When Steel Talks

Quick Listen - Tunes for Panorama and Carnival 2014
You Tube Short Takes

Web Posted - Friday February 28, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Deltones’ $.35m second prize withheld

Claim of excessive players to be probed

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Petrotrin Siparia Deltones went home yesterday morning without its $350,000 second place cheque because of a pending investigation into its performance at the Small Conventional Steel Orchestra Final at Skinner Park, San Fernando.

It was just about 1.30 a.m. when Deltones came on stage but after the count, officials found the band had too many players. The maximum number of players in this category is 60.
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 28, 2014
When Steel Talks

Supernovas Steel Orchestra dethrones Arima Golden Symphony

Controversy for runner-up Siparia Deltones:

Small Steel Orchestra Finals - RESULTS

Global - Playing Amrit Samaroo’s arrangement of De Fosto’s “In De Minor” turned into a ‘major’ success for Supernovas Steel Orchestra based in East Trinidad. The orchestra led the pack through the preliminaries and out of the semi-finals, culminating in their victory announced just before 3:30 a.m. local time on Carnival Friday morning in Trinidad & Tobago. Amrit Samaroo is already a champion arranger in his own right, leading St. Lucia’s Pantime Steel Orchestra to Pan supremacy in that country’s 2013 Panorama....A first prize of TT $400,000 (circa USD $62,670) plus challenge trophies were the rewards for the season’s hard work.
get results

Web Posted - Friday February 28, 2014
When Steel Talks

San Juan East Side Symphony and Pan Jammers in 1^st Place - It’s A Tie!

Single Pan Band Finals - RESULTS

Global - There was joy in both camps, with the happy result for defending Single Pan Band champs San Juan East Side Symphony playing “Fantastic Friday,” and Pan Jammers, also champions. San Juan East Side performed on the evening of Thursday February 27, but it was in the early hours of Friday morning when the results were made known, turning the experience indeed for them, into a “Fantastic Friday.” The band had been determined to hang on for that fourth consecutive title, and they did as they returned with arranger Duvone Stewart. Equally thrilled were the players of Pan Jammers who delivered sweet sounds on pan with Baron’s “This Melody Sweet.” Arranger Nicholas Singh developed the musical tale that was theirs to tell on steel.
get results

Web Posted - Thursday February 27, 2014
When Steel Talks

RESULTS for the Trinidad & Tobago 2014 Panorama
 

Global - Results from categories and various phases of competition in the 2014 Trinidad and Tobago Panorama are available. The semifinal results for the medium and large categories are in, with the finals for the small steel orchestra category coming in from tonight’s performances.  Look out for those, along with the finals from the medium and large steel orchestra showcase. 
click for full results

Web Posted - Wednesday February 26, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Mayaro schools top southeast pan festival
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Mayaro Government Primary and Mayaro Secondary Schools won the primary and secondary category, respectively, in the recently concluded southeast pan festival. The competition which took place last Friday, sponsored by the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, focussed on schools in Mayaro and environs. Each winning school took home $5,000 and a trophy for coping the top prize. Five primary and two secondary schools participated in the event at the Mayaro Government Primary School ground.
read more 

Web Posted -Wednesday February 26, 2014
When Steel Talks

Groovy Soca Steelband Competition & Fitness Chippin’ - All In A Monday Night’s Pan
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Steelbands will have two events in which to display their musical skills come Carnival Monday evening. One is the second edition of the Groovy Soca Steelband Competition in all Pan Trinbago Regions and the other, Health & Fitness Chip in the capital, Port-of-Spain.

The Groovy Soca Steelband Competition is open to all financial members of Pan Trinbago and will see participating steelbands perform any groovy soca composition. Bands are required to play the tune on the move for approximately four to six minutes.
read more

Web Posted -Monday February 24, 2014
When Steel Talks

Ray Holman, Arranger for the Skiffle, Speaks On Their 2014 Panorama Collaboration

Global - Now in his second consecutive year with the steel orchestra know as Skiffle, master arranger Ray Holman shares his thoughts and wisdom with When Steel Talks in an exclusive interview, as they prepare for the upcoming Trinidad and Tobago 2014 Panorama Finals.
click for interview

Web Posted - Sunday February 23, 2014
When Steel Talks

Triumph for Renegades Youth, QRC/Providence and St. Paul’s Boys A.C. Steel Orchestras - 2014 Junior National Panorama Results


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. -  In the end there could be, only three. Winners, that is - out of the thirty steel orchestras in three categories (Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Non-Schools), which played their hearts out for judges in the 2014 edition of the National Junior Panorama at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.

Under the lights of the Grand Stand, the sun had already set as the final results were being announced. Indeed the “happiest panists alive” at that time were probably the players of Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra, who, with their performance of Machel Montano’s popular “Happiest Man Alive,” trumped their seven co-competitors in the Non-Schools category.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday February 23, 2014
When Steel Talks

ARIMA PANORAMA - Listing of Contenders - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - The Arima Panorama comes off at 7:00 p.m. Monday February 24 at the Arima Velodrome, Hollis Avenue Arima, Trinidad.
Eight single pan bands along with six conventional steel orchestras hailing from Arima, are registered to compete in the event.
see line-up

Web Posted - Sunday February 23, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

The Skiffle enters Panorama finals without sponsorship

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - For the first time in 38 years, the Skiffle steelband will be entering the Panorama finals without a sponsor.

Skiffle, one of two San Fernando bands in the large band category, placed eighth in last Sunday’s semi-finals, with a Ray Holman arrangement of Chucky’s The Wedding.

....Skiffle’s CEO Junia Regrello said there is a reluctance on the part of corporate T&T to sponsor steelbands, especially those from the south. He said companies are opting to partner with soca artistes and high-profile activities and events from which they can get maximum publicity.
read more 

Web Posted - Saturday February 22, 2014
When Steel Talks

It’s FINALS Time for Single Pan Bands and Small Steel Orchestras - Order of Appearance

Global - When the Single Pan and Small Steel Orchestra 2014 Panorama Finals get underway at Skinner Park in San Fernando, Trinidad, on Thursday February 27, defending Single Pan Champion San Juan East Side Symphony will lead the charge—literally, as the band plays in position one—in the musical battle. Under the baton of arranger Duvone Stewart, the San Juan-based band will perform the 2013 hit “Fantastic Friday” composed and sung by Austin Lyons aka Superblue. In ninth position coming out of the preliminaries, San Juan East Side Symphony made up ground as expected and were first after the semifinals. The band is going for their fourth consecutive championship.
read more, see appearance order

Web Posted - Friday February 21, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Invaders first on stage for Pan finals

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - CAL Invaders plays first in next Saturday’s Panorama finals for large conventional steelbands at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, after Pan Trinbago’s draw for positions yesterday at the VVIP Lounge at the Grand Stand.

