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Web Posted - Monday September 30, 2013
When Steel Talks

Condolences to the family and friends of Cyrus Busby

New York, USA - When Steel Talks expresses heartfelt condolences to Samantha Nicholson, wife Jean, and the family and friends on the passing of Mr. Cyrus Busby, a member of Despers USA and D'Radoes Steel Orchestras in Brooklyn, New York. He passed away earlier this evening, shortly after 6:00 p.m. in Brooklyn. Mr. Busby was the ESSENCE of Pan in New York. He was always clear on the direction that Pan here should take. Cyrus grew up in Gonzales in Trinidad. He will be sorely missed.
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Web Posted - Saturday September 28, 2013
When Steel Talks

Indigisounds - Alternative Steelpan Solutions - debuts in New York

New York, USA - Indigisounds - Alternative Steelpan Solutions - debuted in New York City earlier today, Saturday September 28 at IMSTA FESTA NYC 2013, utilizing keyboards, and also the PanKAT as a controller with a tenor-pan layout in fifths - as the interfaces.

Ace steelpan musician Johann Chuckaree was on hand along with creator of the Indigisounds software himself, DAC Acoustic Services' David A. Chow, to demonstrate the software package to eager listeners and onlookers.
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Web Posted - Saturday September 28, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Pan floats take to the streets

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar came to the rescue of the Steelpan Festival of Trinidad and Tobago (Steelfestt) Float Parade which was carded to come off on September 22.
After being blanked by the National Gas Company, despite the pleas of this country’s first ever Olympic Gold medallist Hasely Crawford, Steelfestt chairman Maureen Manchouck sent an application to the PM’s Office requesting funding and the PM gave instructions to have the request fulfilled.

After a week of uncertainty, Manchouck said she was pleased to get the assistance but the parade had to be pushed back to today.

“Everything came to a standstill when NGC told us they were not sponsoring the event, it would have broken my heart to go to these bands to tell them the parade was off, not after all the hard work they put in,” Manchouck said.

Initially, the Steelpan Float Parade had 17 small, medium and single pan bands but the three bands sponsored by NGC and Steel Xplosion from Tobago have been dropped.
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Web Posted - Saturday September 28, 2013
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Meet Philip Dupigny

a skilled tenor pan musician

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Trinidad and Tobago is the birth place of one of the most prolific instrument in the world – the steelpan. Each time a great new panist is discovered, it’s like unearthing lost treasure on the island.

We were lucky to come across such a phenomenon when an 18-year-old St George’s College student outshone the rest of his counterparts at the NGC SanFest Open Air Concert, held on the Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of-Spain last week Friday to commemorate and promote the start of the 43^rd Annual NGC National Junior Arts Festival (NGC Sanfest) 2013.

Meet Philip Dupigny, a shy, soft-spoken Sixth Form student. The young man was in full form at the NGC Sanfest concert as he wowed the audience at the open air event with his range of skill and technique on the tenor pan.
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Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
News-JournalOnline.com

New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival offers fusion giant, steel pan and more

Florida, USA - The jazz group known as the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra say their “mission” is “melting faces and touching lives through complex melodic intricacies over metrically juxtaposed rhythmic foundations.”

The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is one of 23 bands/ensembles performing as part of the 13^th annual New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival. Renowned jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell will close out the event.

The festival runs today through Sunday with performances in 21 venues — most of them on Flagler Avenue, Third Avenue or Canal Street. All but two of the shows are free.
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Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

D’Radoes Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session - in Pictures

New York, USA - The sixth and last of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - D’Radoes Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Thursday August 29.
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Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

Pantonic Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session in Pictures

New York, USA - The fifth of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - Pantonic Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Thursday August 29.
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Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

 CASYM Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session in Pictures

New York, USA - The fourth of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - CASYM Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Thursday August 29.
click to view

Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

CrossFire Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session - in Pictures

New York, USA - The third of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - CrossFire Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Wednesday August 28.
click to view

Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

Despers USA Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session - in Pictures

