“Pantastic Friday” - Hands in the air, powder (‘fog’) in pans
Brooklyn, 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.
New York steel orchestras perform at “Pantastic Friday” hosted by New York Pan Stars
Without doubt, the New York steel orchestras had the place hopping - it was again a festive and fun environment. The event billed as “Pantastic Friday” at Brooklyn’s Volume II Mas Camp was hosted by New York Pan Stars. Indeed the Summer steelpan season is in full swing and there is something special going on this year with New York steelpan launches. There is an excitement in the air that is being generated by the young people that has been somewhat absent in recent years.
CASYM, Pantonic, Steel Sensation, Despers USA and the host New York Pan Stars all performed with distinction. It’s only the beginning of the Summer but bands are cracking musically. Usually, music lovers have looked forward to the respective band launches as the proclamation that the music organizations are up and running; however this year the trend thus far has been Pan yard “openings” preceding official band launches. What to say, but more opportunities to fete with steel in style, and pan lovers lapping it up every time.
New York Pan Stars Steel Orchestra
New York Pan Stars represents one of the latest and youngest of the Brooklyn steel orchestra franchises. And at their “Pantastic Friday” event they let it be known age is truly just a number. One had to be impressed with their energy and enthusiasm. From the classic Lord Kitchener’s “Pan in A Minor” to Blaxx’s 2013 runaway Soca hit “Leh Go” New York Pan Stars—dressed in their tangerine jerseys—laid down varied sets as they flexed their musical muscles. They displayed an abundance of that ‘Big Apple’ performance attitude. Any jitters by some of the younger players from appearing on the same card with three other panorama champions were quickly dispatched, as New York Pan Stars under the musical directive of Mr. Marc Brooks had the crowd rocking and jumping. Indeed the band’s current lineup has come a long way in a short span of time.
Despers USA Steel Orchestra
The veteran Despers USA topped off in black were simply a pleasure to listen to. With a well-chosen mixture of old and new tunes the orchestra’s skilled delivery had the audience transfixed in what we at When Steel Talks (WST) have labeled as a “just listen” mode. The musicianship of Despers USA from years of honing their skill set was in full effect. The ease and comfort with which they moved from Gospel to Rhythm and Blues to Soca musical genres was professional. There are not too many groups that pull off playing the theme from the movie “The Glass Mountain” by Nino Rota to Destra’s “Call My Name” without skipping a beat at a Summer launch - but hey, such is the formidable musical ability of Despers USA.
CASYM Steel Orchestra
CASYM came dressed in their orange and yellow t-shirts which again emphasized their 30th anniversary being celebrated in 2013. Longevity has its place, but with CASYM (Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Youth Movement, Inc.) it has been more so their consistency that has paid off. That characteristic has both developed and delivered a quality product throughout the years. With CASYM it never gets old - music, electricity and excitement. Again, CASYM was out 'walking point’ at this show and obviously delivered the goods. They set the bar. The CASYM sound is distinct. With veterans like their captain Travis Roberts, and core members Lakeisha Danglade and Michelle Williams among others at the helm, CASYM’s legacy is in good hands.
Pantonic Steel Orchestra - legendary steelpan musician
Emmanuel “Jack” Riley looks on at right
Pantonic (“2.0”) —as they are being fondly called this year— signifies the next generation of Tonic players and the next chapter with an organization whose name carries much greatness. Pantonic has been one of the great musical surprises so far this Summer. It’s early in the season but in terms of musical content, execution, overall musicianship and audience engagement Pantonic has been nailing it. Pantonic has been making the ole-timers stop, listen and nod their heads. Garnering that level of respect from these veterans is not an easy thing to do. Dressed in their signature Pantonic blue the group gave a command performance. They have achieved that “just listen” status; from Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” to Kerwin Du Bois’ “Bacchanalist,” Pantonic Steel Orchestra had it all covered. Moreover the orchestra has built an expansive and active playlist (last week’s set is not necessarily this week’s repertoire) as WST experienced first-hand in their season showings thus far. Veterans Patrick Davis, Wayne Bernard, Gwynn Glasgow and Tyrone McShine along with a group of talented and focused young musicians, are on a path to musical excellence if they remain humble and continue to work hard at their craft.