Playing in the coveted last place in 11th position is BP Renegades.

Next Saturday at the Savannah will also feature the finals for the medium conventional steelbands, which starts with Melodians, while Tobago-based NLCB Buccooneers plays in tenth and final place.
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 21, 2014
When Steel Talks

Global - Trinidad All Stars created “Excitement” - literally - as the band from East Port-of-Spain amassed the most points in the National Panorama Large Steel Orchestra semifinal round. And All Stars, playing that Telemaque/Hendrickson composition “Excitement,” will perform at position nine in their category on Saturday 1 March, at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. They and nine other competitors will try to unseat 2013 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama champions Phase II Pan Groove. Interestingly, Invaders Steel Orchestra which drew the first playing position for the large category semifinal round, again takes the stage first in the finals.
read more, see appearance order

Web Posted - Friday February 21, 2014
The Jamaica Gleaner

Chrome steel band to perform at National Gallery
 

Jamaica, W.I. - The Last Sundays performance, which will start at 1 p.m., will be by the Chrome steel band. Chrome presents steelpan music in its most pure form, using minimal percussive enhancement, to allow listeners to truly hear and enjoy the beauty and versatility of the instrument.

The group is less than a year old and has performed for weddings, corporate and private events. All the members of Chrome are seasoned members of UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra, of which Chrome is a spin-off project.

A uniquely Caribbean instrument type and musical genre, steel-pan music is most closely associated with Trinidad Carnival and it is in this spirit that Chrome was invited to perform.
read more

Web Posted - Friday February 21, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Panicle set to boost steelband
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Panicle Ltd, an NGO aimed at providing support systems for the steelbands of T&T and their membership, will host its George “Sonny” Goddard Inaugural Steelband Town Hall Meeting on March 7, from 1 pm, at the Starlift House of Music, Mucurapo Road Extension, Woodbrook. The event is free and open to the public. One of Goddard’s four sons, George Gerard, said on Wednesday: “The steel drum is one of the contributions that we, as the people of the Republic of T&T, have given to the rest of the world. This town hall meeting aims to address the reasons for that phenomenon.” Apart from George Gerard and his elder brother David George, Panicle also includes members of Hugh Borde’s family, with Emile Borde, his son, as one of its directors.
read more 

Web Posted - Thursday February 20, 2014
When Steel Talks

Liam Teague, Arranger for Silver Stars Steel Orchestra, Speaks On Their 2014 Panorama Collaboration

Global - Panorama arranger Liam Teague gives a special insight into the journey as he leads Silver Stars Steel Orchestra into the finals of the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago 2014 Panorama music competition. Recognized as a child prodigy, Teague has gone on to blaze a musical trail with the steelpan as his main instrument. Currently he is Associate Professor of Music and Head of Steelband Studies at Northern Illinois University, as well as co-director of the university steelband.
click for interview

Web Posted - Thursday February 20, 2014
NIU Today

Pan ambassador

Caribbean Awards For Excellence honors NIU’s Liam Teague
 

Global - Liam Teague, head of steelpan studies and an associate professor in the NIU School of Music, has been named the 2014 Laureate in Arts and Letters by the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards For Excellence.

Launched in 2005 by the ANSA McAL Foundation, the awards are the English-speaking Caribbean’s leading recognition program in arts, sciences and public and civic work.

The goal is to recognize significant Caribbean achievement, to encourage and to support the pursuit of excellence by Caribbean persons, for the benefit of the region. The ANSA McAL Foundation is convinced that talent needs to be sought out, brought to light and encouraged.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday February 20, 2014
When Steel Talks

Steel Orchestras Take The Stage In Junior Panorama Finals - Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2014

Global - Nelson Street Boys R.C. will be the first of thirty steel orchestras to be judged as the 2014 edition of the National Junior Panorama kicks off. The band will perform Chris “Tambu” Herbert’s “Free Up” in the Primary Schools category. Ten junior steel orchestras in the Secondary Schools and eight in that of the Non-Schools follow the Primary School category.

In each arena the title holders are going for consecutive wins; St. Francois Girls’ Steel Orchestra, St. Margaret’s Boys, as well as Success Stars Pan Sounds with their resident ace arranger and composer Mickiel Gabriel. The bands have clinched titles in their respective groupings in 2013, 2012, 2011 and possibly further back.
click for order of appearance

Web Posted - Thursday February 20, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

T&T Chinese steelband to play in Beijing festival
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Trinidad & Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble has been invited by the China Performing Arts Agency to participate in the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival 2014 from May 1 to 3, a news release from Pan Trinbago said Wednesday.

The festival, which began in 2000, has established itself as an International Arts Festival. It is one of the largest (festivals) in Asia, respected by both domestic and international arts communities.

Since its genesis in 2006 when a “Chinese Steelband” was formed in commemoration of the 200^th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago, the band has maintained a busy schedule performing at many events.
read more 

Web Posted - Wednesday February 19, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Drummer ditches Starlift
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A member of the White Oak Starlift Steel Orchestra is claiming the band did not make it into the Panorama finals because they were set-up by their drummer last Sunday at the semi-finals.

Delano Arthur Seale, a member of the band for the past 51 years, said the drummer who they hired and paid did not show-up for the large band competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

He said the drummer worked with the band each time for practice and played until the wee hours of the morning the day before the competition.
read more 

Web Posted - Wednesday February 19, 2014
When Steel Talks

Junior Steel Orchestras Qualify for Panorama Finals

Global - Results of the National Junior Panorama Competition in all categories have been released by the coordinators. Overall twelve Primary Schools, ten Secondary Schools and eight Non-Schools have qualified for the Finals carded for the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, on Sunday 23^rd February, starting at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free.