New York, USA - The second of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - Despers USA Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Wednesday August 28.
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Web Posted - Friday September 27, 2013
When Steel Talks

Sonatas Steel Orchestra 2013 Panyard Recording Session - in Pictures

New York, USA - The first of six fine New York steel orchestras recorded for the 2013 Panorama season in their Brooklyn panyard by Basement Recordings as part of their Panyard recording series - Sonatas Steel Orchestra’s recording session was also captured in Pictures on Wednesday August 28.
click to view

Web Posted - Thursday September 26, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Silver Stars celebrate 65 years

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra celebrated its 65^th Anniversary in fine style at its spanking Tragarete Road panyard in Newtown on Saturday night.

The all-inclusive event offered patrons chicken pelau, bbq ribs, drum sticks, mini bake and shark, coo-coo and callaloo, corn soup, geera pork, fruit kebabs, cheesecake and Häagen-dazs ice cream.

....Celebrants of the night, Silver Stars, gave patrons two fine sets of music as well.
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Web Posted - Thursday September 26, 2013
CXpress Garden Route Newspaper

Young Plett musos impress at international fest

Group received award for Best Overall Steelpan Performance

South Africa - PLETT Pioneers Field Band (PPFB) participated in the second Annual International Marimba and Steelpan Festival (IMSF) last month, registering as ‘Small Open Ensemble’ and entering four of the competition categories.

This prestigious event, supported by Education Africa, St Benedict’s College and the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, was attended by participants from all nine SA provinces as well as Swaziland, Lesotho, Zim, France and Germany. Imagine more than 200 marimbas and steelpans, 72 institutions, 197 performances and 1400 participants at one amazing event!

The three esteemed music adjudicators were Andy Narell, Alex Jacobowitz and SA music legend Pops Mohamed. An IMSF patron, Narell is arguably the greatest solo steel panist in the world, and classical marimba artist Jacobowitz shared his vast experience of an international perform.
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Web Posted - Wednesday September 25, 2013
When Steel Talks

‘Pan Is Beautiful XII’ official program is set

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Micahi Felician, Stryke Stars and Exodus Steel Orchestra will each be defending their respective titles at this year’s edition of the Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Music Festival – Pan is Beautiful XII. The Codrington Pan Family, winner in the Single Pan Band category, will be competing in the Orchestra category.

Pan is Beautiful XII under the patronage of His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona SC, ORTT will be held in October and November 2013 at three venues in Port-of-Spain.
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Web Posted - Wednesday September 25, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

Legendary South panman honoured

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Legendary San Fernando panman Lennox Bobby Mohammed, dubbed as one of the unsung heroes of the southern city, has received a Republic Day award from the non-governmental group, Citizens for a Better T&T. The function took place at the CBTT’s quarters at Lazarri Street, San Fernando, on Monday. During the brief ceremony in his honour, Mohammed said thousands of citizens were deserving of an award for their tireless and unselfish contribution to their country but received none for one reason or the other.

....The former pan arranger also said he would like to dedicate his Republic Day Award to his late father Zainool Mohammed who was a school principal, his late mother Enid, brothers Selwyn and Lester who both played for the Guinness Cavaliers, as well as his sister Lynette and his grandparents, all of whom supported his love for the steelpan. Mohammed pointed out that he was very proud to be part of the rise of the steelpan “which is not only our national instrument but is today recognised all over the world.”
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Web Posted - Monday September 23, 2013
When Steel Talks

Get your headphones - and Just Listen!!

Panorama 2013 Panyard Recordings
by Basement Recordings

New York, USA - For this year 2013, Basement Recordings captured six of Brooklyn’s finest steel orchestras franchises as part of their annual panyard panorama music recording series. All the orchestras operated at very high level this year and were indeed deserving of having their musical performance captured and preserved for the historical, cultural and community archives.

