Tunes for 2011
click to hear

Web Posted - Tuesday November 30, 2010
Caribarena News

Celebrating KUMA and the Antigua Pan Movement
 

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - This speech (citation) was delivered on Sunday evening at Gemonites Moods of Pan at the Dean Lake Cultural Centre for Leon “Kuma” Rodney by Alister Thomas.

....Antiguan & Barbudan panist and pan pioneers did not just take the template or model pan that was brought to our shores by Antiguan sailors returning from Trinidad, and mimic or replicate it. It is a historical and irrefutable fact that the sample pan that arrived here was not yet fully born in Trinidad & Tobago, but was still in its embryonic stage, emerging, developing, form being hammered out in the womb of the Pan Movement in Laventille and other working class communities.

....Because this award is not only a recognition of Leon “Kuma” Rodney’s love, dedication, commitment, and even more important, his initiative in advancing the commercial aspect of the steel band. It represents a continuation and honouring of that long journey which almost all of the steel pan historians and musicologists have consistently failed or refused to recognize and record.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 30, 2010
Caribbean News Now!

Trinidad and Tobago gets its first steel pan institute
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Caribbean island where the steel pan instrument was born now has its own Pan Institute due to the efforts of a former vice president of Pan Trinbago, the governing body for steel bands in Trinidad and Tobago.

On Saturday, 27 November 2010, the Diatonic Pan Institute was launched in Siparia in the southern of Trinidad. It is the brainchild of Keith Byer, who once served on the executive committee of Pan Trinbago.

....Byer said the Diatonic Pan Institute was born “to ensure that the steel pan is not considered a tool for entertainment and amusement,” but the institute's aim to “to capture its full potential for the benefit of the people of Siparia and its environs.”
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 30, 2010
When Steel Talks

Tune for Panorama 2011
“Zhess”
sung by Dexter Keane
music & lyrics by Dexter Keane
 

Global - In 1971 at the age of six, Dexter Keane was the youngest member of the T&TEC Power Stars Steelband. Dexter had to be placed on a wooden crate to enable him to play the tenor pan.

In 1974 Dexter migrated to the United States with his parents. Soon he became a member of the Maryland Pacesetters Steel Orchestra, playing several in the steelpan family of instruments and also drumming.

....After years of leading what turned into a varied, well-traveled and rewarding musical career, Keane returned to the embrace of steelpan.

....His song “Zhess” is featured on Alvin Daniell’s 2011 Calypso Compilation - “It’s Showtime.”
click to hear, and read more.

Web Posted - Tuesday November 30, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

When steel whispers
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Invited, at quite short notice, to offer a talk to steelband leaders on November 20, the challenge proved not to be what to say to these panists, but what to tell them that stuck to the topic.

There have been several installments of BitDepth that explored pan and Carnival in the 21^st century, and few of them have been celebratory of the state of affairs that prevails today. Here’s something you can do. Fire up Google and run a search for “steelband‚” and “steelband news,” but prepare to be as surprised as I was. On the holy grail of online search, the first page that’s returned when a general search is executed, there are no references at all to any steelband operating in Trinidad and Tobago.

The search on steelband news begins, deservedly, with the Web site When Steel Talks (panonthenet.com), a key resource for steelband reporting on the web. The other search results for both terms do turn up steelbands, it’s just that none of them are from the country of the instrument’s birth.
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Web Posted - Monday November 29, 2010
When Steel Talks

Global Steelpan Community Expands
A Message to the When Steel Talks Family
 

Global - Hi WST family: We have some good news. You are about to get an additional 6000 steelpan music loving brothers and sisters in an instant from all over the globe added to your family. “Following” the activities of WST just took a major leap forward.

