said that, CASYM
(Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Youth
Movement, Inc.) rolled out its roster of young,
new, and upcoming talent for the world to see at
their annual Spring Concert. As is the norm,
they did not disappoint.
With some of the tiny performers barely clearing
their steelpan instruments, and appearing on
stage probably for the first time, these young
aspiring artists delivered the goods much to the
satisfaction of the cheering and adoring
audience made up of parents, family, friends and
community members.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Wednesday June 19, 2013
The Globe and
Mail
|
Toronto school board saves music program
|
Toronto, Canada
- The Toronto District School Board will
save its cherished music program.
Trustees voted Wednesday night to balance its
books by cutting nearly $30-million.
But a proposal to shave $2-million off the
deficit by
cutting
back on itinerant music instructors was
shelved. IMIs are musicians who lead bands and
strings and steel pan groups in Grades 5 through
8.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Wednesday June 19, 2013
Trinidad Express
Newspapers
|
Steelband unity at Renegades
|
Port-of-Spain,
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Despite the
fact that they are not sure if they still have a
sponsor, Skiffle Steel, of Coffee Street, San
Fernando, came to Charlotte Street in Port of
Spain and gave northerners a treat with their
music on Tuesday evening.
Skiffle Steel’s sponsorship contract with Junior
Sammy Group of Companies came to an end in March
and since then there has been no indication from
the company if they will continue as sponsors of
the band or renew the contract.
This did not seem to weigh on the players’ minds
when they got to bp Renegades’ first-ever Labour
Day Kaiso and Steel concert.
The event also featured calypsonians Crazy and
Explainer along with Supanovas Steel Orchestra,
Republic Bank Exodus, Skiffle Steel and host
Renegades.
Skiffle’s repertoire included “Whole Wide
World”, “Georgia” and “I want to Make Love to
You”, which had patrons singing and dancing, as
well as their 2013 Panorama song “The Dream” and
Andy Narell’s “Coffee Street”.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Wednesday June 19, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Pan On Fire for Solo Contest - Tristan Japsi
Victorious
USSA holds first solo competition - But
Steelpan Folks Curiously Missing...
|
New
York, USA - First off, very few have been
as critical of USSA (United States Steelband
Association) over the years as When Steel
Talks (WST); however, if the truth be told,
the last couple of events produced by USSA have
been great ideas. Moreover, USSA has moved their
ideas from thought to action and actually
produced some solid events.
The latest USSA event was the Pan On Fire solo
competition held at the Tropical Paradise
Ballroom in Brooklyn. This was indeed an event
that should have been standing room only - but
curiously enough the turnout and support of the
event was surprisingly disappointing. The
contest was designed to showcase the musical
talents of the young up-and-coming steelpan
musicians—of which Brooklyn is in no shortage
of—through a solo competition.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 17, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
The Steel-band in Trinidad: Should it be
seen as Art, Culture or…. Business?
|
WST Forum - “I
am always struck by the notion that some insist
on seeing the steelband's future purely as
business.
“And I'm not talking about the professional
panist, or even the small 'side" that does gigs
and may even be doing quite well.
“And obviously for a steelband to be successful,
its finances should be handled in a proficient
and businesslike manner.
“I'm talking about the Steel
Orchestra, the large steel band
made up mostly of amateurs who actually play for
the joy of it, though of course financial
compensation for their efforts is highly
appreciated.
“Now, pan has potential to generate income, and maybe this potential has not been fully taken advantage of.
Some can and will make a profit from pan, and we sincerely hope that as many as possible do so.
Every way that the steelband can generate revenue should be explored and exploited.
“But the purpose of business is profit.”
click for
more |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 17, 2013
British Pathé
|
Rare Trinidad Carnival - Colour 1957 - Video
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. -
TRINIDAD CARNIVAL - Colour
watch video |
|
Web Posted -
Saturday June 15, 2013
Trinidad Express
Newspapers
|
Gill’s Pan Shop gets Gold ISLQ Award
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. -
Gill’s Pan Shop has been selected by the
International Star for Leadership in Quality (ISLQ)
Evaluation Committee, as proposed by BIDgroup (Brandname
of the companies BID Business Initiative
Directions, SA Imagen-Arte, SA Imarpress, y Jban
Atlantic SL), to receive the ISLQ Award in the
Gold Category in 2013.
Pan pioneer Merlin Gill and his son Mazzini,
General Manager of Gills Pan Shop are expected
to journey to Paris, France, for the Gala Dinner
and Awards Ceremony that will be held in the
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile (Concorde La Fayette)
at Palais de Congress de Paris, on Monday July
1, 2013.