....The steel orchestras recorded this year are Despers USA; Pantonic; CrossFire; D’Radoes; Sonatas and CASYM, the eventual 2013 Panorama champion.
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Web Posted - Monday September 23, 2013
The Ashburnham Triangle

Street Party 2013 – Our Best Yet!

Pantasy Steel Band performs at 2013 ATA Street Party

England, U.K. - This year’s Street Party was widely acclaimed as our best yet, raising a record of more than £1,600 for Ashburnham Triangle Association (ATA) running costs and good causes in and around the Triangle.

An estimated 400 to 500 people turned out on Saturday 7^th September to get together in the Play Street at the ATA’s biggest and liveliest social event of the year.

....Adults and children alike enjoyed an excellent music programme, which kicked off at the earlier official start of 1 pm with The Pantasy Steel Band (who also play under the name Nostalgia Steel Band).

....Pantasy set a delightful and joyous tone for the day, playing almost non-stop for more than two hours to get the party off to a fantastic start.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 22, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

Police and panmen clash

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Police abruptly ended a scintillating performance from City Sun Valley at Friday’s staging of Sweet and Single, Come and Mingle held at the Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, panyard of Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra.

....Despite appeals from band officials for permission to play its Panorama 2012 selection titled Jump and Breakaway from Ronnie Mc Intosh, arranged by Dane Gulston, lawmen were not in a magnanimous mood and declined all requests for the band to play one more music item. This led to a clash of words between officials of the band, officers of the northern region of Pan Trinbago and police officers intent on executing the law.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 22, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

‘Potential’ shows at pan music school

Panyard students ready for the world

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Students graduating from Potential Symphony Steel Orchestra’s Music School in the Community project sponsored by the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism on September 13, looked ready to take on the world.

During the ceremony at the band’s Upper Sixth Avenue, Malick, Barataria facility, the 40 graduates—smartly dressed and focused on the mission—delivered their brand of instrumental magic.

The audience was impressed by the students who not only displayed their ability on the pan, but on a range of brass instruments too. Course facilitators were equally as excited, citing that the end product was a representation of their input.
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Web Posted - Friday September 20, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspaper

Pan Jazz Festival launched

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The annual Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan and Jazz Festival was launched at the Helen May Johnstone Room, Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s last Wednesday afternoon and members of the participating bands present, were all smiles when they heard that the prize money was increased.

A product of the Queen’s Royal College Foundation, the Pan Jazz Festival will run from October 12 to 27 and will include the Pan Challenge, Pan Royale and Developmental Workshops.
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Web Posted - Friday September 20, 2013
When Steel Talks

CASYM Steel Orchestra “Fantastic Friday” (Cool-Down Version) - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - CASYM Steel Orchestra performs “Fantastic Friday” as Basement Recordings captures their performance - as part of the NY PanYard Recording series, one day before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Duvone Stewart. Their instruments are tuned by Andy Neils. And their captain is Travis Roberts.

CASYM went on to win prestigious title of undisputed 2013 New York Panorama champions. The organization is celebrating its 30^th year of existence in 2013, and the franchise is one of the bed-rock institutions of the New York steelpan movement.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Friday September 20, 2013
Los Angeles Sentinel

Trinidad and Tobago at 51: The Evolution of the Steel Pan

From the Ghettos of Trinidad and Tobago to the Hallowed Halls of the International Community

USA - As Trinidad and Tobago celebrates 51 years of independence from Great Britain it is perhaps apropos to examine the remarkable evolution of the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century. That this instrument originated in ghettos of Trinidad and Tobago’s depressed and exploited laboring class make the instrument’s march to respectability and prominence all the more historic.

Today, as the steelpan continues its evolution it has paradoxically retained its bacchanalian relationships that have helped to define the instrument since its birth. The steel pan instrument, (a name I’m still having trouble to associate with an instrument I have known simply as “pan” or “steelband”) has moved during its tortuous ascendancy from the realm of the poor to the sacred halls of Westminster Abbey and, at the start of the 21^st century, become somewhat respectable.
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Web Posted - Friday September 20, 2013
When Steel Talks

Thirteen Steel Orchestras to perform in SteelFesTT 2013 Float Parade

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Thirteen steel orchestras will participate in this year’s edition of the SteelFesTT (Steelpan Festival of Trinidad & Tobago) Float Parade through the streets of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. The event had its genesis last year in commemoration of the country’s Golden Anniversary of Independence and the Diamond Jubilee of the development of the steelpan.