Over the past week When Steel Talks (WST) started to implement the lines of direct communication among our WST Facebook community, WST Twitter (300) and our WST Ning network (6600) members. Our facebook family consists of WST Facebook Page (6000+ members) and WST Facebook Group (3200+ members). Our WST crew will still maintain their personal facebook profiles - with over a combined 6400 + friends and associates - for people they know.
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Web Posted - Monday November 29, 2010
ReggaeMarathon.org

Silver Birds Steel Orchestra at the Reggae Marathon Pasta Party
 

Jamaica, W.I. - ....Great food and excellent entertainment sums up the Reggae Marathon Pasta Party experience. Again this year, the “Silver Birds Steel Orchestra” originating from Kingston, Jamaica, who won gold medals at the recent “World Championship of the Performing Arts” held in Hollywood, will be performing.

Made up of youths of the inner-city, “Silver Birds” has been a regular performer on the hotel circuit for many years. Members of the Band originate from communities such as Arnett Gardens, Waterhouse, Seaview, August Town and Spanish Town and regularly perform at the Sandals, Beaches, Couples and Riu hotel chains. They have also been the featured performers at the annual Reggae Marathon Pasta Party since inception, in addition to providing live music for Reggae Marathon participants on Race Day.

The teamwork and support that brought them to the top of the championship, is a simple yet every day way of life for the band members. One member noted, “Should the rest of the country work together as we do, we would have paradise right here in Jamaica.”
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Web Posted - Monday November 29, 2010
Caribarena News

Tourism Authority Supports Moods of Pan
 

Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority showed its support for this year's Titan Farms Moods of Pan concert.

CEO of the Authority Colin James, while presenting a donation to the organisers Gemonites Steel Orchestra, said the annual concert presents a great opportunity for promoting Antigua & Barbuda, and pan in general.

“Steelpan music and the steel pan industry have a huge following, and I believe that our collaboration presents a unique opportunity for us to market Antigua & Barbuda as a cultural destination, with our indigenous music being a focal point for attracting visitors," he said.

This is our first year in supporting the concert, which has an international and regional following via the Internet, and we are looking forward to developing an exciting programme with the organisers next year."
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 29, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

Despers returns to Hill for ‘Pan Relay’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan lovers from across the country, and even a few from abroad, turned out yesterday afternoon for the first-ever Pan Relay through the hills of Laventille.

The free event was scheduled to run from 3pm to 8pm but rain delayed the start by half an hour.

That didn’t stop pan fans, from politicians to pedestrians who had wandered over, after hearing Phase II playing on ‘The Greens’, from enjoying the event.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday November 28, 2010
When Steel Talks

Robert Greenidge + Steelpan + Xmas = “A Coral Reefer Christmas”
A WST CD Review
 

Global - The steelpan instrument, Christmas and Robert Greenidge = “A Coral Reefer Christmas.”  What more could one ask for in terms of a special music item for the season? And if that’s not enough, Robert brings a star musical cast to the table on this one. On vocals is none other than Jimmy Buffet providing complementary vocal support.

Oh - did we mention that the musicians are members of that world-renowned Coral Reefer Band who hold a very special place in the hearts of all the “Parrot heads” of the world?
read more

Web Posted - Saturday November 27, 2010
When Steel Talks

A stalwart Mosaic Steel Orchestra prevails despite ‘Tomas’
Meet the music organization behind it all
 

Barbados, W.I. - Well-known Mosaic Steel Orchestra from Barbados in the Caribbean is an active music organization that delivers premier pan performances throughout Barbados, and has also performed in Antigua and England. Late last month, Tropical Storm Tomas significantly impacted their panyard in Waterford, St. Michael. The group put its effort into rebuilding its much damaged rehearsal facilities, and continuing its rehearsal and performance schedules.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday November 25, 2010
When Steel Talks

Open Steelband letter to the Mayor of San Fernando, Trinidad
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - With a focus on southern Trinidad where he and his band, Southern Marines Steelband Foundation, are based, columnist Michael Joseph expresses his dismay about the treatment of the steelband community with respect to the financial conditions under which orchestras are expected to render musical services. He shares what he views as the dismal financial compensation offered, and also registers his disappointment in comments reported in the press as being made by San Fernando’s Mayor referencing the steelpan community’s finance-related discontent. 
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 24, 2010
When Steel Talks

