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Pantonic Steel Orchestra launches off for 2011

 Another When Steel Talks Exclusive     © 2011 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved

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New York - Spacious surroundings, good vibes, good food, drink, carnival costume teasers, pan lovers, attentive hosts, and the clincher that brought it all together - steel orchestra stage sides at their best - were the necessary ingredients to make an enjoyable steelband launch.  All these were in the mix, together with a shocking, 9:00 p.m. on-time start in Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s 2011 Band Launch.

There never really seems to be enough Pan for the relatively short steelband spell that is somewhat season and weather-constrained in New York; and before long, the summer weeks are over, with Panorama being the marquis event at season’s end.  So for the ardent steelband lover - band launches, steelband fund-raising Curry-Ques, BBQues and the like make up all the fun things to look forward to every time Spring/Summer rolls around.

Emerson Gamory takes care of business on the barbecue
Emerson Gamory takes care of business on the barbecue

Wafting in the air was the irresistible aroma of chicken being barbequed right there in Pantonic’s pan yard.  This task fell to a master in the kitchen and always in culinary demand, Emerson Gamory, son of Pantonic president Glenda Gamory.  And in close proximity, ladies were serving up Caribbean fare, the variety making the choice difficult for those contemplating just what to have.

The dour weather forecast shed some doubt on just how much of a good time was going to be had, and was obviously the deciding factor for many music lovers in even coming out to begin with.  But for the determined ones there, they expected a treat.  And the likes of Higher Levin, Harmony, Despers USA, Sonatas, D’Radoes, Pan Ambassadors, New York Pan Stars, CASYM and hosts Pantonic - ensured that the people who came out (equipped with umbrellas in a pre-emptive move) got what they came for.

Taking in the music of Despers USA at Pantonic’s launch
Taking in the music of Despers USA at Pantonic’s launch

Signature selections that are synonymous with some of the bands, like D’Radoes with Don’t Look Any Further, in addition to new material added to their repertoire - for 2011 - (think Militant’s Hot and Groovy (Despers USA), Cee Lo’s Forget You (CASYM), Chris Brown’s She Ain’t You (Sonatas), Destra’s Cool It Down, and much more, are to be heard and danced to at the band launches.  No shortage of music, and a well-received variety of soca, R&B, pop and reggae was the order of this night for attendees.

The requirements for Pan lovers?  Walk with your appetite for both great steelband music, and the delicious food available in the refreshment areas, comfortable shoes for chipping and moving, cool ‘hang-out’ buddy or buddies - and you’re good to go.

Wendy McKenzie enjoying the music at the launch
Wendy McKenzie enjoying the music at the launch

There is always support from other steelband music organizations in evidence at New York pan events, even if their band is not performing or participating.  They always make their presence known, such as Utopia Pan Soul: the Next Generation.  Other familiar faces, like pan tuner Learie Harrigin, were on hand.  Iconic Desperadoes pan woman Ursula Tudor enjoyed her time around D’Radoes with band veterans “Binks” and leader Junior “Man” Samuel.  And other visitors to the pan yard as well, such as Wendy McKenzie with friend Mary Grandsire of Westchester in tow.  Wendy brought with her the sense and importance of the history and character of the steelband movement; even while chipping and without missing a beat, when asked what she thought of the event - her awareness of the challenges to the steelband culture, art form and its people, were at the tip of her tongue.  “It reminds me about the history of the people, spirit of survival, self-confidence and sheer joy in spite of all,” she shared, with her air of quiet revelry.

Utopia Pan Soul at Pantonic's launch   Learie Harrigin, with friends at Pantonic’s launch
Utopia Pan Soul at Pantonic's launch   Learie Harrigin with friends at Pantonic’s launch

Friend Mary was there to hear CASYM, who she loves, and with whom her son plays. “They’re the best!” she exclaimed.  Her son has been in Brooklyn a few nights a week to practice with CASYM; but tonight was her own night at the Pantonic band launch, and she was not wasting a single second of the steelband music going around the yard, gravitating like many to each as they played in turn.

In the end, steelband music and those who were in attendance won out.  A well-organized event where the steelband performances flowed in succession and like clockwork, and DJ music interludes which were short and enjoyable, not ear-splitting and deafening as sometimes occurs.  He did not try to “star” in what was essentially a steelband launch.  And the rain never came; a few drops drizzled now and then, but that was all.  For the family, friends, and folks of Pan who came out - it was a great call, and a great way to spend a Saturday evening in New York’s steelband season.

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