The Ministry of Education in collaboration with Pan Trinbago Inc. TC and the Pan In Schools Coordinating Council will host this year’s edition which has attracted record entries. Hon. Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, Minister of Education, is the patron.
click for finalists

Web Posted - Tuesday February 18, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

The last Carnival
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....My earliest memories of this annual street festival date back to my teens when I took to following my older sisters and their friends, in particular in coming out on the road for the pre-dawn start to Carnival, known as Jouvert (or “the opening of the day”).

Inevitably we’d meet up with some steelband out on the road and join the hundreds, and later on that would become thousands, who took to dancing in the streets to the sound of steelband music.

Initially I remember, we followed Silver Stars, led by the Pouchet brothers from Cocorite, because Silver Stars was then regarded as a fairly “respectable, middle class” steelband in those days—and probably still is so regarded, for all I know.

But in later years, we got more daring and took to waiting for Woodbrook’s Invaders to hit the road—and Invaders, in those days —say the late 1950s and early 1960s —had a “badjohn” reputation.
read more 

Web Posted - Tuesday February 18, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Bring it on

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Having topped the semi-final round of competition for large bands in 2014 Panorama at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on Sunday, Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars is ready to take on its main challengers, all of which have won the steelpan championship many times.

“There are four bands that have won Panorama multiple times before and are within striking distance. So all I can say is, bring it on,” All Stars’ arranger Leon ‘Smooth’ Edwards declared yesterday.

However, he sent kudos to all other finalists, as well as his band, stating hard work always pays off and he was glad All Stars was able to reap what they had sown.
read more 

Web Posted - Tuesday February 18, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Judging flawed

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Chairman of Pan Trinbago South Central Region Michael Joseph says he intends to have discussions with colleagues over the judging system of the National Steelband Panorama competitions as he declared the current system as having several flaws.

“We realised that something is very wrong and they (judges) always have south bands clustered together during competitions. The scores are also very close. We feel something is very much wrong with the judging system. We have to sit down and analyse it,” said Joseph.
read more 

Web Posted - Tuesday February 18, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

NCC drops internet plan
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Trinidadians and other fans of Carnival living abroad may be facing a blackout after the tendering process for the television production rights to stream a dozen Carnival shows and mas online were quashed by the National Carnival Commission (NCC). The decision means while Carnival can still be streamed online, the video may not be professionally produced to a high standard as originally planned. Further, the professional companies previously interested in doing so may not, meaning there may be no proper streaming of shows and mas during the season. NCC chair Allison Demas yesterday confirmed the move, adding only that the decision was made on “legal grounds.” In a brief interview, Demas said: “There were two tendering processes, one for broadcast rights and one for the television production rights. That one (television production rights) has been withdrawn on legal grounds and letters were sent to the various media houses.”
read more 

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

‘Pan Splash’ will be back
Organisers: We broke even in spite of negative publicity...’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - “Pan Splash” was a success and will be back in 2015!

This, yesterday from Michelle George, official spokesperson for the entities behind the concept area (Jus Juices, Aqua Fun Park and the Blue Waters Group of Companies), which was introduced as part of “The Greens” section during the National Panorama Semi-Finals on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

....She said:
“We suffered from a lot of bad publicity, which I think is more about the way some people feel about the phenomenon that is The Greens itself —and not necessarily the pool or the Pan Splash idea.

“However, based on the amount of interest, curiosity and questions that were generated, I have already been advised that all things being equal on the business and logistics end, Pan Splash will definitely be returning in 2015...and for the record, we broke even!
read more 

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

NLCB’s Buccooneers excites with Rudder’s ‘Madness’

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The famous notes of David Rudder’s 1986 Calypso hit, “Madness”, rang out across the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain yesterday afternoon as the NLCB Buccooneers delivered an energetic performance at the National Panorama Semi-Finals 2014.

The band obviously came out to win, as they are the defending champs in the Medium Band category of Panorama.

Designer and winner of Season 9 of the US ....reality show, Project Runway, Anya Ayoung-Chee, recalled being taken to Panorama competitions as a child.

“I used to go on ‘The Drag’ with my mother, so this is a tradition for me and it’s probably one of my favourite things about Carnival. I like hearing the big bands, so I’m here to take that in. I don’t have a favourite band this year because I really didn’t get a chance to go to the panyards, so I’m very neutral, which is kind of nice.” 
read more 

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
Stuff.co.nz

Different drum - steelpans resonate
 

Auckland, New Zealand - Ros Demas, 78, marches to the beat of a different drum - the steelpan.

Mrs Demas plays the large instrument as a member of Caribbeanz Southern Stars, believed to be New Zealand's first and only steelpan band.

Her husband was born in Trinidad and she grew to love the sounds of the Caribbean island.

"It's the beat," she says. "Right from my 20s I have known about calypso and enjoyed it, so lived with the music all the time."

The Caribbeanz Southern Stars was formed in 1995 by a small group of Caribbean islanders living in Auckland.
read more 

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
When Steel Talks

LARGE Steel Orchestra Finalists - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - With a tie in tenth position coming out of the semi finals, eleven large steel orchestras will vie for the title of 2014 Panorama champs come March 1, Carnival Saturday in Trinidad & Tobago.

Trinidad All Stars topped the fifteen bands which competed in this round, while title-defenders Phase II Pan Groove were placed in a three-way tie for third with Renegades and Desperadoes steel orchestras.
see full results

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
When Steel Talks

MEDIUM Steel Orchestra Finalists - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Pan Elders Steel Orchestra has maintained their lead in the medium category as they go into the finals on March 1 in the 2014 Panorama competition. The band was originally first out of a field of twenty-six, and after the semi-finals, retains that position ahead of thirteen fellow competitors. On final night they go after the championship title with nine other orchestras on the same quest.