Legendary Artisan Geoffrey Holder, the Prodigal Prince and Steelband ‘Firsts’
 

Global - Colorful, charismatic and talented, the legendary Geoffrey Holder took time out of his extremely busy schedule to share a few minutes with When Steel Talks about the two ‘steelband firsts’ for which he was solely responsible. An insight into his present commitment, rehearsing dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater - for the upcoming production of his original work, The Prodigal Prince, was also forthcoming, just before he was rushed off to an hour-long rehearsal at the New York-based theater.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 24, 2010
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Sandy pledges support for Despers
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  The WITCO Desperadoes panside will be returning to its Laventille home for next year's Carnival.

National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy has pledged to protect the players and supporters of the panside.

After more than 60 years of calling Laventille Hill home, Despers moved their Panorama rehearsals to Belmont to the past two years because of rising crime in Laventille.

"It is response to that reality that we are saying today to the NCC (National Carnival Commission), to Desperadoes, to the people of Laventille, to the lovers of pan and culture everywhere, we are here to demonstrate that the violence which threatens to destroy our society, our institutions, our culture and our families will not be tolerated," Sandy said yesterday.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 24, 2010
The Trinidad Guardian

Coudray apologises to panmen
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Comments by San Fernando mayor Marlene Coudray about political interference in the cancellation of last weekend’s Pan in the City has drawn criticism from Pan Trinbago and former San Fernando West MP Junia Regrello.  Elton Bain, chairman of Pan Trinbago South/Central Region, said panmen were politically neutral.

He said he did not know how politics came into this activity, when the steelband body was only trying to get a proper deal for its members.

He said pan players decided to withdraw from the competition because the city offered to pay an appearance fee of $3,000, instead of the $5,000 they requested.
read more

Web Posted - Tuesday November 23, 2010
The Trinidad Guardian

Panmen boycott Sando celebrations
Mayor:  I’ll not be held to ransom by greedy people
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - San Fernando Mayor Marlene Coudray said yesterday she would not be held to ransom by greedy people. Coudray’s comment follows a pan boycott of San Fernando’s celebration of 22 years of city status. Disagreement over the appearance fee caused San Fernando steelband players to boycott “Pan in the City” on Sunday on Coffee Street.

Chairman of Pan Trinbago South/Central Zone Elton Bain said, yesterday: “We sent in a budget for an appearance fee of $5,000 and they countered it with $3,000 and panmen refused it.” Mayor Coudray apologised for the cancellation of the pan and to the disappointed fans who came out to participate.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 22, 2010
ThisisGrimsbye.co.uk

Workshop drums up pupils’ interest in new instruments and expression
 

Grimsby, United Kingdom - School pupils have discovered a whole new world of music.

Laceby Acres Primary School pupils were invited to the North East Lincolnshire Music and Performing Service's for a world music workshop.

Expert music teachers taught the pupils how to play the steel drum and dance the samba as part of the scheme's Wider Opportunities scheme which aims to introduce children to musical instruments by year four.

The head of music and performance services, Chris Johnson, said the children had a fantastic time.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 22, 2010
The Trinidad Guardian

Parang and steel the perfect blend
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Patrons attending Saturday’s season premiere of Parang and Steel, staged by reigning National Panorama champion PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra at its Tragarete Road, Newtown, panyard, were not bereft of quality entertainment. Silver Stars and its musical friends seemed to thrill the large audience by delivering repertoires that had the right musical shading. The star cast included Baron (Timothy Watkins), parang group Fuego Caribeno, gospelypsonian Sean Daniell, single pan band St James Tripolians and DJ Remixx.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 22, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

Concerts of Hope launched in Siparia
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy has described the Ministry’s “Concerts of Hope” series as an important initiative in the fight against crime.

He made the comment at the concerts’ launch at the Siparia Deltones panyard, Railway Road, Siparia on Saturday night which featured the Police Service band and several other artistes and choirs.

