Young pannists show true grit

Trinidad - Fourteen-year-old Anisha Simon who was shot and killed in a panyard in Arima last year, did not die in vain. I say this without reservation after making my rounds of the various panyards during the recently concluded Pan Down Memory Lane and Pan in the 21st Century competitions.

It was amazing to see how many young pannists took part in the competitions especially the girls who out numbered the boys as much as two to one

Memorable Steelband Images
in Dominica
 

Roseau, Dominica - There were opportunities for the When Steel Talks crew to interact with, and capture participants in the April 30 OECS Junior Steelpan competition before the actual event.  It began at Melville Hall airport as several turbo-prop flights touched down. 

The planes came bearing Dominican nationals, visitors, and returning and first-time Ross University students accompanied by parents, relatives and friends.  There was a significant element added to this lot - pan musicians, arrangers, managers and other related personnel, all scheduled to perform at the steelpan event.

'All Ah We Is One Family'
at the OECS Junior Steelpan Competition
 

Roseau, Dominica - Caribbean unity was not just a theme, but became an actuality when it was put into practice in Dominica for the recently-concluded OECS Junior Steelpan Competition.  Five steel orchestras traveled to Dominica to compete in the event, and one other as guest artists for the show.

Not one orchestra was exempt from the trials and tribulations such as flight delays, being "bumped off" flights, the arbitrary and nonchalant breaking up of chaperoned groups of young musicians by discourteous airport airline personnel and put on later flights, and errant luggage and music instruments.  In many instances, steelpan instruments and personal belongings made much later appearances than their owners - up to the morning of the competition.

Where are we now?
Music, the Steelpan instrument and Education:
A Panel Discussion
Dominica's OECS Junior Pan Competition

Vanessa Sets The Stage

Roseau, Dominica -  The sounds of steelpan began Friday night as visiting prize-winning pannist, Trinidadian Vanessa Headley set the stage for what was to come on Sunday afternoon.  The venue was the waterfront Fort Young hotel located in Roseau, Dominica's capital.  On Friday evenings, it is a much-sought after nightspot as people unwind after a week's work, or simply relax in anticipation of the upcoming weekend.

Exotica Cottage -
a Treat of a Retreat

Roseau, Dominica - It was serious business, brokering and bartering; and a fruit fair developed around the business of breakfast on the morning of the April 30 OECS Junior Steelpan Competition in Dominica.  With a determination born of people who were much accustomed to having their way, a spontaneous and dynamite, but furious fruit trade was in session.  Wheeling and dealing on the 'trading floor' were When Steel Talks, the junior steelpan competition adjudicators, one of Trinidad and Tobago's premiere pan soloists and the E-Zone team.

Pan Family stardom bound

Trinidad - AN eight-member family steelband from East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, which has been thrilling audiences locally and abroad will be taking the sweet sounds of pan music to Hollywood, California, in August.

Show we are proud of steel pan ambassadors

Antigua - For years, the Antiguans who truly love the steel band have tried everything in their power to lift the art form from death’s door, where it was once precariously positioned. They revived it and have moulded it into something, which has captured the imagination of hundreds of the country’s young citizens.

This is a huge bonus for this country, which over the last few years has seen the development of serious gang activity and the destruction of many of the nation’s youth.

Playing the pans drums it home

2006 OECS Junior Pan Competition

2006 OECS Junior Pan Competition