Scheduled to take place on Sunday 29^th September 2013 at 3:00 p.m., the parade culminates with the bands performing Barry Mannette’s arrangement of “God Bless Our Nation” in front of the Grand Stand at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
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Web Posted - Friday September 20, 2013
When Steel Talks

Pantonic Steel Orchestra - “Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playin’ Mas)” - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - Pantonic Steel Orchestra performs “Live Yuh Life (Like Yuh Playin’ Mas)” as Basement Recordings captures their performance - as part of the NY Panyard Recording series one day before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Seion Gomez. Their instruments are tuned by Roland Harrigin. And their captain is Wayne Bernard.

….The exploits of the world-famous Pantonic Steel Orchestra have been well documented. The current edition of the orchestra is no less talented and driven. Truly a Brooklyn gem, East Flatbush has been the home of Pantonic Steel Orchestra since its inception in 1998.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
GetReading.co.uk

Museums watch: RASPO

The steel band becoming a part of our heritage

Reading, England, U.K. - Since its formation in 1997, the Reading All Steel Pan Orchestra (RASPO) has become one of UK’s leading lights in steel pan music.

Taking its name from the Trinidad All Steel Pan Orchestra, which first introduced this home-spun music at the Festival of Britain in 1951, RASPO is a regular musical treat to be heard on Reading’s town centre shopping streets.

Only the most eagle-eyed of shoppers will have noticed that the orchestra’s new look T- shirts bear designs which are actually based upon aspects of Reading’s history.

....Museum manager Matthew Williams said, “It’s great to see our history being interpreted so imaginatively and I’m sure we will want to add one of the T Shirts to the museum’s collection.
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Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
Summerville Journal Scene

Dubose teacher ‘steels’ the show

South Carolina, USA - Unless you are watching Jack Black in School of Rock you might find it unique to see a teacher performing music for and alongside his students. That is one of the things Dubose Middle School students get with Mike Greer.

....In the fall of 2005 he was hired by Joseph Pye to become the new band director at Dubose Middle School. Due to the growing number of steel drum classes, he only held the position for a semester before becoming the steel drum director in Jan. 2006. Since then Dubose has become the largest middle school steel drum program in the country.

“We have six steel band classes and 65 kids in the program,” said Greer. “We have great support by the district and are up to 39 instruments.”
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Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister hands over cheque for SteelFesTT 2013

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, handed over a cheque on the afternoon of September 19 to representatives of SteelFesTT (Steelpan Festival of Trinidad & Tobago) at the Office of the Prime Minister in St. Clair, Trinidad.

The money will go towards assisting the SteelFesTT Committee in staging the second annual Float Parade which takes place Sunday, September 29, 2013. Thirteen bands will start from in front of Pan Trinbago’s Headquarters on Park Street, Port-of-Spain and parade east along Park Street, then north on Charlotte Street to the Queen’s Park Savannah.
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Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

Steelband wows the Chinese

China - The National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) left last week for appearances at the Ninth China International Folk Art Festival that began on September 14 in Yichang, Hubei Province, China.

....The 21-member NSSO, led by music director/conductor Jessel Murray, appeared at the festival’s opening ceremony, as well as other programmes during the seven days of the event.
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Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

Genesis of great things in Exodus

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.  - Exocubs was established more than ten years ago with the primary objective of developing T&T’s youth in the direction of music and moreso the steelpan. Over the years, in excess of 1,500 young people have graduated from its programme. In the more recent years youth were directed to the area of music literacy and formally graded.