This event which will be held within the 17th
International Quality Convention Paris on June
30 and July 1, 2013, is part of the annual
programme of BID, Business Initiative Directions
Awards, designed to recognise the prestige of
the outstanding companies, organisations, and
businessmen in the business world.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Saturday June 15, 2013
Pittsburgh Post
Gazette
|
Steel drum program for teens a hit but needs
permanent funding
|
Pennsylvania, USA -
Janera Solomon, the theater's executive
director, wasn't content to just listen to the
students rehearse. She picked up a pair of
mallets and joined the students, bobbing along
to the beat. As the daughter of renowned
steelpan craftsman and musician Phil Solomon,
she has had a life immersed in music.
...."I'm a former teaching artist. I taught in a
lot of schools, a lot of communities, and I've
gotten to see how great it was for kids to learn
a new instrument and a new art form," Ms.
Solomon said.
She knew that she wanted to create a youth steel
band ensemble, a dream that evolved into a
six-week after-school program taught by Mathew
Docktor.
read more,
get video |
|
Web Posted -
Saturday June 15, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Bayelsa State Junior Steel Orchestra on the
rise in Nigeria
|
Bayelsa State,
Nigeria - Bayelsa State, Nigeria, home
state of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan -
has keyed into the country’s steelpan art form
development with the formation of the Bayelsa
State Junior Steel Orchestra, whose players
are drawn from secondary schools throughout the
state.
....The orchestra is currently being trained by the producers of the
instruments, Africa Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company
Ltd., (ATTSDC)
based in Nigeria. Already, the band has attended two state
government functions where they thrilled the audience with familiar
Nigerian tunes.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Thursday June 13, 2013
UKZambians.co.uk
|
Kenya Airways flies the Melodians Steel
Orchestra (UK) to Livingstone in Zambia
|
England, UK -
The internationally acclaimed Melodians Steel
Orchestra departed London-Heathrow last night on
board a Kenya Airways flight to Zambia to play
at the British Embassy in Lusaka for the Queen’s
Birthday Party. The orchestra is now in its 26th
year and has travelled to over 30 countries
throughout the world to play at major musical
events.
After playing at the Queen’s Birthday party on
the 14th June they will fly to Livingstone on
the 20th June to play at the first ever
Livingstone Cultural Arts Festival on the
Waterfront. They will Fly Kenya Airways new
route to Livingstone which commenced service on
June 6th. Kenya Airways now flies
three times weekly – Sundays, Wednesdays and
Fridays – between Livingstone and its hub at
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi
via Harare International Airport in Zimbabwe.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Thursday June 13, 2013
Trinidad Express
Newspapers
|
Sundar Popo, Earl Rodney: musical maestros
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. -
..... Another creative genius who is still alive
and living in the deep south is a man who is
widely regarded as one of the greatest steelband
arrangers of all time, Earl Rodney of Point
Fortin.
Under his guidance, Solo Harmonites dominated
the Panorama scene capturing four championship
titles between 1968 and 1972. With his very
first Panorama title, Rodney demonstrated his
brilliance with a masterful arrangement of “The
“Wrecker’’ by Lord Kitchener.
In a recent interview he admitted that his
choice of tune was not popular with some members
who would have preferred something that
reflected the joy of Carnival instead of a
calypso about “wrecking old cars”. He held firm
and Solo’s “The Wrecker’’ took the town by
storm, running away with the top prize.
The following year Rodney chose Sparrow’s
“Bongo’’ to defend the title but had to settle
for third place although he maintains that
“Bongo was my ‘baddest’ arrangement”.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Thursday June 13, 2013
The Baltimore
Sun
|
Catonsville High music teacher retiring
after 40 years
Students praise steel drum band founder’s
infectious enthusiasm
|
Maryland, USA -
The steel drum sounds that filled the room at
Catonsville High School were so infectious that
students playing the instruments couldn't help
but dance. Music teacher Jim Wharton, the
cavorting leader of the impromptu jam session,
was steadily beating a cowbell when he stared
out a nearby window and spotted a truck driver
looking in while reversing the vehicle.
"Come on," Wharton beckoned, motioning the
driver to pull over and join the troupe. Even
though his calls went unheeded, the 62-year-old
child at heart resumed getting his groove on,
savoring the Caribbean flavor he helped
introduce to Baltimore County schools more than
20 years ago.
