Web Posted - Saturday April 30, 2016
When Steel Talks

An Evening of Calypso Jazz, Afro-Caribbean Music and Global Jazz

with Étienne Charles and Frankie McIntosh, special guests Garvin Blake and David “Happy” Williams, and Grammy Award-winner Arturo O’Farrill and the Brooklyn College Big Band

New York, USA - If you were anywhere near New York there was only one place to be on this early Spring date. The County of Kings, sometimes known as Brooklyn was treated to an outstanding evening of music at Brooklyn College’s Whitman Theater. Under the auspices of the Hitchcock Institute for Studies in American Music, the event was billed as An Evening of Calypso Jazz with Étienne Charles and Frankie McIntosh, special guests Garvin Blake and David “Happy” Williams - featuring Arturo O’Farrill and the Brooklyn College Big Band. It was indeed a serious dose of edutainment.

In addition to the great performances there was an added bonus of a pre-concert talk that was both educational and engaging which featured a panel consisting of Frankie McIntosh - piano, Garvin Blake - steelpan, Étienne Charles - trumpet and David “Happy” Williams - double bass, with Ray Allen, Director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Senior Research Associate of Hitchcock Institute as both moderator of this pre-concert talk and host of the show.
read more, see presentations

Web Posted - Friday April 29, 2016
When Steel Talks

PanRADIO celebrates International Jazz Day 2016!
 

Global - When Steel Talks/PanOnTheNet is one of many organizations around the world joining in the recognition of International Jazz Day 2016. As such, in store is just over one hour of Jazz-influenced selections performed on steelpan.

Clyde “Lightning” George, Liam Teague, New York Pan Stars, Garvin Blake and more - all artists whose music can be heard in this Pan Jazz showcase.

The show will be in rotation until 7:00 a.m. May 1.
click to hear!

Web Posted - Monday April 25, 2016
When Steel Talks

Philippa Schuyler Middle School for the Gifted and Talented Spring 2016 Showcase: About that Pan Jazz

Program Director Ms. Nyasha Rhoden leads the steelpan music charge

New York, USA - Recently Philippa Schuyler Middle School (IS383) Steelpan Ensemble held its Spring 2016 Showcase. The prestigious middle school is already recognized for its outstanding academic accomplishments by producing some of the best and brightest standouts and most exceptional students on the New York academic landscape. Let it be known that they, too, can excel and ‘mix it up’ on the music and arts performing front. Not to be left out of the Brooklyn mix of great steel orchestras and steelband music programs. Brooklyn, the de facto home to the steelpan outside of Trinidad & Tobago the birthplace of the steelpan instrument.
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Web Posted - Friday April 22, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

​St Margaret’s steelbands are champions

Steelband honours Ronnie McIntosh

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The St Margaret’s Youth and St Margaret’s Boys AC Primary School Steel Orchestras emerged champions in their individual categories at the just-concluded Orlando Spring Music Festival, organised by USA Music Festival, and held at Universal Studios, Florida, on April 9. The competitive aspect of the festival was divided into two categories: elementary schools and open....

Last Saturday’s Diatonic Steel in Motion, held along High Street, Siparia, attracted such a mammoth crowd that organisers Diatonic Pan Institute and Siparia Regional Corporation may have to expand the parade route next year. Now in its sixth year, the event featured a competition exclusive for Single Pan steelbands, competing in four categories, namely Religious, Best Repertoire on the Road, Best Flagwaver and Best Ronnie McIntosh Selection.
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Web Posted - Wednesday April 20, 2016
When Steel Talks

When Are We Going to Show Confidence In Our Own?

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Since 1963, the late great Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago at that time, recognized the Steelpan as the National Instrument of our newly created Independent Nation, in keeping with the established norms of identifying National signs and symbols. Hence the reason the National Steelband was established under the National Association of Trinidad and Tobago Steelbandsmen, led by George 'Sonny' Goddard.
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Web Posted - Monday April 19, 2016
When Steel Talks

Siege on Meyer Levin School of the Performing Arts Continues

Community tells DOE to “Leave Us Alone!”

