Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - The country’s national steelband Panorama will be in full swing once more come August 5. Due to COVID-19, the last competition was back in 2019. Now, eight steel orchestras are revved up and ready to go, with the energy ready to let loose on stage in a “Steelband Melee” on a Saturday night in the capital, St. John’s.
Steelband music lovers are expected to turn out not only in support of their respective bands, but for the love of Pan overall. Seven of those eight steel orchestras will attempt to dethrone the reigning Panorama champs, Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, who are back with now-veteran champion arranger Khan Cordice. In case anyone’s interested, Hells Gate is looking for its twenty-second - yes, that’s right - championship; but who’s counting?
In alphabetical order, following are the bands scheduled to participate, their tunes of choice, and arrangers and bios where available.
2023 Antigua & Barbuda National Panorama - Quick Chart |
|||
| Band | Selection/ Performer |
Arranger, Tuner, et al | |
|
|
Ebonites Steel Orchestra
|
Roaming (Tian Winter) |
Arrangers: Cuthbert “Tiny” Thomas; Joel Harris & Linesha Joseph |
|
|
Gemonites Steel Orchestra
|
Festival Day (Carl “de Panman” Richards) |
Arranger: Johnny Gonsalves |
|
|
Halcyon
Steel Orchestra
|
Up and Jumping (“Redding”) |
Arranger: Gavin Francis |
|
|
Harmonites International Steel Orchestra
|
T.A.N.Y.A. (Liberta Riddim) (“Menace”) |
Arranger: Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel |
|
|
Hells Gate Steel Orchestra
|
No Weapon (Tian Winter) |
Arranger: Khan Cordice Captain: Keithley Athill, Jr. Tuner:  Veron Henry |
|
|
Original Steel Orchestra
|
Nat U (Claudette “CP” Peters) |
Arranger: Derel Jarvis |
|
|
Panache Steel Orchestra
|
Ben A Benna (Burning Flames) |
Arranger: Malik Smith Captain:  Maurisha Potter Tuner: Veron Henry |
|
|
West Side Symphony Steel Orchestra
|
Stressless (Claudette “CP” Peters) |
Arranger: Aijal Jarvis |
Leave your comment in the WST forum