....The Concerts of Hope are expected to feature orchestras from the Ministry’s Defense and Protective music bands along with national steel bands and artistes.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 22, 2010
The Trinidad Guardian

Lydians present Misa Cubana for Christmas
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra to replace violins section
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Lydian Singers will present the Southern Caribbean premiere of Misa Cubana (Cuban Mass) for Christmas 2010, the work of contemporary Cuban pianist and composer Jose Maria Vitier, but with an exciting Trini twist: The pans of Witco Desperadoes Steel Orchestra will replace the orchestra’s violins.  Misa Cubana has been performed in Europe, North America, Mexico, and of course Cuba, but on the weekend of December 9, it would be the first time that Vitier’s work will be performed in Trinidad and Tobago. 
read more

Web Posted - Sunday November 21, 2010
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Peters knocks Panorama: It has killed pan
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston Peters, says Panorama, the annual national steelband competition, has "killed" the steelpan and its scope needs to be broadened.

"The steelpan has been relegated almost single-handedly to this Panorama thing. I believe that Panorama is responsible for killing steelpan and I make no apologies for that," Peters said at the launch of the Laventille Pan Relay event at the Desperadoes Panyard Auditorium and Theatre in Laventille on Friday.

"So we want to encourage people to come back not only to Laventille but to come back to the pan, because this is ours, and when all of the finite commodity that is oil and gas run out, what we would have to sustain our country will be our culture of which the steelpan plays a very important role."
read more

Web Posted - Sunday November 21, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Indiana Steel Pan Association up and running
 

Indiana, USA - The steelpan community in the state of Indiana has representation in its newly-formed Indiana Steelpan Association.

The association was founded to organize, serve, and promote the nearly twenty steelbands and countless individual panists in the state, and to promote the steel pan and steelband movement to the public.

The organization has a much-anticipated upcoming event in the form of the first-ever Indiana Steelband Festival slated for Sunday, May 1, 2011.

Co-founders of the steelpan association are Eric Mannweiler, David Chase and Tom Berich.
click for more info

Web Posted - Sunday November 21, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

Prayers for killers of popular panist
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Prayers were yesterday offered for the gunmen who shot and killed 20-year-old panist Petra “Missy” Abraham during a robbery in San Fernando last week.

Fr. Anthony Mowlah said the prayers yesterday at the St Peter’s Anglican Church at Caratal Road, Gasparillo, where scores of mourners gathered to pay final respects to Abraham.

Abraham, a member of the Southern Marines Steelband Foundation in Marabella, was the daughter of Supt Phillip Abraham of Special Anti-Crime Unit (SAUTT), niece of David Abraham, head of the Southern Division Homicide Bureau as well as niece of well-known police officer, Supt Johnny Abraham.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday November 20, 2010
The Jamaica Gleaner

Pan Extravaganza surpasses expectations
 

Jamaica, W.I. - When organiser Dwight McBean and his team planned to stage a Pan Extravaganza to raise funds for the Kingston Parish Church-based steel band, Musical Apostles, they had no idea of the overwhelming support they would have received.

....Fuelled by the four steel bands, all church based: Stella Maris Steel Band, Church of the Ascension Steel Orchestra, Church of the Transfiguration Steel Band and Musical Apostles Steel Band, the opening segment was indeed a case of making beautiful noise unto the Lord.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 20, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

‘Pan Relay will be safe’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Adviser in the National Security Ministry Roy Augustus yesterday said there will soon be discussions between the Police and the leaders of organisations within Laventille to address security issues.

He assured persons heading to the area for the Pan Relay scheduled to take place next Sunday will be safe as the ministry is working on a security plan.

....Twenty-seven steel bands are expected to participate in the Pan Relay which is seen as the national community’s solidarity with Desperadoes and the people of Laventille.
read more

Web Posted - Friday November 19, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Pan, parang and pork lives up to hype
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The annual Pan, Parang and Pork fund-raising fete hosted by Caribbean Airlines Invaders Steel Orchestra delivered everything promised last Sunday. The event took place at Queen’s Park Oval, On D Greens, Havelock Street, St Clair. Patrons enjoyed a well-stocked bar and a varied Christmas menu that catered to pork lovers as well as vegetarians and those who prefer other types of meat.

