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Ice Water Pan
Ensemble in Panama |
Panama -
A performance at the Caribbean Shop in St. James, last April
culminated in one of Ice Water Pan Ensemble’s most memorable
series of performances to date. His Excellency Prof. Gerardo
Maloney, Ambassador to Panama, was present at dinner that
night, to hear Ice Water dish out samplings of their
sumptuous repertoire. Prof. Maloney summarily introduced
himself to the band, and the rest is history; the history of
an invitation to Panama as guests of the Consejo Nacional De
La Etnia Negra, to perform at the 3rd Annual Afro–Panamanian
Festival.
The Consejo Nacional de La Etnia Negra, now in its
second year,
was incorporated by an Executive Presidential decree on May
29th 2007. The group has, since it’s existence, sought to
encourage and support all expressions of Afro–Panamanian
culture. Panama in part, owes its rich cultural heritage to
the contribution of Caribbean nationals in the construction
of the Panama Canal. This made Ice Water Pan Ensemble an instant hit as
calypso music is still much adored by the black community
there. Also present from Trinidad and Tobago for a lecture
presentation was a contingent from the National Joint Action
Committee (N.J.A.C.).
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Panama shows love for
steelpan music |
The Festivities took place mainly at the Atlapa Convention
Center from Thursday 29th through Saturday 31st May. Upon
our arrival at Tocumen International
Airport at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, we
were immediately whisked away to the Convention Center for
an impromptu performance. That performance set the tone for
our four exciting days in Panama. The next morning we were
on the road by 7:30 for a 30–mile trek to Colon, a city that
boasts one of the largest Afro-Caribbean communities in
Panama. N.J.A.C.’s Anum Bankole introduced in Spanish,
Ice Water’s specially rehearsed repertoire of Latin
selections which was savored by the audience at Colon who
called for more.
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Ice
Water Pan Ensemble in Panama |
Saturday’s activities commenced with a one–hour
lecture/workshop at the University of Panama. On Saturday
night our final performance at Atlapa saw us sharing the stage with popular Panamanian band
Los Beachers. Ice Water was in full flight that night, wowing the crowd
with another dazzling performance.
Several other dance and choral groups contributed to a
wonderful night of cultural expression.
Ice Water expresses sincere thanks to Sra. Sonia Brown, Sr.
Juan Fagette and Sr. Enrique Sanchez of Consejo Nacional de
La Etnia Negra. Special thanks go out to our tour guides Ilka Fonseca and Carla Henry.
From the News desk
of Ice Water Pan Ensemble
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