New York, USA - At least Columbus had the decency to invade and carry out his dastardly and detestable deeds in person. But not so with heads of the DOE (Department of Education). They send out their minions to execute their insidious and diabolical plans and sit back and watch as a community comes to blows with itself from within. Martyrs for us and entertainment for them. These plans, like this one to co-locate a charter school within the confines of the Meyer Levin Junior High School for the Performing Arts, are just plain “stupid” as NYC council member Jumaane D. Williams so apply pointed out in his public address to DOE officials in the latest meeting. However, as they say in the neighborhood - not to worry, “Stupid” is not at home and we didn’t only go to school on Sunday.
read more, see presentations

Web Posted - Friday April 15, 2016
When Steel Talks

Randy Weston presents Symposium in the Drum
From Africa to the New World

Panist Khuent Rose represents steelpan and shines

New York, USA - Legendary American jazz standout pianist and composer Randy Weston recently held a special forum called "Symposium in the drum - from Africa to the New World" at the New School in New York. Weston, who is considered one of the greatest visionary pianists and composers of our time by many in the know was born to Jamaican parents. He grew up in a musically-rich Brooklyn community where he mingled with the likes of Max Roach, Cecil Payne, Duke Jordan, Eddie Heywood and Wynton Kelly, to name a few.

....Randy Weston brought in some heavy hitters for the panel discussion and demonstrations. Representing the steelpan instrument among these giants was Brooklyn panist Khuent Rose. He did not disappoint. He clearly won the respect of the audience and masters present with his performance.
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Web Posted - Thursday April 14, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

 The synergy between mavericks

...Hadco, Phase II partnership about ‘creating shared value’

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Just after the Carnival this year, a display advertisement appeared in a weekend newspaper. It was a congratulatory message from Hadco Ltd and Phase II Pan Groove to the new Panorama champions, Desperadoes offering congratulations to the band and “their supporters and the people of Laventille.” Conciliatory. Magnanimous. Positive. In the hurly-burly world of competitive art that is Trinidad Carnival, Panorama foes are friends in life, but on paper, loyalties are disparate.

The gesture of congratulations could be a sign of the dawning of a new era in corporate relations between rivals or even communities. Hadco and Phase II were big enough to uniquely, from among their own cohort, and publicly congratulate the winning band.
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Web Posted - Thursday April 14, 2016
College Heights Herald

 Steel drum band performs final show for semester

Kentucky, USA - Yells, drum beats and tropical island shirts greeted audience members as they took their seats for the WKU Steelband’s concert.

On Tuesday, the band performed in its final show for the semester in the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

The 13-member band, dressed in floral, tropical-themed shirts, performed eight selections for the crowd of family, students and faculty.

As family members stood in the hallway waiting for the house doors to open, Laura Wathen, mother of Bowling Green senior Adam Wathen, was excited to see her son perform again.
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Web Posted - Tuesday April 12, 2016
When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute presents Symposium to examine Sparrow’s career

“Just Like That, Sparrow Turned 80”
Presenters knock it out of the ballpark

New York, USA - Insightful, engaging, entertaining and highly educational, was the symposium on the career of the incomparable Mighty Sparrow. The Trinidad and Tobago Folk Arts Institute can take a bow and relish in the fact that for three hours, the packed-to-capacity Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall on the Medgar Evers College Brooklyn campus was indeed the place to be. Led by the organization's chairman Les Slater, four presenters delivered their perspectives on the genius of Sparrow and his personal impact on them.
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Web Posted - Monday April 11, 2016
When Steel Talks

No Labor Day Carnival for 2016? Just asking...

More community planning & development without consideration to existing residents and their culture

New York, USA - We recently noticed a newly-constructed island or median on Kingston Avenue and Eastern Parkway. Right smack in the middle of where the millions of people move through during the Labor Day Carnival parade. Looks like another serious dose of community planning without the community. In any regard, on behalf of the Brooklyn Pan community, we just want to know if the Labor day Carnival was cancelled this year - or the route was shortened to Utica and Kingston?