Defending champs Buccooneers Steel Orchestra, determined to stay in play and keep their crown, placed second in this round of competition with tune of choice “Madness” arranged by Seion Gomez. Sister isle Tobago is once more proudly represented in the final line-up as all four of their steel orchestras - Steel Xplosion, Katzenjammers, Dixieland and Buccooneers made the cut again.
see full results

Web Posted - Monday February 17, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan takes over Savannah

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The much-criticised swimming pool on the Greens was empty of bathers at 4.30 pm yesterday but hundreds of patrons were still streaming into the already-crowded alternative venue for the semi-final round of competition in the Medium and Large Bands category of the 2014 National Steelband Panorama at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

....Competition got underway in the Medium Bands category 20 minutes later than the advertised starting time of 12 noon. The first band on stage was Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille playing Russell Cadogan’s 1991 composition Poison, arranged by Ken “Professor” Philmore. It was followed by Pan Elders of Carib Street, San Fernando, with dancing girls complementing the musicians, offering a Duvonne Stewart arrangement of Clive Bradley’s All Ah We Is One Family, sung by Lord Nelson in 1981.
read more 

Web Posted - Sunday February 16, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

 ‘Noise’ from North Stand disrupts large bands

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Noisy festivities from both the North Stand and the now infamous “Greens” yesterday resulted in complaints that they were hindering the Panorama semi-finals which was well underway at the Queen’s Park Savannah last night.

The problem appears to have started at the very start of the semi-final for the large steel-band category when the first band due to take the stage, Invaders, was about to perform at about 5.05 pm.

....However, when the second band, Tropical Angel Harps, came on and began its performance of Winston “De Fosto” Scarborough’s “In De Minor”, the same noise could be heard. The band played on, and there was no remark from the MC.
read more 

Web Posted - Sunday February 16, 2014
When Steel Talks

SMALL Steel Orchestra Finalists - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Twenty-one small conventional steel orchestras took the stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain on February 15 for the 2014 semi-finals, all giving it their best shot for the chance to ultimately claim the title of champions. Only ten have made it to the finals, leaving eleven bands out of contention in the competition.

Supernovas Steel Orchestra with arranger Amrit Samaroo continues to set the pace with their tune of choice “In De Minor,” coming in first ahead of other challengers, including 2013 winners Arima Golden Symphony - for now in third place. But the playing field is leveled once again when the ten bands face-off for the 2014 title in less than two weeks.
see full results

Web Posted - Sunday February 16, 2014
When Steel Talks

Single Pan Band Finalists: - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global -  Sixteen Single Pan Bands advance to the finals arena in the 2014 Panorama on February 27 in San Fernando, south Trinidad. Thirty-two qualified for the semi-finals, where further competition determined which sixteen were best in the group to move forward.

They join fellow competitors in the art form, ten small steel orchestras for the final chance at the title in their respective categories.
see full results

Web Posted - Sunday February 16, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Weapon of mass distraction
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Two or three Carnivals ago, when Pan Trinbago introduced an exclusive party zone to the people’s Panorama, I protested, warning that the organisation that was supposed to protect and promote pan was instead disrespecting pannists and the national instrument.

Today, my worst fears have materialised. The centrepiece of our Carnival, the sweet sounds of steel that make us overwhelmingly different to other street carnivals around the globe, is being strangled to death by its step-parents and care-givers in a macabre ritual of death by friendly fire, or better put, “pano-cide”.

By being complicit in staging a pool party for the well heeled who know and care only about partying, not pan music, those who are responsible should hang their heads in shame—if they have any.
read more 

Web Posted - Sunday February 16, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

32 bands play in Single Pan semis

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The three steel orchestras that tied for first place in the preliminary round of competition in the Single Pan Bands category of the 2014 National Steelband Panorama Competition received loud applause from the sparse audience in the Grand Stand at the semi-final round staged by Pan Trinbago at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, yesterday afternoon.

....Thirty-two orchestras competed in the category, each seeking to win a place among the 16 that would be chosen to advance to the final, which will take place at Skinner Park, San Fernando on Thursday, February 27, starting at 6 pm.

....The competition began at 12.45 pm with brief remarks from Bryon Serrette, the vice-president of Pan Trinbago. He asked patrons to observe a minute’s silence for the passing of two stalwarts of pan: Lenny Marcano and Carlie Byer. 
read more 

Web Posted - Saturday February 15, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Chaos over publishing rights on social media
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - T&T Carnival may have a low profile on Facebook this year. There is confusion over Carnival copyright and accreditation issues after several professional photographers were told they would not be allowed to post images of masqueraders or mas events on social media. This directive was said to have come from the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) although its president David Lopez laughingly denied the validity of the information.

National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Allison Demas, however, was up to yesterday investigating photographers’ claims that they had been told online publishing rights had been awarded to one photographic organisation. Demas said she was trying to clarify the situation. “My understanding is that the NCBA has given the rights for online streaming and photography in relation to mas events to one person,” she confirmed.

....Earlier this week photographer Narend Sooknarine collected an accreditation application form from the NCC offices at the Queen’s Park Savannah. The form indicated that he would need to collect signatures from four organisations: Pan Trinbago, NCBA, TUCO and the NCC. When Sooknarine approached the official from the NCBA, he was told he would not be allowed to publish photos online, as someone had already purchased the exclusive rights for internet-related content for Carnival.

This would mean that no photographer would be allowed to publish Carnival footage on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media platform or Web site during the season.

Justin Gosein, a director of Lime TT, said....“I was told that the rights for social media had been purchased. But when I asked, they refused to name the agency which bought the rights.” 
read more     and     comment here

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Nightingales set to lift La Brea spirits
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - NGC La Brea Nightingales Steel Orchestra will be carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire community when the band hits the stage in the 2014 Panorama semifinals at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on Sunday. Although the recent oil spills in La Brea have created some despair and depression in the community, Nightingales members are determined to lift the spirits of residents throughout the region with a performance to take them to the final. The South steelband will be performing once again in the large band category and will be playing the De Fosto’s Pan in the Atmosphere. The tune is arranged by Terrence “BJ” Marcelle, a La Brea son-of-the-soil. His brother Tyrell, who was a founding member of the band in 1974, is the captain and is confident that “great things” are in store for the La Brea outfit this year. “We are going to make La Brea proud when we hit the Panorama stage,” Tyrell said. “We have a winning arrangement that will definitely excite the crowd and we expect to go all the way this year,” he added.
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Panman paints third musical portrait
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - If you enjoyed the music on the first two Portraits of Martin Albino CDs, your pleasure will be tripled when you listen to the seven tracks on the third CD of the same name produced by the talented brother of renowned steelpan educator and adjudicator Merle Albino-deCoteau.