After teaching music in the county for nearly 40
years, Wharton is retiring. His last day
teaching is Friday, the end of the academic
calendar for Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel
counties.
read more,
get video |
|
Web Posted -
Wednesday June 12, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Kaethe George, longtime companion and business partner of
Dr. Ellie Mannette passes
Condolences to family and friends on the
passing of Kaethe George
|
Virginia, USA -
When Steel Talks extends condolences to the
family and friends of Kaethe George on her
passing. Ms. George was the longtime companion and
business partner of steelband icon Dr. Ellie
Mannette, and on June 11, 2013 succumbed to
cancer after a valiant battle
with the disease.
click for
more |
|
Web Posted -
Tuesday June 11, 2013
The Trinidad
Guardian
|
The school where Pan is king
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. -
Just last month, 11-year-old Ishmael Williams of
St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School emerged as
the most
outstanding student in a pan construction
and tuning course offered by Pan Development
Unlimited (PDU).
Williams was also one of the youngest
participants to take part in the course in its
almost 40-year history.
But at St Margaret’s Boys’ on St Margaret’s Lane
in Belmont, pan victory is nothing new. The
school boasts nine Junior Panorama champion
titles including an eight-year winning streak
between 2006 and 2013. This year, the school’s
under-13 orchestra
beat 11 other participating schools with its
rendition of Vibes by Destra Garcia and they
performed at the Florida Memorial University
Youth Steelband Festival in Miami for the fourth
time.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Tuesday June 11, 2013
Fauquier Now
|
Pan Masters will open Bluemont Concerts June
29
|
Virginia, USA -
The Pan Masters, a popular Caribbean steel band,
will open the 2013 Bluemont Concert Series in
Warrenton on Saturday night, June 29.
The Bluemont series will bring high-quality
performers to the Warren Green lawn, at Culpeper
and Hotel streets, on eight consecutive
Saturdays.
“We are very excited about this year’s wonderful
variety of music,” said Lily Dunning, Bluemont’s
new Executive Director.
read more |
Web Posted -
Monday June 10, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Meet William Jones of CASYM: An American
Success Story- UpClose!
|
New
York, USA - In an exclusive with the
organization's founder William Jones, thirty
years after its inception, Mr. Jones shares the
history and key to CASYM’s longevity and success
in producing outstanding individuals.
In addition, Mr. Jones speaks on opportunities
missed, shortsightedness of other leaders and
the magic of the steelpan.
click for interview |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 10, 2013
East London
Advertiser
|
Steel drums come to Limehouse for autism
charity concert
|
London, England, UK
- The sound of steel drums echoed through
the East End on Saturday evening as performers
staged a charity concert.
The Ebony Steel Band took to the stage at the
Royal Foundation of St Katharine in Butcher Row,
Limehouse, for an exclusive performance.
read more |
Web Posted -
Sunday June 9, 2013
CultureMap
Austin
|
Austin Community Steelband: Giving kids the
power of exotic music
|
Texas, USA
- In a city like Austin where so many
children are exposed to music at an early age at
school, at home or in the community, you expect
to see young musicians playing in bands. It's
one of the perks of living in the Live Music
Capital of the World.
But not every kid enjoys the same musical
opportunities; some attend schools and live in
areas of Austin that lack funds and resources
for music programming. That's where Paula Beard
and the Austin Community Steelband come in, a
nonprofit steelpan school.
....For the past six years Paula has been
working with the Boys and Girls Club, the Austin
Independent School District and other
organizations to identify children who would be
a good fit for the band. Students who make the
cut have to put in up to 4 hours a week of
practice led by steelpan drummer Cecil Frances.
read more |
Web Posted -
Friday June 7, 2013
The Trinidad
Guardian
|
South Africa loves pan music
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - “Africa is fathomless,” said Hugh
Masekela last Sunday evening when addressing a
farewell reception, held in his honour at the
Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain. The
world-acclaimed South African musician, who
spent the past month in T&T, was hosted by the
Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism and the
South Africa High Commission.
....Masekela, who departed the country last
Monday, was in the country to do a collaborative
CD with Petrotrin Siparia Deltones Steel
Orchestra, led by captain Akinola Sennon, and
under the musical direction of Carlton “Zanda”
Alexander.
....An associate of Phillip from their days of
residing in Harlem, USA, Masekela first heard
Deltones when the band performed on San Fernando
Hill ten years ago. Impressed by what he heard,
the Grammy Award winning trumpeter approached
Alexander to produce music which encompassed
musicians from Cuba, Deltones and Masekela.
read more |
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Web Posted -
Thursday June 6, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Meet Yael Litwin of NYU Steel
Celebration of Women
and the Steelpan Art Form
|
New
York, New York, USA
- She is a talented and committed steelpan musician. She is a proud
member of NYU (New York University) Steel
Ensemble. Meet, and share the experiences of,
Yael Litwin in an exclusive
interview with When Steel Talks.
read more
|
|
Web Posted -
Thursday June 6, 2013
Peoria Journal
Star
|
Metamora band director introduces students
to exotic steel drums
|
Illinois, USA
- The official start of summer might be a couple
of weeks away, but Metamora band director Wally
Parks brought a little taste of warmer climates
to about a dozen students Thursday afternoon.