The event also provided live local Christmas music of every genre, with emphasis on pan and parang as the name of the event promised. Invaders played a variety of Christmas favourites to the delight of the many pan lovers present. Parang band Fuego Caribeno (Caribbean Fire) lived up to its name with a fiery performance.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday November 18, 2010
When Steel Talks

Slain Steelpan Player to be honored with Talent Expression dedication
Southern Marines: “Best show ever”
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Southern Marines Steelband Foundation in Marabella, Trinidad has declared that in homage to their slain fellow steelpan player, twenty-year old Petra Abraham - this weekend's upcoming finals of their annual Talent Expression competition, will be dedicated to her. 

....Ironically, Petra had co-hosted the semi-finals phase of Talent Expression less than two weeks ago on November 6.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday November 18, 2010
ISU Newsroom 

Steel band and percussion ensemble to perform
 

Indiana, USA - The Indiana State University Steel Band and Percussion Ensemble will perform their fall concert on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. in Room 159 of the ISU Center for Performing and Fine Arts.

Presented in this concert will be transcriptions of classical works of Bach and Debussy along with a jazz composition by famed pianist Chic Corea. The contemporary composition, "Kaleidoscope" by Dr. Marc Wooldridge, professor of music at Indiana Wesleyan University, will also be performed.
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Web Posted - Thursday November 18, 2010
Trinidad Guardian

Pan Family excels at fund-raising concert
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Dance music filled the Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, panyard of bpTT Renegades Steel Orchestra last Friday when Pan Trinbago held the first in a three-part series of concerts to raise funds for its Children’s Christmas Party.  Dubbed Pan For the People, the event featured performances from Witco Desperadoes, Codrington Pan Family, Uni Stars, Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille and bpTT Renegades.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 17, 2010
When Steel Talks

Tragedy for Trinidad’s Southern Steelband Community
Female Panist murdered


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The steelband community is reeling in shock from the news of the unbelievable murder of twenty year-old Petra Abraham - a talented panist with Marabella-based Southern Marines Steel Orchestra. It occurred last night - Tuesday November 16 - in Trinidad, shortly before 11:00 p.m.

According to reports, Petra was on her way home from a netball event, and stopped off with friends for refreshments, when the establishment was help up by two armed men.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 17, 2010
When Steel Talks

Pamberi Steel Orchestra launches its latest CD “PARIS PAN JAM”
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pamberi Steel Orchestra will launch its latest CD – Paris Pan Jam – on Saturday 20th November 2010 at the band’s panyard at Santa Cruz Old Road, San Juan, Trinidad, from 8:00 p.m.

....Paris Pan Jam was recorded in France in 2009 when the band did a five-week tour of Europe, and originally released in France this year when the band returned to Europe for two months from May through July.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 16, 2010
The Trinidad Guardian

Busy month for Pan Trinbago
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - This sure has been a busy month for Pan Trinbago and its membership. Every weekend, the national steelband organisation has been able to stage some sensational pan event at either one of its members’ panyards or at the prestigious NAPA and Queen’s Hall.

In the wake of Sunday’s Pan, Parang and Pork fund-raiser, held at the Queen’s Park Oval by Caribbean Airlines Invaders, next on the roster to thrill the public with sweet pan is Friday night’s Pan To the People, scheduled for Exodus Pan Theatre, located on Eastern Main Road, St Augustine, at 8 pm.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday November 14, 2010
by When Steel Talks

NIU Steelband 2010 Fall Concert Broadcast
 

Illinois, USA - Yes indeed, it was Live Pan on the net for almost two hours. WST (When Steel Talks) just completed taking in a portion of the NIU (Northern Illinois University) steelband concert from DeKalb, Illinois, through the NIU School of Music’s web broadcasting of the event. This was before the stream came to an unexpected and premature end. Enter the perils of technology.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 13, 2010
The Walton Sun

Students of Steel:
Steel drum beat catches on in South Walton High
 

Florida, USA - Juston Carter’s interest in steel drums — which started with a visit to Washington, D.C., where he heard street musicians tapping out island-instrument rhythms — is spreading to South Walton High School.