To be officially launched in Montreal, Canada, on April 6, Portraits of Martin Albino contains three original songs written and sung by Martin—Shine, Not 4 Rent, and Music.

Also included are steelpan renditions of Offenbach’s Barcarolle....“I have dedicated Barcarolle to my mentor Neville Jules of Trinidad All Stars, as it was the first song I learnt to play on the pan, during the time I spent with him in the garret on Charlotte Street,” recalled Martin. “The originals I wrote some five or six years ago.”
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
TimesReporter.com

Warm up Sunday night to sounds of steel drums

Ohio, USA  - Dover Cold temperatures will melt away Sunday when members of the Dover High School Steel Drum Band, under the direction of Joan Wenzel, present their annual concert, this year titled “Pantasia 2014: Keep Your Pans On.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Dover High School auditorium. PanJGea!, the John Glenn High School steel drum band will present a pre-concert performance at 6:15 p.m. under the direction of Jonathan Kelsey, a 1995 graduate of Dover High School.

The 32 members of the Dover High School steel band will share the stage with special guest and clinician Tom Miller. Miller has been an integral part of this annual event for the past 17 years.
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
DomincaVibes.dm

CIBC First Caribbean gifts Pan Association

Roseau, Dominica, W.I. - The Pan Association has secured sponsorship which will enable them to participate in this year’s Carnival Monday on March 3.

The Association was presented with a five thousand dollars cheque ($5000.00) on Thursday, February 13, 2014 from the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank at the Dominica Festivals Committee’s weekly press conference.

“CIBC First Caribbean International Bank is happy to be associated with the Real Mas 2014 and proud to be sponsors of the steel pan aspect of the celebrations of our culture,” the Bank’s representative Marie Therese Winston-Charles said.

....“We therefore say to the young people, keep alive the tradition of the great fore-fathers of pan music like Eddie, Wilfred, Allan, Miguel and others gone and still alive so that generations still to come, will always have this pure and sweet Caribbean music to enjoy and revel in”.
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Free admission to Panorama for youth on Saturday

It’s time for Savannah Party

 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - It is the only competition on planet Earth that features over 2,000 musicians of percussive instruments on one stage. The eagerly awaited semifinals for large and medium conventional steel orchestras in the 2014 National Panorama takes place on Sunday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, at noon.

....This week, Pan Trinbago secretary Richard Forteau assured: “Everything is ready and in place for this weekend. We actually begin on Saturday with the Single Band and Small Band semifinals, at noon, in the Big Yard. Because of our concern over these categories not attracting large audiences, we are allowing free admission to school students and the young people of orphanages to Saturday’s semifinals. This is Pan Trinbago’s effort to get the young people to hear and appreciate the music for the national instrument.”
read more 

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Pan Splash brings ‘Boogsie’ to tears: ‘Nobody cares about steelpan’

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Leading the charge was arranger of defending conventional large band champions Phase II Pan Groove Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, who admitted he was brought to tears when he learned of the initiative which would see a pool being added to the attractions at The Greens. Giving the idea a thumbs down, Sharpe said: “What is Pan Trinbago doing to the national instrument of T&T? “They can’t be pan people? Can you imagine this? A national competition is going on and you want to have a pool party at the same time? Nobody cares about the national instrument. This pool idea is total disrespect. There is no where in the world, in any competition, that will go on.”

....Pan Splash is owned by Aqua Fun Park and is sponsored by the Blue Waters group of companies and Jus Juice.
Veteran musician/pan arranger Ray Holman also expressed his disgust at the move. He said: “I love water, but ... On one hand, there is an element of disrespect as far as the national instrument is concerned to have these kind of attractions at the same time as Panorama is in progress.
read more     and      comment here

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

$2.7M for 170 steelbands with no sponsors
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Some 170 steelbands that lack private sponsors will altogether receive State help of $2.7 million, said Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Dr Lincoln Douglas, at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), St Clair.

He said TT has 100 conventional steelbands that are not sponsored (up from 96 bands last year) and each will be given $20,000, for a sum of $2 million. Douglas said TT has 70 single pan steelbands (compared to 73 bands last year) which will each get $10,000, for a total of $700,000. Douglas said Government is committed to the culture of TT and Carnival’s transition from a festival to an industry. “We consider that these commitments are very important,” he assured.
read more

Web Posted - Friday February 14, 2014
National Workers Union

Panorama Pool Party
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Not satisfied with selling out state enterprises and privatizing the economy with PPP policies, the ruling elite is going after the steel pan movement to kill it by introducing a pool party (more Ps) in the Panorama.

This amounts to total disrespect to the pan fraternity. This pool party concept has nothing to do with raising revenue but to kill the festival by appealing to a segment of a degenerate middle class who hate pan. They only love pan around Panorama time and would not invite the pan fraternity to play in their exclusive fetes and in their carnival bands. Their concern is to drink cases of rum, whiskey and vodka on that day and profile their nakedness, debauchery, and licentiousness.

....It is another attempt of the agents of capital to suppress the working class...The working class has shaped the culture of the nation. It is we who developed the steel pan.
read more 

Web Posted - Thursday February 13, 2014
When Steel Talks

Josanne Francis Wows NIU Audience With Performance on Pan


 

Illinois, USA - Beauty, talent, intellect. We know, you’ve heard this all before. But is it again true? Absolutely!

On Wednesday night When Steel Talks (WST) was afforded the opportunity to watch and listen to panist Josanne Francis via a live internet broadcast from the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall on the NIU (Northern Illinois University) campus. On this occasion Ms. Francis performed Jan Bach’s Concerto for Steelpan and Orchestra with the NIU Philharmonic Orchestra. Indeed, great musical performances are the standard and normal expectation at NIU. So the question becomes - can the performing artist deliver that special ‘extra’ that separates them from even the greats, and catapults them into a unique and exceptional place for musicians? Without a doubt Ms. Francis delivered.
read more

Web Posted - Thursday February 13, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Pan Shame

Steelband arrangers blast Panorama pool party: Disrespect for the national instrument
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Splash, a new feature added to The Greens by Pan Trinbago for Sunday’s Panorama semi-finals, has been criticised by members of the pan fraternity as a blow and a blatant disrespect to the national instrument and the Panorama competition.
Steelband arrangers yesterday spoke out against the introduction of the pool party at the pan semis to be held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, this weekend.