The tropical sounds of Trinidad and Tobago
filled the band room at Metamora Township High
School as the novice drummers, who ranged from
fifth-graders to high school seniors, bounced
their drumsticks off the concave steelpans
sitting before them.
....Playing the steel drums was a new experience
for most of the students, but for Metamora
sophomore Luke Sherwood, who also plays trumpet
in the school’s band, it was the first time he’d
played any percussion instrument.
read more |
Web Posted -
Thursday June 6, 2013
The Vincentian
|
SJCK gets new steel pans
|
St. Vincent & the
Grenadines, W.I. - The student body of
the SJCK celebrated the arrival of new pans for
the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Pan Starz
Orchestra, to the tunes of ‘We Jammin’, ‘Billy
Jean’, ‘Differentology’ and more.
The celebration marked the Pan Against Crime
Committee’s donation of pans to the school,
Monday 3rd June.
Calma Balcombe, the School’s principal,
addressing the gathering at the School,
expressed “gratitude to the Committee of the Pan
Against Crime organization for considering us to
receive new steel pans to complement our steel
orchestra – the St Joseph’s Convent Pan Starz.”
....The enthusiasm of the students to receive
the new tenor, double tenor, double guitar,
triple guitar and high bass pans could be easily
felt as the students celebrated with steel pan,
song and dance. The Pan Against Crime movement
has accumulated over 2500 persons and has seen
children excel academically as a result of their
involvement.
read more |
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Web Posted -
Wednesday June 5, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Pan, Calypso and Mas!!
- Rare Carnival 1969 Photograph
|
Trinidad & Tobago
- Trinidad Carnival 1969 - Night and
Day...
click to
view |
|
Web Posted -
Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Salah Wilson delivers Master’s degree
recital at Canada’s York University
|
Montreal, Canada
- On Sunday June 1, 2013 at York
University in Montreal, Canada, renowned
Montreal-based panist and arranger Salah
Wilson—who is completing his Master’s degree in
ethno-musicology at York—delivered to examiners,
thesis advisers and attendees gathered, samples
of his renditions of famous compositions, some
classical and some popular, such as Pachebel,
Barry White, Chuck Mangione, and Len “Boogsie”
Sharpe. Included was one of Salah’s own
compositions, “Blues for Pans.”
....Accompanying Salah on stage were members of
his family, all excellent musicians, and more
so, his grandson Rashiyd Wilson, an intense
player if ever there is one.
read
more |
|
Web Posted -
Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Moving to WeBeat 2013 - The rhythm of Steel
Orchestras, Calypso, Honorees and more
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - Thursday June 13th has
been designated “Pan Night” for WeBeat13. The
annual WeBeat festival in St. James, north
Trinidad, was originally inspired by
then-Tourism and Industrial Development Company
of Trinidad and Tobago (TIDCO) while promoting
the concept of a Renaissance District in St.
James and visualizing in the initiative,
opportunities for the tourism thrust TIDCO was
working toward. Reflecting the multi-cultural
aspects of Trinidad & Tobago was fundamental to
the initiative. This year, WeBeat was initially
cancelled essentially due to lack of funding
then reinstated a couple days after news of the
cancellation broke.
The 2013 edition of Pan Night is aptly called
“Pan Explosion,” showcasing the steelpan, the
country’s national instrument. Four of the
country’s popular steel orchestras - Exodus,
Starlift, St. James Tripolians and Harmonites
will perform selections from their vast
repertoires.
read
more, get event schedule |
|
Web Posted -
Tuesday June 4, 2013
When Steel Talks
|
Just Listen!!
- Another side of the great Clive Bradley
|
Trinidad & Tobago
- Featuring Clive Bradley - The Esquires
with Brass - He's a Strong Man - (Tropico)
Island Funk
click to listen |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 3, 2013
China Central Television
|
Chinese President’s wife attends concert in Trinidad - Exodus Steel Orchestra - Video
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - President Xi Jinping’s wife Peng
Liyuan attended a concert held in her honor on
Saturday, at the National Academy for Performing
Arts.