He and fellow student James McDowell helped raise funds to buy equipment, and their efforts — coupled with a generous donation from band parents Mark and Renee Carter — made the “South Walton Steel” band a reality in January.

It has helped meet the demand of the huge popularity of the school’s steel drum class.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday November 13, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Put the Steelband back in the Carnival
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Columnist Michael Joseph shares his opinion about Trinidad and Tobago’s planned introduction of the People’s Band on the streets of Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival 2011 as announced by that country’s Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters. Mr. Joseph expresses his concern that the steelband was left out of this venture.
read more

Web Posted - Friday November 12, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Pan gorn clear!
 

Ontario, Canada - Oh goooode! I get christen over again! Dem pan jumbie hole me in a full Nelson and douse my head in holy water till ah ketch de power an bawl for murderation. Hear nuh man. Talk bout bess? Steupse....it was more dan bess. It was Most Bess!

If you en know what I talkin bout den you real miss out oui. October 30th in Toronto it had a show call Autumn Leaves on Steel.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 10, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Facebook, When Steel Talks, and the Steelpan Music Community
Social plugins add power to internet Steelpan music experience
 

Global - When Steel Talks (WST) is committed to ensuring that the global steelpan music community remains a dynamic environment, and such is connected, informed and active. And in our continued efforts, WST has moved towards further implementation of some useful facebook social plugins that will increase the overall experience for users of, and visitors to - the WST global steelpan music network.

....Whether you are a “Facebooker” or not, these enhancements will be of major benefit to all users as you progress through the WST network.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 10, 2010
The Leader

Percussion concert ends with a bang, literally
 

New York, USA  - There is no doubt about it, Fredonia's weather has consisted mostly of thunderstorms but if you passed by Rosch Recital Hall late evening on Nov. 3, the loud earth shaking noises you heard, came from the percussion students, not thunder.

....The unique part of the night was when the piece "Sunset" was being performed and Gay Magnus, the special guest on stage, played the steel pan.

Gay Magnus, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, is an expert steel pan player who is a Fulbright scholar studying percussion at Fredonia. She studied steel pan at the University of West Indies in Jamaica and has earned her master's degree from Northern Illinois University.
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday November 10, 2010
La Dépêche

Tournefeuille - La 10e édition de la semaine de la danse
Gasoline Steelband will heat things up
 

Web Posted - Tuesday November 9, 2010
CFA.Arizona.edu

Groove Night with UA Steel Bands
 

Arizona, USA - Continuing the proud 24-year long tradition, the UA Steel Band program is excited to perform its fall concert, "Groove Night." The performance begins at 7:30 in Crowder Hall on Sunday, November 28.

The UA Steel Band program is comprised of two bands, Blue Steel and UA Steel. Members of both bands are students at the University of Arizona. Blue Steel focuses on an introduction to the instrument for students who have little or no prior steel drums experience before the start of the fall semester. UA Steel is the program’s advanced band, and performs a number of times during the semester, on and off campus.
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Web Posted - Tuesday November 9, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Express

All Stars offers sweet music
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - On Saturday evening the music was sweet but the show was just too short when the Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra presented at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Classical Jewels IX. The audience rewarded the musicians with a standing ovation at the end of what must be hailed as a magnificent performance on the night.

This gala event was in celebration of the band's 75^th anniversary and saw them performing a mix of classical music and more contemporary fare such as gospel, calypso and a bit of Christmas music. There was another performance Sunday evening at the same venue.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 8, 2010
Abilene Reporter News

Percussion performance
 

Texas, USA   - Dan Dudney (left) and Tyler Burton perform Monday night at Abilene Christian University with the Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band during the group’s fall concert. The group performed a variety of musical styles that included selections from West Africa and the Caribbean. The Classical Chorus of Abilene was featured as special guest.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 8, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Liam Teague + Robert Chappell - “Open Window”
 

Global - This collection of music pieces is called “Open Window” and it is quite appropriately so named. You, the listener, are afforded the unique position as an interested, or possibly even originally dispassionate viewer - through this ‘open window’ - to eavesdrop, snoop, spy and are privy to the deepest thoughts and feelings of these musicians as they story-tell on numerous subjects.