Steel Sensation
Steel Sensation may have been the smallest steel ensemble present at ‘Pantastic Friday;’ however there was nothing remotely small about the music they delivered. Steel Sensation delivered a collection filled with old standard classics and this year’s popular Soca hits. Anchored by Ian Japsi on drums along with some of the most skilled New York panists, Steel Sensation has continuously put forward a sound that belies their size. The audience has come to expect an outstanding recital every time the ensemble takes the stage. This was clearly evident as onlookers quickly surrounded the band. From Shadow’s “Dingolay” to Bunji’s “Differentology” Steel Sensation offered it all.
New York Pan Stars president
Shafina Hepburn
There was no shortage of enthusiasm, good times - and of course, great pan music, by all. It was great to see legendary steelpan musician Emmanuel “Jack” Riley, Mr. Lennox Nelson of Trinidad All Stars, arrangers/performers Leon “Foster” Thomas, André White and Freddie Harris, III, among other distinguished steelpan notables at the event. Members of other music organizations were also there in full support, such as contingents from Higher Levin and D’Radoes steel orchestras. Pleased with how the evening’s event in general was proceeding were management personnel of hosts New York Pan Stars, including the organization’s president, Ms. Shafina Hepburn.
Members of Higher Levin Steel Orchestra; fellow NY panist Matthew Best is at left
The Pan is a global phenomenon. Its reach spans the world and now commands the attention and respect of not only steelpan music fans everywhere but also, in a more culturally significant way, it has crept into the consciousness of people who probably aren’t really fans of steelpan music at all. The sphere of influence is at times astounding and a testament to the work of the instrument’s pioneers.
That influence was on full display as some of New York’s finest steel orchestras performed at New York Pan Stars “Pantastic Friday.”
Leave a comment in the WST forum
Contact New York Pan Stars: nypanstars1@gmail.com
Contact Pantonic: 1 (718) 434-0231 Pantonic1@aol.com
Contact Despers USA:
Contact CASYM: 1 (718) 735-6708 casymsteelband@gmail.com
Contact Steel Sensation: 1 (718) 809-8288 steelsensation@gmail.com
Tenor - Travis Roberts, Lance, Isa, Madison, Kiara, Diellan; Double Second - Sophronia Williams, Orrin; Guitar - Sheianne Danglade; Cello - Johnathon; Bass - Lakiesha Danglade; Juquan; Drums - Jahlani Roberts; Percussion - Michelle Williams
CASYM at “Pantastic Friday”
Pantonic Steel Orchestra members
Tyrone McShine, Francis Sharpe, Nandia Hamilton,
Sheldon Rattan, Shania Chance, Matthew Bascombe,
Anthony Sharpe, Brandon Waldrop, Joseph Wilson,
Wayne Bernard, Erica Bishop, Marriler Wilson,
Aviel John, Danielle Gamory, Adrian Edwards,
Tanisha Aldophe, Patrick Davis, Ryan Osborne,
“KJ” Marcelle, Gwynn Glasgow, Kadeem, Tristan
Samuel
Pantonic at “Pantastic Friday”
Tenor - Ryan Joseph, Tristan Japsi; Double Second - Marc Brooks; Cello - Bossman “Goose” Joseph; Six Bass - Edward Clarke; Drummer - Ian Japsi
Steel Sensation at “Pantastic Friday”
Odie Franklin, Natasha Rebeiro, Justyne Simon, Niyatta Tyson, Kern Simon, Edgar Gamory, Wilfred Kieal, Jr.
Despers USA at “Pantastic Friday”
Tenor - Sage Harrison, Navarre Mason, Alexia Isaac, Antonio “AJ” John, Shireen Seales, Tahirah Moses, Joel Eduardo; Double Tenor - Selena Antoine, Brandon Antoine; Double Second - Andrew Semple, Sparkle Demming; Double Guitar - Tamika Small, Tahjet Lewis; Cello - Andrea Wilson; Tenor Bass - Brianna McNutt, David Cersier; Six Bass - Missy Rose, Kianna Carrington; Arranger/Drummer - Marc Brooks; Percussion - Noah Smit
New York Pan Stars at their “Pantastic Friday” event
Repertoire
New
York Pan Stars’ ‘Pantastic Friday’
Mouse over
(above) and click the ‘i’ for
info on images
Find more photos like this on
When Steel Talks