Speaking to Pulse this week from abroad Mohammed said: “For the new term (2012/13) we have decided to introduce all other conventional instruments and to include the dance, chorale and other forms of the performing arts, example tassa, African drumming, parang etc.

“In this regard, we are being guided and supported through UWI’s (University of the West Indies) Creative Arts Centre as part of their community outreach programme. Republic Bank Exodus/ Exocubs’ desire is to formalise an alliance with UWI so that the youth of Trinbago can develop themselves in music and the arts to whatever levels they so wish.”
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Web Posted - Thursday September 19, 2013
When Steel Talks

 D’Radoes Steel Orchestra - “Fantastic Friday” (Cool Down Version) - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - D’Radoes Steel Orchestra performs “Fantastic Friday” as Basement Recordings captures their performance - as part of the NY Panyard Recording series one day before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Terrance “BJ” Marcelle. Their instruments are tuned by Roland Harrigin and Learie Harrigin. And their captain is Junior “Mann” Samuel.

….D’Radoes Steel Orchestra took the stage at the competition with 100 players. D’Radoes was established in 2002. The orchestra is made up of primarily veteran players, who all have very deep ‘Pan roots.’ The Canarsie-based steel orchestra is a Brooklyn favorite.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Wednesday September 18, 2013
When Steel Talks

CrossFire Steel Orchestra - “Leh Go” - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - CrossFire Steel Orchestra performs “Leh Go” as Basement Recordings captures their performance - as part of the NY PanYard Recording series two days before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Kendall Williams. Their instruments are tuned by Roland Harrigin. And their captain is Arielle Chase.

The Basement yard recordings are made with the purpose of allowing the listener to hear and feel the power of the New York steel orchestras, along with the sonic clarity, musical sophistication and the rhythmic complexity and genius of the all percussive engine room. CrossFire Steel Orchestra took the stage at the competition with at least 60 players.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Tuesday September 17, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Pan Trinbago takes pan into schools

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Education to supply, deliver, install and commission pan ensembles to 25 schools.

....Pan Trinbago was also contracted to supply and fulfil a five-year maintenance agreement for the servicing of the ensembles of 118 schools—107 in Trinidad and 11 in Tobago.

The contract, valued at [TT] $8,934,263, was awarded to the pan body on September 3 after the organisation responded to the ministry’s invitation to tender.

In his speech, Diaz said this new development was another way forward for the organisation in achieving self-sustainability.
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Web Posted - Tuesday September 17, 2013
When Steel Talks

Sonatas Steel Orchestra - “Fantastic Friday” - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - Sonatas Steel Orchestra performs “Fantastic Friday” as Basement Recordings captures their performance as part of the NY PanYard Recording series, two days before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Leon “Foster” Thomas. Their instruments are tuned by Bertram “Birch” Kelman. And Sonatas’ captain is Sadé Constantine. The Basement yard recordings are made with the purpose of allowing the listener to hear and feel the power of the New York steel orchestras, along with the sonic clarity, musical sophistication and the rhythmic complexity and genius of the all percussive engine room. Sonatas Steel Orchestra took the stage at the competition with 100 players.

The recordings were done using Basement’s distinct in-house “box and one” technique.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Tuesday September 17, 2013
Zizonline.com

Absolutely ‘Pan’tastic

Basseterre, St. Kitts, W.I. - There was music in the air for most of the day on Thursday September 12 as the sun rose in Basseterre to the sounds of “Pan in The Square.”

Independence Square came alive for the ’umpteenth’ time this week as the Ministry of Culture showcased an array of young and old talent through the playing of pan. Patrons and passersby tuned into the rhythmic vibes emitted from centre stage at ground zero of the Ministry’s National Arts Festival.

One group in the sunshine that day was the Nevis Pan Ensemble. The band, comprised of a vibrant mix of primary and secondary school students, are the ‘cream of the crop’ in pan from the Scherzando School of Music in Nevis. Led by Gingerland Secondary School Music Teacher Rohan Claxton, the group belted out a combination of fast and slow rhythms, to the enjoyment of all present.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 15, 2013
The Trinidad Guardian

Stars fail to align at Despers show

...police pull plug on performance

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A scintillating performance from North West Laventille Folk Performers was not enough to save Friday’s Pantastic Friday produced by ten-time National Panorama champion Witco Desperadoes Steel Orchestra from its lacklustre fate.