Their energy, musical vocabulary, joy, humor, fun, acrimony, pain, sadness, glee and mood changes become your own as they convert you, the listener, from passer-by or snooper outside the window - to an insider, and then take you on a fanciful and memorable journey.
read more

Web Posted - Monday November 8, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Hurricane Tomas hits Steelpan Community and Eastern Caribbean hard

Caribbean - Mosaic Steel Orchestra of Barbados panyard destroyed by hurricane Tomas.
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Web Posted - Monday November 8, 2010
The UWM Post

Soca Time!
 

Wisconsin, USA - The UWM Union Ballroom was bumping with soul calypso music Friday night at the first Caribbean Festival. The festival included a sampling of Caribbean food, a photo slideshow of all 26 Caribbean countries, a plate-spinning entertainer named Fino, and music from the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Drum Band.

....The main event of the festival was the music of the Trinidad Tripoli Steel Drum Band, led by Hugh Borde, a native of Trinidad.

....The band’s setlist included songs like Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up” and paid tribute to Gregory Issacs, a reggae musician who recently passed away, with “Night Nurse,” one of his most popular songs.
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Web Posted - Saturday November 6, 2010
The Morning Call

Caribbean beats from Valley Steel Drum Ensemble
 

Pennsylvania,  USA - Despite the rapidly dropping temperatures, a Caribbean heat will be burning up First Presbyterian Church in Allentown when the Valley Steel Drum Ensemble performs on Sunday.

The ensemble plays on the bottoms of 55-gallon barrels, carefully tuned to mimic the sounds of centuries-old traditional Caribbean music. The group of 10 specialize in reggae, calypso and jazz, and it also plays gospels and other classic tunes.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday November 6, 2010
TimesUnion.com

These sisters play the steel pan for glory of God
 

New York,  USA - Shekinah, Zoe and Rhema Boston: The members of Steel Pretty.

Background: Shekinah, 18, and Zoe, 16, were born in Los Angeles, Rehma, 14, in Albany. The home-schooled sisters live with their parents, the Rev. David Boston and Wendy Boston in Amsterdam. He is the religious leader of Ambassadors Christian Tabernacle, which he runs out of his house.

Players: Zoe plays the double drums while Shekinah and Rehma play the single drum. They have been making music with the instrument, also known as the steel pan, for six years, having first learned it at the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in Schenectady.
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Web Posted - November, 2010
Pirates Week 2010

Pirate’s Week features Steel Band Competition
 

Cayman Islands, W.I. -  There is nothing sweeter than a steel pan played properly and here on Cayman you’re going to see how it’s truly done. The instrument originated in Trinidad & Tobago but has swept the world with its unique and irresistible energy. These days it’s not just calypso and soca but pop, rock, classical and jazz that benefit from steel pans.

....The steel band competition this year will be held on 11 November at 7.30 pm on Harbour Drive.  It is expected to attract competitors from most schools in Cayman and even though there were only four bands taking part last year, it is expected that up to six bands will compete for cash prizes totaling $5,000.
read more

Web Posted - Friday November 5, 2010
by When Steel Talks

All Stars Steel Orchestra commemorates 75 years with Classical Jewels IX concert
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra (NMTASSO) is preparing to showcase to Trinidad and Tobago perhaps one of the best steelpan concerts the world has ever seen.