And while we're at it, what's up with the changing of the name Malcolm X Blvd back to Reid Ave on the sneak-tip. Are we going somewhere? Just asking...
read more

Web Posted - Sunday April 10, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Nyana Price - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “I remember going to Sesame Flyersְ’ Saturday program, I was 9 years old. Thatְ’s where I met Marc Brooks, K.J., and a few others who are still around now. I started off playing tenor there actually until I started playing with Sonatas. I was too shy to be in the tenor section with people I didnְ’t know at the time so I went to double tenor with Marc.”

Although she is young in age she is a veteran panist and represents one of New Yorkְ’s most talented and finest musicians. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and performing artist Nyana Price shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Saturday April 9, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Dr. Miho Takekawa - Seattle, Washington

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Seattle, Washington, USA - “When I heard Ray Holman play on the double-seconds, I could not believe my senses. This was clearly beyond what any words could express.”

“....I start from the origin of the country, just to make certain they know that pans are not originally from Jamaica nor Hawaii.”

From the age of three, music has been her life. She is a musician, arranger, educator, director, percussionist, panist, performing artist and much more. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - Dr. Miho Takekawa shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Friday April 8, 2016
Loop Your News Now

Chinese Steel Orchestra receives $50,000 donation

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble has received a donation of $50,000 as seed money towards the purchase of a vehicle to transport instruments.

The donation came from Bernice Ho-Leanza, daughter of the Chinese Arts Group founder Aileen "Susie" Ho.

In making the presentation, Bernice said she hoped other organisations would emulate their kind gesture by coming forward to lend financial support to the band’s needs.

Susie, who was born in Trinidad on July 11, 1914 and died on January 21, 2007 in Houston, Texas, formed the Chinese Arts Group in 1948 to promote Chinese Arts and Culture and support charitable organisations.

....The presentation of the cheque to the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble was made at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China thanks to the courtesy of its Chief of the Culture office, Xing Xuejun.
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Web Posted - Thursday April 7, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Lakeisha Danglade - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “....now I just love to play; it's in my blood. I feel like I'm a part of this somewhat secret society because there are many people in the world who still do not know about Steelpan today.

“....I do love to teach, especially technique. There are many kids and adults who have never seen a pan before let alone played one.... I believe pan should be in every school just like the piano, violin and other instruments, etc..”

She is one of Brooklyn's finest panists. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, performing artist and passionate music educator Lakeisha Danglade shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Wednesday April 6, 2016
When Steel Talks

Beyond ‘Pan In Danger’

Death lurking for Meyer Levin and Steelband Program

New York, USA - The temperature was rising. The affected community residents were there in force - emotional, and very vocal on their positions as it relates to the matter at hand. And as the phrase goes in Brooklyn - “the doo doo is about to hit the fan.” But was, or is, anybody listening?

So here is the plan: next Fall, kindergarten kids from a charter school called “Uncommon Charter” will be ‘given’ the third floor of Meyer Levin Junior High School. Meyer Levin is a dedicated Performing Arts school in Brooklyn that has a long and awesome history. In addition, grades one through five of this “Uncommon Charter” will be phased in over the next five years into Meyer Levin. What kind of sick “Criminal Minds” would want to mix kindergarten children or even grades 1-5 with Junior High School students?
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Web Posted - Wednesday April 6, 2016
UDaily

 Musical ambassadors Peace Drums Steel Band to perform April 16 in Perkins Student Center

Delaware, USA - The Peace Drums Steel Band, made up of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish junior high school students from Israel, will perform from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, April 16, in the University of Delaware’s Perkins Student Center.

The evening program will include a performance by the UD Steel Pan ensemble, and in keeping with the origin of the steel drums, Trinidadian-inspired food will be provided.

Selwyn Williams, public relations officer of First Citizens Supernovas [Steel Orchestra] and former national executive with PanTrinbago, will talk about the history and development of the steel drum playing around the world.

This event is free event and open to the public and those in attendance will also be given a hands-on introduction to steel drum playing.
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Web Posted - Wednesday April 6, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Aviel John - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “I believe Panorama is a blessing because we all come out for one thing and that’s to give our all and to show people what we are about. A lot of people put their all into the summer late night practices, sweat and tears just to be on that stage. Even if the results are not what you wanted it to be it, we are all here to enjoy the music and play our hearts out.”