Desperadoes was on stage before a captive audience eager to hear the band render its much loved arrangement of Super Blue’s Rebecca. However, law enforcement officers did not allow a ten-minute extension at the event held at the Paddock Area at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain.

The police pulled the plug on the show a mere ten minutes past 1 am, when it was officially scheduled to end.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 15, 2013
When Steel Talks

Despers USA Steel Orchestra - “Wining Queen” - Basement Yard Recordings 2013


 

New York, USA - Despers USA Steel Orchestra performs “Wining Queen,” as Basement Recordings captures their performance as part of the NY PanYard Recording series two days before the annual New York Panorama steel orchestra competition. The arranger is Odie Franklin.  Their instruments are tuned by Clement Franklin and Emmanuel "Jack" Riley. And their captain is Wilfred Kieal, Jr.

The Basement yard recordings are made with the purpose of allowing the listener to hear and feel the power of the New York steel orchestras, along with the sonic clarity, musical sophistication and the rhythmic complexity and genius of the all percussive engine room. Despers USA took the stage at the competition with 100 players.

....Despers USA is one of the iconic musical institutions of Brooklyn, New York. They have been located on the border of the Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant communities for decades.
click for the recording

Web Posted - Friday September 13, 2013
When Steel Talks

The Disappearing Panyards of New York - Who is Responsible? - The Re-shaping of New York by Bloomberg

New York, USA - Here is a reality check on what the New York steelband franchises are up against.

After years of poor, vision-less, spineless and/or corrupt leadership - particularly in the NY Caribbean communities the great steel orchestras of Brooklyn, New York find themselves between a rock and certain death. It is ironic, sad and laughable (if it wasn't so sick) that while it is true that the NY Caribbean community has consistently attracted millions of people annually to its Eastern Parkway Labor Day Carnival/ Parade in addition to generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the city (in one day), in actuality the community at large has nothing to show for it.

The parade dwarfs the iconic 1963 'March on Washington' which reports the number of participants to be somewhere around 200,000 to 300,000 people. But 50 years later and the celebration of that march we can still see how and what was accomplished by the leveraging of the leadership of the March on Washington (as eroded, battered and bruised as it might be). Not so the Caribbean parade, and one held on an annual basis.

And sadly, no such comparisons - morally, economically, culturally, spiritually, educationally and/or socially can be made for the past leadership of the NY Carnival related-matters.
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Web Posted - Wednesday September 11, 2013
When Steel Talks

Meet Pepe Francis, Chairman of the British Association of Steelbands & Ebony Steelband Trust Director - UpClose!

Global - Panman and Masman Pepe Francis – a man who has dedicated more than fifty years to the steelband art form, wears multiple hats including those as director of the Ebony Steelband Trust in London, and chairman of the British Association of Steelbands (BAS). Armed with a global vision for the steelband community, art form and instrument, Pepe Francis is abreast of and takes keen interest in, the steelband-related goings-on not only in the UK and Europe, but in the Caribbean and in New York as well.

....When Steel Talks sat down with Pepe Francis, for insight into one of the most pivotal and influential individuals in Pan in the UK.
watch video interview

Web Posted - Wednesday September 11, 2013
Trinidad & Tobago Newsday

George Ng Wai dies of cancer

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Manager of the popular band, Imij and Company, George Ng Wai has passed away after battling cancer for almost three years.

....Aside from his role as manager of Imij and Company, George would also be remembered as an avid pan man, who played with several sides including Silver Stars, Phase II Pan Groove and Dixieland Steel Orchestra.