In commemoration of its 75^th Anniversary, the band will feature a multitude of talents on November 6^th and 7^th, 2010, at its Classical Jewels IX. Guest artistes include Christopher ‘Tambu’ Herbert, UWI (University of the West Indies) Arts Chorale, Jacqueline Smith, Malick Folk Performers, Clive Telemaque, Dane Gulston, Mia Gormandy and Yohan Popwell.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 4, 2010
by When Steel Talks

Happy Birthday: The Master Remembered “Clive Bradley”
 

Global - The late master musician and steelband music arranger Clive Bradley would have been seventy-four years old today had he lived to see 2010.  Though he passed away in 2005, the steelpan music community and musicians throughout the world still mourn his absence, especially in the arranging arena.  When he passed, several peers and admirers paid homage to him, speaking to When Steel Talks personally and sharing their feelings about and experiences with master Clive Bradley - from the likes of Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Robert Greenidge, Dr. Jit Samaroo, and many more.
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 3, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan in a kinda rage
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  ....Here’s the thing, the challenge of even a craftily skilful band like Exodus playing jazz, is that it butts up against the same issues that a choir would have trying to do the same thing. There’s a good reason, I think, why so many songs written for the pan sound so thin when played on traditional instruments. The group harmonics that drive the best examples found in both groupings run counter to the kind of nimble experimentation that is at the heart of the best of jazz. Adding brass for a pleasant enough reading of Earth, Wind and Fire’s Reasons didn’t move things any closer to something that could be described as jazz either. Indeed, for most of the evening, Exodus was a backing band, and while it was one supplemented by the playing of arranger Pelham Goddard on keyboards, and panist Earl Brooks, their contributions were, by and large, buried in the mix. 
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Web Posted - Wednesday November 3, 2010
by When Steel Talks

2010 Autumn Leaves on Steel
 

Ontario, Canada -  Writing a concert review entirely in superlatives may seem overdone, even sycophantic. Yet all those who attended the 2010 Autumn Leaves on Steel in Toronto would agree that each of the four soloists and the band that backed them, were nothing short of superb.

The event is one of two shows produced each year by a group called the Pan Arts Network (P.A.N.). The first show was held twelve years ago at winter time. It was aptly called Snowflakes on Steel.
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Web Posted - Monday November 1, 2010
by When Steel Talks

PhotoPlus Expo 2010: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow in High Relief
 

New York, USA -  Well, the 2010 version of the PDN PhotoPlus Expo is over. The When Steel Talks (WST) crew has headed back to our happy hunting grounds in search of all things steelpan music-related.

....It was clear that awareness of ongoing technological development is key to sustainability and relevance in today’s everyday world - something steel orchestra franchises and steelpan musicians must keep in mind at all times.
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Web Posted - Monday November 1, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

Pan Trinbago president looks back after first year
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - As he approaches the end of his first year as president of Pan Trinbago Keith Diaz’s only concern is that the “Pan In Schools” initiative, so far, has not received an allocation for continued funding from the new Government.

“I am hoping that we will be able to continue with the project here at home, since there are ongoing “Pan In Schools” programmes in 30 countries around the world,” he said.

“I have been trying to contact the Culture Minister to know the status of the programme, but have had no luck so far.”
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Web Posted - Monday November 1, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago’s Newsday

 Keep music, steel pan alive
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Pan in Schools Coordinating Council (PSCC) is seeking to ensuring that not only the art of playing the steel pan is passed on to younger generations, but all other aspects of making the instrument and arranging music so it is not lost with the passage of time.

Sixty-five students from Trinidad and Tobago were awarded certificates last week at a graduation ceremony for the PSCC 2010 Workshop which took place during the July-August vacation and was sponsored by bpTT.
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Web Posted - Monday November 1, 2010
NIU Today

NIU Steelband, All University Steelband to play concert featuring steelpan ‘artiste’ Victor Provost
 

Illinois, USA - The NIU Steelband and All University Steelband present its 2010 fall concert under the direction of Cliff Alexis and Liam Teague at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall of the NIU Music Building.

The concert will feature steelpan artiste Victor Provost, NIU faculty member Greg Barrett on clarinet and Brazilian percussion master Geraldo de Oliveira. The concert will include an eclectic mix including calypso, samba, jazz, hip hop and even Jewish Klezmer music.
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