She is a bassist with a ‘feather’ touch. A natural. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist Aviel John shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Tuesday April 5, 2016
When Steel Talks

 The Strength of A Woman - Anna Raffoul - Dominica

Dominica, W.I. - Armed with a dream and a vision of what could, should and must be, Ms. Anna-Maria Raffoul showed the world again that great things can happen if you are committed and surrounded with a supportive team who believes your vision. Indeed, big things can be spawned from little but a concept and a will to succeed.

A look at the woman behind the historical ground-breaking & game changing 2006 OECS Junior Steel Pan Competition in Dominica
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Web Posted - Monday April 4, 2016
When Steel Talks

The History of Steelpan in the Bahamas - Up-Close! 

Bahamas, W.I. - In 1957, Dudley Smith, who had made a name for himself in Trinidad as a Band Leader and Tenor Pan soloist, was brought to the Bahamas by Mrs. Toothe, the widowed owner of the up-scale “Buena Vista Hotel and Restaurant,” located at Delancy Street. The band of eight performers went under the name “Katzenjammers.”

-- Cecil Dorsett

This is a brief account of how Pan came to the Bahamas, and the starting of the first all-Bahamian all Steel Drum band.
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Web Posted - Saturday April 2, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Indira Amaya Lizárraga - Xalapa, Mexico

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

Xalapa, Mexico - “...everything else, is played in a different way, and that makes steel pan really more interesting. Movements you make playing this instrument reminds me of practicing tai-chi... Pan just makes me happy, really, if I had a bad day I just have to play or hear pan and get relaxed.

...we are the first steel band here in Mexico, so there’s no to much people playing steel drum in our country, but I trust in our work and I can tell, that the future of the steel drum in Mexico will be huge in a few years...”

She is a career musician studying orchestral percussion. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, percussionist and performing artist Indira Amaya Lizárraga shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Saturday April 2, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Envoy gets pan from Laventille school band

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - At the recent celebration of “Cuba Day” hosted by the Ambassador for Cuba, His Excellency Guillermo Vasquez Moreno, at his Elm Avenue residence in Bayshore, Success Stars Pan Sounds out of Success Laventille Secondary School presented the gift of a tenor pan to Moreno.

The instrument will be sent to Cuba to be displayed at the Cuban Institute of Music in commemoration of the steel orchestra’s week-long visit to Cuba last August on a “Laventille to Cuba…. with Success” tour.
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Web Posted - Friday April 1, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Zaria Neckles - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “Well my Mom doesn’t like the sound of it but she likes the fact that I actually found something that I’m really into, and that it is something that I actually stuck to for this long... Panorama is an excitement to me every year because it’s crunch time for your band, but it’s also everybody coming together to listen to the sweet sound of pan and enjoying themselves.”

She has Black and Gold in her veins. The mighty Sonatas is her band. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist and performing artist Zaria Neckles shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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Web Posted - Friday April 1, 2016
When Steel Talks

Meet Alexis Schloss - Brooklyn, New York

Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form

New York, USA - “...challenges. There is so much to learn, from music theory to Kendall's offbeat phrasings. There's always something to do or something I don't know about as yet. Music is infinite.”

Multi-talented, multi-disciplined and focused. In an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - panist, model, choreographer and college student Alexis Schloss shares her reflections, experiences and views on Pan, and the steelpan art form overall.
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When Steel Talks

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - All rounds - All categories at a glance... Large, Medium, Small, Junior and Single Pan Band.

Complete info and results for Trinidad and Tobago's Steelband Panorama 2016.  Check out the background story on some of your favorite steel orchestras and their arrangers, what selections they played, and more.
check results

Listen to a playlist of Trinidad and Tobago 2016 Soca tunes for Carnival.
listen to list

Web Posted
When Steel Talks

Upcoming

Global  - Upcoming Steelpan music events from all over the world
click to calendar

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