In 2011, he was honoured by the steelpan governing body, Pan Trinbago, as one of five surviving members of the Dixieland Orchestra of 1961 that visited the United Kingdom after winning the National Steel Band Festival of Trinidad and Tobago.
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Web Posted - Tuesday September 10, 2013
Appalachian State University News

Appalachian’s Steely Pan Steel Band performs Sept. 27

North Carolina, USA  - Pop, original compositions and traditional calypso music will be showcased during a Sept. 27 performance by the Hayes School of Music’s Steely Pan Steel Band. The 8 p.m. performance will be in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at Appalachian State University.

The 23-member band is directed by Dr. Scott Meister....The program includes “Whey De Pan Man” and “Glory,” transcribed by Meister from a Trinidad Steel Band recording.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 8, 2013
When Steel Talks

N.Y.P.D. = New York Pan Destruction

New York, USA - After reading Pantonic captain, Wayne Bernard’s, post about this topic, I felt the need to address the same issue. It’s no secret that the majority of the Brooklyn pan scene is comprised of young adults and teenagers who anxiously wait for the Saturday before Labor Day in the hopes of winning Panorama. We spend all of our summer nights in panyards and racks, instead of parties and BBQs, to ensure victory in competition; that is, when we get the chance to. It’s sad that the NYPD (New York Police Department) and certain Brooklynites cannot see things this way.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 8, 2013
When Steel Talks

New York J’Ouvert 2013 in Pictures

New York, USA - SteelPan, Rhythm sections, Oil, Mas, Paint, plenty powder and thousands of revelers - all were out in full force for J’Ouvert 2013 in New York, parading along the traditional route of Empire Boulevard east-bound and then south along Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn.

From the wee hours of Monday straight into the dawning of an overcast morning, the steelbands of New York and surrounding areas and rhythm sections, joined the crowds that turned out for the annual ritual unfolding this early Labor Day.

The likes of steel bands D’Radoes, Pantonic, Hearts of Steel, Oasis Youth, Philly Pan Stars, ADLIB, Despers USA, CrossFire, Pan Liberty, Utopia Pan Soul, Legend Stars, Steel Xplosion, Tropical Pan Vibes and several rhythm sections - made merry with Jab Jabs, impish devils, ole mas individuals, ‘pretty mas’ - and the list goes on.  They were all captured in hundreds of images.
click to view

Web Posted - Saturday September 7, 2013
When Steel Talks

Meet Duvone Stewart and Travis Roberts of CASYM Steel Orchestra: New York’s 2013 Champions - UpClose!

New York, USA -  He is a big man, with big ideas, big talent and he is without doubt 'big-time.' His name is Duvone Stewart and he came here to conquer New York. In the Big Apple there is a saying: "You ain't done it 'til you done it." Duvone has definitely done it. He is the 2013 New York Panorama champion arranger. Hello, the man is ready for prime time, yet he remains humble in heart. He's a long-time, die-hard Miami Heat fan- who feels CASYM fits him like a glove, and vice versa. In an exclusive, post-Panorama joint interview with When Steel Talks, arranger Duvone Stewart and CASYM band captain Travis Roberts talk about their journey to this point, and what's to come.
watch video interview

Web Posted - Saturday September 7, 2013
The Good World News

British and Trinidad artists team up to spur interest in steel band music

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - British artist Jeremy Deller teamed up with Michelle Huggins-Watts, Trinidad's “First Lady” of the steel pan, on a project to bring more young people into steel band music. Their collaboration combined their very different skills to create a brand new, one-off performance and music event in Trinidad.

Jeremy Deller, speaking before the collaboration said: “For a long time I’ve been interested in steel bands. Trinidad is the home of steel bands so it makes sense to go to that place and see what you can come up with.”
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Web Posted - Saturday September 7, 2013
Graphic Online

‘Iron Boy’ meets steel band at +233

Accra, Ghana - It would be a ‘serious’ affair at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill at North Ridge in Accra next Friday, September 13 when ‘Iron Boy’ Amakye Dede plays with the Couva Joylanders Steel Band from Trinidad and Tobago.