Arranger for defending Panorama champions Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, said Pan Trinbago should be ashamed. “This is our national instrument and a national competition and you want to keep a pool party? This has nothing to do with the steelpan. Panorama is our biggest time of the year. This pool party will take people away from the Panorama. It should be kept on a separate day and kept away from Panorama. A pan man who really loves pan and really respects you wouldn’t stand for that. All pan men should not stand for this. This is disrespect to all of us,” Boogsie said.

....Arranger Pelham Goddard also spoke against the pool party. “That is a big distraction from the main event. This is Panorama and it should have Panorama alone. They should be thinking to promote Panorama and if they have to depend on another event to prosper or to boost Panorama that is bad, that is very bad. Every year they are coming with something ridiculous. That event would not attract anyone interested in Panorama,” Goddard said.
read more    and   comment here

Web Posted - Thursday February 13, 2014
When Steel Talks

Semi-Finals Order of Appearance for LARGE Steel Orchestras for Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - A field of fifteen large steel orchestras will show off their musical talents before audiences and judges alike at the 2014 Trinidad & Tobago Panorama Semi-finals this weekend at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain. Earlier in the week (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) two judges visited the bands’ respective pan yards and delivered comments on band performances, while Pan Trinbago officials conducted headcounts.
see order of appearance

Web Posted - Thursday February 13, 2014
When Steel Talks

Semi-Finals Order of Appearance for MEDIUM Steel Orchestras for Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - The upcoming weekend is full of steelband performances for pan music lovers, including those of the fourteen medium steel orchestras vying for spots in the final night competition, and ultimately, being crowned champion in the medium band category. But before that, they have a date with the judges at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, just before their “big” brethren in the large band category.
see order of appearance

Web Posted - Thursday February 13, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Pool Party For Pan

New $700 attraction for weekend’s ‘Savannah Party’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Patrons are paying as much as $700 to be a part of the “Pan Splash” posse, which is a new feature added to The Greens for this weekend’s Panorama semi-finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

According to Pan Trinbago vice-president Byron Serrette, “This is an experiment with a ‘pool posse’, the perimeter of the pool will be 70 feet (21 metres) and four feet (1.2 metres) deep. We are just trying new things. All the necessary safety measures are in place, lifeguards, the works. This will be in an enclosed area and there will also be the PHI band.”

....Additional attractions include six showers and six changing rooms, and photo-booth streaming live to your social media site, as well as the steelbands on stage streaming live on screens.

The Pan Splash area will have a separate entrance from The Greens entrance, as well as a VIP entrance and exit to The Greens. Only 200 people are allowed in the pool at any given time.

Pan Splash is owned and sponsored by Aqua Fun Park, the Blue Waters group of companies and Jus Juice.
read more   and   comment here

Web Posted - Wednesday February 12, 2014
When Steel Talks

Semi-Finals Order of Appearance for Small Steel Orchestras for Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Putting their musical prowess on display at the Queen’s Park Savannah also known as “The Big Yard,” twenty-one small steel orchestras grace that stage in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, on Saturday February 15 for the semi-final phase of competition in the country’s 2014 National Panorama competition. 

....Their performances are combined with those of thirty-two single pan bands, which are also in contention for places in the finals in their respective category of competition.
see order of appearance

Web Posted - Tuesday February 11, 2014
The Norman Transcript

Festival bringing Caribbean beats to OU
 

Oklahoma, USA - It may be cold outdoors, but the University of Oklahoma’s Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett Music Center will be warmed by music from balmy tropical islands Saturday night.

The School of Music will host its third annual Steel Band Festival. The event is free to the public.

“Fun is required, and dancing is highly encouraged,” shouts OU’s promotional flier adorned with swaying palms and surf pounding on a beach. Music for the 6 p.m. concert will be provided by steel bands from OU, East Central University and Bartlesville, Owasso, Santa Fe South and McAlester high schools.

Trinidadian traditional steel band music impresario and educator CJ Menge, of the Inside Out Steel Band based in Austin, Texas, will headline the performance.

....He’s an internationally known percussionist who is scheduled to perform later this month at the world’s premier steel pan music competition, Panorama, in Trinidad and Tobago.
read more

Web Posted - Monday February 10, 2014
When Steel Talks

Twenty-One Small Steel Orchestras Make Cut In Category Semi-finals for Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - There are twenty-one semi-finalists in the National Panorama Small Bands category for the 2014 Trinidad & Tobago National Panorama. Supernovas Steel Orchestra playing Amrit Samaroo’s arrangement of “In De Minor” amassed the most points.

These qualifying small steel orchestras will join thirty-two Single Pan Bands in the play-off of the National Panorama Semi Finals
read more, see results

Web Posted - Monday February 10, 2014
When Steel Talks

Fourteen Medium Steel Orchestras Through to Semi-finals for Trinidad & Tobago Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - South-based Pan Elders Steel Orchestra playing Lord Nelson’s “Family” emerged top band in the preliminaries of the National Panorama Medium Band category. A total of twenty-six bands in Trinidad & Tobago from the East, Tobago, North and South/Central regions competed in this category.
read more

Web Posted - Monday February 10, 2014
When Steel Talks

Four and a half-hour late Medium & Small Steel Orchestra Show in Southland rounds out preliminaries - Next stop: 2014 Panorama Semi-Finals

Global - It was around 6:25 p.m. on Sunday February 9 when Antillean All Stars struck their first notes at Skinner Park in San Fernando, south Trinidad - almost four and a half hours after the advertised 2:00 p.m. start. The band kicked off what turned out to be a field of eleven small steel orchestras in the South/Central region of competition, two less than the expected thirteen, when fellow competitors Starland Steel Orchestra and Music Makers Steel Symphony did not take the stage.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday February 8, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Everard Leon - Music Maker
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - It was Carnival Monday shortly after World War 2. The newly formed steelband players who called themselves, The Boys from Iwo Jima, but was dubbed “The White Boys from Corbeaux Town,” led by Ernest Ferreira with Everard Leon and other college boys, were chipping along Park Street, heading east when coming towards them, was the Tokyo Steelband from John John, East Dry River, Port-of-Spain.