Local performers played traditional Chinese folk
songs on Caribbean steel drums. Peng Liyuan had
a go at playing the steel drums herself, and
spoke with the performers.
watch video |
|
Web Posted -
Monday June 3, 2013
Guardian UK
|
Jeremy Deller’s English Magic at Venice Biennale - soundtrack by London’s Melodians Steel Orchestra
|
England, UK -
English Magic - a new film work by Jeremy Deller
- forms a major part of his exhibition for the
British Pavilion in 2013. The film brings
together many of the ideas behind the works in
the Pavilion, featuring visual and thematic
elements that reflect Deller's interest in the
diverse nature of British society and its broad
cultural, socio-political and economic history.
The music is performed by the Melodians Steel
Orchestra from South London and was recorded in
Studio 2 of Abbey Road Studios in London.
watch video |
|
Web Posted -
Sunday June 2, 2013
Trinidad &
Tobago Newsday
|
China’s First Lady applauds TT panmen,
artistes
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - So impressed was First Lady of
China, Madame Peng Liyuan yesterday with the
performance of Exodus Steel Orchestra at the
concert in her honour that she extended an
invitation to the panists to visit China.
As the St Augustine-based steel orchestra played
two Chinese nation-building songs - “Fields of
Hope” and “I Love My Home Town”, China’s First
Lady nodded her head, keeping time with the
tempo and smiled broadly in appreciation. At the
end of the first song, Peng and members of the
Chinese entourage applauded heartily with the
second song also being well received by the
audience at the National Academy for the
Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain. At a photo
opportunity at the end of the one-hour show,
Peng greeted the Exodus panists and even tried
her hand striking a few notes on the national
instrument.
read more |
|
Web Posted - Sunday June 2, 2013
GlobalTimes.cn
|
Peng Liyuan plays steel drum after watching
artistic show in Trinidad and Tobago
|
Trinidad & Tobago,
W.I. - Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese
President Xi Jinping, plays a steel drum after
watching an artistic show by local performers at
the national performing arts center in Port of
Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, June 1, 2013. Xi
Jinping and Peng Liyuan are here on a state
visit to the Caribbean country.
more images |
|
Web Posted -
Saturday June 1, 2013
Brampton
Guardian
|
Kids can make some noise this summer
|
Ontario, Canada
- The sounds of the Caribbean are returning to
Brampton when the Steelpan Music Summer Camp
returns on July 2.
Executive Director of the camp, Ed Peters,
explained that the camp is organized and run by
the Brampton Steel Pan Percussion Band. The
program is returning to St. Leonard’s School for
the second year in a row.
Youngsters ages six to 16 to try their hand at
playing in a steel drum band during the
seven-week session. While in enrolled in the
camp, young musicians will learn about the
history of the steel drum, in addition to
learning performance and playing techniques,
including proper playing posture, breathing
techniques and the ability to play cohesively.
read more |
|
Web Posted -
Saturday June 1, 2013
Hickory Daily
Record
|
Drumming workshops returning to Hickory
|
North Carolina, USA
-
Rick Cline will host his yearly steel drum and
African drumming workshops again this year at
the S.A.L.T. Block in the Western Piedmont
Symphony rehearsal hall.
The steel drum workshop is June 17-21 from 7 to
9 p.m. each day. Cline aims to expose the class
to Caribbean music and history of the steel
drums as well as how to play this exotic
instrument. The cost for the steel drum camp is
$90 and the only requirement is some ability to
read music.
read more |
Web Posted
When Steel Talks
|
Upcoming
|
Global -
Upcoming Steelpan
music events from all over the world
click to
calendar |
|
Web Posted
When Steel Talks
|
Complete RESULTS for the Trinidad
& Tobago 2013 Panorama
|
Global
- Full results for the
Trinidad and Tobago 2013 Panorama are in. Steel
Orchestras competed in the medium and large categories
at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad
last evening. Both 2012 defending champions
were dethroned.
click for full results
|
|
Web Posted
When Steel Talks -
Special
|
Champion Panorama Tunes
of Trinidad and Tobago
|
Global
- A critical component
to winning any panorama competition is the song
the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their
panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs
have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When
Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen
to, these famed tunes which have played more than
just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the
lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view
|
|
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.
|
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When Steel Talks
T-Shirts are Here!
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Global
- When Steel
Talks (WST) T-Shirts are available!
Join the When Steel Talks family
and show your love for the Steelpan
art form! For USD $14.00 plus
shipping and handling, make sure you
have your WST T-Shirt! Current
available colors are: Black and
Red in sizes Small (S) through X-large
(XL). Order now!
click for more, and to ORDER
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Web
Posted -
When Steel Talks
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Steel Talks has set up a group on Facebook
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