The highlife superstar is teaming up with the steel band at a gig dubbed Highlife Meets Soca.

....This would the second trip of the Couva Joylanders Steel Band to Ghana. They were here in April 2011 by courtesy of the Honorary Consul of the Consulate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Ghana and played with Paapa Yankson and Akablay at +233.
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Web Posted - Thursday September 5, 2013
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Making mas in September

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - For the second week end running pan-music lovers came out to West Port of Spain to enjoy the music of our national instrument during the celebration of the nation’s 51^st anniversary of Independence.

The action was along Tragarete Road from Cipriani Boulevard to French Street where the Carib Woodbrook Playboyz Steelband hosted their annual event, Street Fest 2. The evening of music and mas began with the host band performing as they made their way along the route with several old mas characters in tow much to the enjoyment of the people who came out.

Four-time National Panorama champions, Solo Harmonites was among the steel orchestras that participated in the event, delivering a very good performance that earned them cheers from the audience.
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Web Posted - Wednesday September 4, 2013
When Steel Talks

CASYM Steel Orchestra Wins New York Panorama 2013!

‘Fantastic Friday’ turns into Super Saturday for the 30-year Cultural Organization

New York, USA -  A hot and humid late Summer evening on Labor Day weekend in New York was made even more so by the fiery musical performances laid down by ten steel orchestras, as they vied for the 2013 championship title in North America’s premier steelband music competition. When the proverbial dust had settled, it was CASYM Steel Orchestra playing in position eight which left its nine other challengers in the dust.

....This season CASYM went to Panorama without long-time arranger Arddin Herbert, and instead worked with Duvone Stewart whose arrangement of Super Blue’s ‘Fantastic Friday’ and the band’s execution of his vision, brought the music powerhouse Panorama glory in 2013. This is Stewart’s second journey in New York’s Panorama arena....
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Web Posted - Monday September 2, 2013
When Steel Talks

Nothing but Pan, Oil, Mas, Paint - and Plenty Powder at 2013 J’Ouvert in New York

New York, USA -  J’Ouvert was in full effect in New York for 2013. Again the steelbands of New York and surrounding areas, along with rhythm sections put on a show that only iron and steel can deliver in the wee hours of Labor Day. New York J’Ouvert has firmly established itself as one of the best (and still functioning) in the world. Its unique requirement of only acoustic instruments - Pan, iron and drums (no electronics or electrical amplification) sets it aside from everything else.

....There was much color, song and dance, oil, paint, Pan music and mischief and fun. This year “blue” seemed to be the color. One can surmise that Soca superstar Super Blue’s recent success may have had something to do with it.
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Web Posted - Sunday September 1, 2013
When Steel Talks

Results - 2013 New York Panorama

New York, USA - Full results for the 2013 New York Panorama which took place at the back of the Brooklyn Museum are here.  CASYM Steel Orchestra, celebrating their 30^th anniversary this year, have also added the title of Panorama champions to their list of accomplishments. Pan Sonatas which placed fourth last year moved up two to second place, while D’Radoes  Steel Orchestra placed third for the third year running.  Pan Fantasy from Canada went away with fourth place.
click for full results & breakdown

Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Upcoming

Global  - Upcoming Steelpan music events from all over the world
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Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Complete RESULTS for the Trinidad & Tobago 2013 Panorama

Global - Full results for the Trinidad and Tobago 2013 Panorama are in. Steel Orchestras competed in the medium and large categories at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad last evening.  Both 2012 defending champions were dethroned.
click for full results

Web Posted
When Steel Talks - Special

Champion Panorama Tunes of Trinidad and Tobago

Global - A critical component to winning any panorama competition is the song the orchestras choose to use as the basis of their panorama arrangements. Over the years these songs have inspired classic panorama arrangements. When Steel Talks invites you to take a look at and listen to, these famed tunes which have played more than just a cursory part in the history of Pan, and the lives of the players and fans.
click to hear and/or view