Some spectators feared they would see fisticuffs galore with bottles and stones flying all over the place but to their surprise, the Tokyo boys stopped playing occupied half of the road and allowed the “white college boys” to move along beating their pans. Then Tokyo cheered the “Cobo Town band” for their pan-beating dexterity. What a welcome to the steelband fraternity that must have been for the new band!
read more

Web Posted - Saturday February 8, 2014
Portland Press Herald

Maine Voices: Singer Seeger’s legacy extends throughout Maine and across the generations

He inspired a coast-based steel band, helped write workers’ songs and made music fun for kids.
 

Maine, USA - In the fall of 1954, Pete Seeger began his long-running column “Appleseeds” in Sing Out! Magazine. He dedicated it to “the thousands of boys and girls who today are using their guitars and their songs to plant the seeds of a better tomorrow in the homes across our land.”

He was indeed a planter of seeds, seeds that germinated as individuals and small groups with backbone and heart.

....Pete sowed seeds in Maine. In 1956, he went to Trinidad and saw that street musicians had turned junked oil drums into musical instruments. Impressed (“No other instrument can make itself heard so clearly above the hubbub of a noisy crowd”), he created an instruction manual with engineer-quality drawings detailing how to make every instrument in a steel band.

Twenty years later, Carl Chase, a teacher from Brooksville, Maine, happened across the manual. Intrigued, he found an oil barrel at the dump, rolled it onto his back porch and hammered out the tenor pan. On fire, he banged out the rest of the instruments and recruited his neighbors to form a band to play for arriving tourist boats at the town landing.

That was the beginning of the renowned Atlantic Clarion Steel Band, which Carl still leads. Carl has popularized steel band music throughout New England.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday February 8, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Long delays at East Pan prelims
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The small and medium steelbands preliminaries in Pan Trinbago’s national steelband Panorama competition took place Thursday night at Arima Velodrome. It was too long and made nonsense of this year’s Panorama theme “The Evolution of Pan”.

The event which saw bands in the eastern region competing, ran for eight hours finishing at 3.30 a.m.

The organisers used one gate on the eastern side of the velodrome for both entry and exit of the bands. This caused long delays in the programme.

The small bands segment ran well with bands going around the track in a clockwise direction. The sixteen bands worked the track to their advantage. The medium bands however just entered the gate and stopped to go on stage.
read more

Web Posted - Friday February 7, 2014
Thornbury News

Acorn helps to get steel band Barbados-bound
 

Thornbury, ENGLAND - A Thornbury- based steel band is planning a cultural visit to the West Indies.

The Castle School’s steel pan group Panache is travelling to Barbados to play in hotels, at a prestigious reception for the British High Commissioner and participate in the traditional harvest festival Crop Over.

They will also learn more about the art from professional pan players.

The band is now raising funds for the trip which will take place in July after the players have completed their A Level exams.
read more

Web Posted - Friday February 7, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

$150M Debt
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Dr Lincoln Douglas will give $190 million to cover Carnival costs, but most of it, $150 million, will be used to pay debts incurred since 2010, he told yesterday’s post-Cabinet news briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), St Clair.

....The balance, $40 million will fund activities of the umbrella body the National Carnival Commission (NCC), plus Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), Pan Trinbago, the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) and 52 regional Carnival committees, he said.

Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz said the pan body expected to receive $33 million, of which $12.6 million has already been paid this month, with the rest due today. It was unclear where this $33 million funding was allocated from.

Of the $12.6 million Pan Trinbago has already received, $11.6 million will be paid directly to individual panists for their $1,000 per person appearance fee at Panorama. Some $12 million is for prize money, Diaz added. Further, some of the funding will be paid to help steelbands with their preparation costs and band appearance fee for Panorama. Diaz said past debts owed to Pan Trinbago, were covered by a $4 million payment last December. 
read more

Web Posted - Wednesday February 5, 2014
When Steel Talks

Large Steel Orchestra ‘Prelims’: Judges, Pan Trinbago Officials to Visit bands - Order of Activities - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - As has been the norm for the past several years, large conventional steel orchestras registered for Panorama 2014 will be visited by the judges and Pan Trinbago officials. Two judges will visit each of the zones to “listen” to the bands and give their comments while Pan Trinbago officials will conduct the head count. This will take place at the bands’ respective panyards and/or theatres.

....Fifteen bands comprising three from the East, seven from the North and four from the South/Central regions, along with one from Tobago - will perform over a three- day period.
click for chart

Web Posted - Tuesday February 4, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

‘I love my pan’
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Seventy-two-year-old amputee Glendford Sobers who played the steelpan from a wheelchair, stole the show at the National Panorama 2014 Single Pan preliminaries at Guaracara Park in Marabella on Saturday night.

Sobers, whose New Age Trendsetters band hails from Chaguanas was the tenth band to perform before a panel of judges. They received thunderous applause from the audience. The grandfather of 29, had pan lovers on their feet as many edged closer to get a look at Sobers playing the steelpan seated in his wheelchair.

Last August, Sobers of Enterprise was diagnosed with diabetes and had his right foot amputated after hot water burnt his toe. Doctors were forced to cut off his toe which subsequently led to the amputation of his leg.
read more

Web Posted - Tuesday February 4, 2014
When Steel Talks

The UK Pan Tuners Guild honors their Master Tuners


 

London, England - The Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to London, H.E. Garvin Nicholas hosted the UK Pan Tuners Guild’s Master Tuner presentation on Friday 31^st January 2014 at the High Commission HQ at Belgravia Square, London. The very wet and windy English weather on the evening did not deter the audience that included UK Pan legends Russell Henderson MBE and Gerald Forsyth OBE as well as the High Commissioner of Jamaica amongst other distinguished guests.

The Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Attaché, Achi-Kemba Phillips, acted as MC on the evening. The Chair of the UK Pan Tuners Guild, Robbie Joseph thanked Mr. Nicholas and his staff for their help and support in making the event a reality.
read more

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
When Steel Talks

SOUTH/CENTRAL REGION Preliminaries: Small & Medium Conventional Steel Orchestras - Order of Appearance - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Medium and small conventional steel orchestras from Trinidad and Tobago’s South/Central region deliver their performances in front of judges on Sunday February 9 as they close out the preliminary phase of competition in their respective categories.

....Successful bands which make the cut in the small category join others from the Eastern, Northern and Tobago regions for the February 15 semi-final competition in their quest for final night placement.
click for chart

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

‘Spankin’ reigns at pan prelim


 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Tiger Tanks Fyzabad 4th Dimension added more light on Sunday night to the already well lit Petrotrin Sports Club, Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre with its performance of Richard Gittens’ arrangement of “Jump” (On the count of four).

The band appeared in seventh position at the South Central Region’s staging of Pan Trinbago’s preliminary round of the Single Pan Steelband Panorama competition at Petrotrin Sports Club, a new venue for the competition.

....Ten bands appeared before the judges in what seemed like Superblue’s (Austin Lyons) night, as a composer. Of the ten bands, four played the reigning Soca Monarch and Road March Champion’s 2014 composition “Spankin”.
read more

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
When Steel Talks

TOBAGO REGION Preliminaries: Small & Medium Conventional Steel Orchestras - Order of Appearance - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Tobago steel orchestras in the small and medium categories take their turn in front of the panel of judges on Friday February 7^th as they each make a play for positions in the semi finals round of competition. Six medium bands and seven small bands are scheduled to participate, with defending medium band Panorama champs Buccooneers Steel Orchestra first up in their category, performing David Rudder’s “Madness” arranged by Seion Gomez. New East Side Dimension leads off six co-competitors in the small conventional steel orchestra category.
click for chart

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
TheSpec.com

Passages: Trinidadian transplant introduced Hamilton to sound of steel drums

Neville Blackman — March 20, 1931 to Dec. 23, 2013

Ontario, CANADA - Neville James Blackman is credited with being one of the key people who introduced the sound of the steel drum to Hamilton. So it was only fitting that those soothing, uplifting rhythms filled St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church for Blackman's funeral.

Blackman came to Hamilton in 1966 from his native Trinidad as part of a contingent of teachers recruited by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. It didn't take him long to become an integral part of the community, forming the city's first steel drum band.

...."Definitely, he brought the steel drum to Hamilton," said longtime family friend and fellow steel drum player Carol Phillip. "The steel drum is the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. It was important to pass it on to the youth to get them involved in their heritage."
read more

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
When Steel Talks

EASTERN REGION Preliminaries: Small & Medium Conventional Steel Orchestras - Order of Appearance - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Vying for positions in Trinidad & Tobago’s 2014 National Panorama semi-finals in the small & medium conventional steel orchestra categories, bands from the East, Tobago, North and South/Central Regions will appear in preliminary stage competition. The event will be held over four days with sixty-two small and twenty-eight medium orchestras overall registered to participate.
click for chart

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
When Steel Talks

NORTHERN REGION Preliminaries: Small & Medium Conventional Steel Orchestras - Order of Appearance - Trinidad & Tobago National Steelband Panorama 2014

Global - Seventeen small and ten medium conventional steel orchestras will take centre stage as the bands in the Northern Region vie for places in Trinidad & Tobago’s 2014 National Panorama semi-finals.

The preliminary round takes place at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, on Saturday 8 February. Starting time is 2:00 p.m.
click for chart

Web Posted - Monday February 3, 2014
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Defence Force’s absence disappoints Panorama fans
 

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - There were gasps of disappointment when it was announced that the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra would not be participating in the preliminary round of the national steelband panorama competition for single pan bands in the northern region which took place on Saturday at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah.

It was explained by the announcer that due to the fact that all military personnel had been recalled from extracurricular duties this also included members of the steel orchestra.

....The T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra is one of the bands patrons look forward to seeing and hearing every year, they were supposed to play arranger Robert Tobitt’s arrangement of Christopher “Tambu” Herbert’s “No, No We eh Going Home”.
read more

Web Posted - Sunday February 2, 2014
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Poor support for single pan bands

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A small crowd of pan supporters showed up for the National Single Pan Panorama preliminaries at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of Spain, on Saturday. Twenty-eight of the 29 bands registered for the six-hour-plus event performed before the judging panel in a bid to secure places in the semifinal round of event, which was hosted by Pan Trinbago’s Northern Region.
read more

Web Posted - Saturday February 1, 2014
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Men of Steel

Alvin Daniell has released yet another pan CD compilation for 2014
 

Global - Men of Steel comprises 15 tracks of which the title track is composed by Kenneth Charles and Alvin Daniell and sung by Kees Dieffenthaller. The Leston Paul arranged song provides a good choice for steelbands while the other Charles/Daniell/Paul song “Pan Scandal” sung by Nicole Greaves lives up to its name.

Another track, “First Time” arranged by De Red Boyz sees Destra Garcia team up with Nigel Rojas to produce a lovely song for panists.

Arranger Pelham Goddard was responsible for Mba’s “The Grandmaster Say”, “Pan is Carnival” sung by Chucky and George La Barrie’s “Thoroughbreds of Pan” sung by Crazy.
read more

When Steel Talks

Trinidad and Tobago 2014 Carnival Events

click to read

Web Posted - January 2014
When Steel Talks

For Steelband Music Lovers: Tunes of Choice, Bands, Bios & more for Panorama 2014

Global - The steel orchestras of Trinidad & Tobago continue to check in with When Steel Talks regarding their respective tunes of choice for the 2014 Panorama season.  Although a significant portion has confirmed, several are still incoming.

At a glance, see and hear what your favorite bands are playing for this year’s competition, who their competition is, and where available, look through their bios.

Also included - a unique play list featuring only the 2014 music selected as Tunes of Choice.  Comment on, ‘Like,’ ‘Recommend’ and ‘Share’ your favorites!

Re-visit this one-stop, musical treasure-trove of data for steelband music lovers time and again, which is constantly being updated.
click for chart

Web Posted
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.
click for more

Web Posted
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
click to calendar

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