Web Posted - Sunday July 31, 2016
When Steel Talks

Pan Alive 2016 - Toronto Panorama Steel Orchestras - Results

Toronto - Pan Fantasy is the 2016 Pan Alive champions
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Web Posted - Sunday July 31, 2016
When Steel Talks

Hail Halcyon! 2016 Antigua & Barbuda Panorama Champions, with first-time champion arranger Devon Bachelor

St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda, W.I. - Currently celebrating forty-five years in existence, Halcyon Steel Orchestra added to that milestone with another glorious one - that of 2016 Panorama champions, clinching the title for the thirteenth time in its history, much to the ecstasy of the band’s management, arranger Devon Bachelor, its musicians and supporters. The steelband’s battle for steel supremacy was rewarded after the judges had a chance to hear and see eight steel orchestras put their best musical notes forward in hours of great steelband music.
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Web Posted - Sunday July 24, 2016
TribLive.com

Review: Steelpan virtuoso Akiho dazzles with Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble

Pennsylvania, USA -  ....Most of the concert was devoted to five pieces by rising composer Andy Akiho. Born in 1979, his main instrument is steel pan — a concave bowl with specific pitches provides by convex surfaces within the bowl. He’s currently living in New York City and working on his Ph.D. in composition at Princeton University in New Jersey.

Akiho’s “Erase” for the full ensemble embodies many of the qualities that make him an appealing composer. It is an energetic composition, boldly scored, in a language which comfortably draws upon minimalism but is full of contrast.

 The composer joined cellist Norbert Lewandowski for “21,” a piece prompted by his interest in the 21st measure of a violin sonata by Johann Sebastian Bach. After Akiho’s initial material was performed acoustically, the musician played with a recorded track. It was an interesting exploration of Bach’s notes in Akiho’s language, and featured the composer’s astonishing virtuosity on steel pan.
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Web Posted - Wednesday July 20, 2016
Jamaica Gleaner

A pleasant evening of ‘Rhapsody in Steel’

Jamaica, W.I. - When short, hand-held sticks gently hit specific spots in a timely manner, the beautiful sound that emanated from the mainly half pans, with a few full-sized ones, was mesmerising. Despite the absence of vocals - except for a shout here and there for dynamism - the words of the songs being played seemed to float from the well-arranged patterns brought to life by the choreographed, dexterous movements of each musician.

So it was on Sunday that the Manning's Hill Road-based church, St John The Evangelist, had the sixth staging of their fundraising steel band concert at the Karram Speid Auditorium. Aptly, it was called 'Rhapsody in Steel: A Musical Feast'. There was no denying that it was, indeed, a 'pan' concert.

From the opening item, Jamaica's National Anthem, to more than three quarters of the programme, it was a steady dose of favourites. Two bands, The Bethel Steel Orchestra and The UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra, were entrusted with the responsibility of keeping the audience fully engaged.
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Web Posted - Sunday July 17, 2016
Highway Mail

Pops Mohamed and Dave Reynolds set to tour KwaZulu Natal

South Africa  - ISUPPORT Music Business, in association with Concerts SA, present the KwaZulu-Natal tour of Pops Mohamed and Dave Reynolds. The duo and their band will visit the Still Session at Distillery031 in Durban, Luthuli Museum in Groutville, Seaman’s Corner in Hammarsdale and Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown during the tour.

Pops Mohamed can be cited as South Africa’s leading multi-instrumentalist; playing the kora (African harp), mbira (thumb piano), Khoisan bow and various percussion instruments. In his career, he has released 27 albums as well as winning various awards.

Dave Reynolds is a SAMRO award winning acoustic guitarist and composer and one of South Africa’s leading steelpan players. He has recorded with various artists, such as Hugh Masekela and Steve Newman.
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Web Posted - Saturday July 16, 2016
When Steel Talks

A Review -- Metamorphosis - Leon “Foster” Thomas

A look at the latest CD release from the musician extraordinaire

Global - It’s a beautiful late Spring afternoon and we are here in the quiet Fulton Park in Brooklyn listening to Metamorphosis by Leon “Foster” Thomas, with every so often, the vibrations from the rumbling of the famous A Train underground adding a 3D feeling to the listening environs. Coincidentally, this park is within earshot of where so many monster musicians lived, grew up, were inspired and developed their chops: Lena Horne, Randy Weston, Max Roach, and Billy Cobham to name a few.

Reviewing a collection of new music is sometimes like sampling a box of unmarked assorted chocolates. It’s filled with unknown risks, horror shows and potential joys. Moreover, you just never know what you are going to get. Well here is a “spoiler alert.” Every music morsel in this box is outstanding.
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Web Posted - Saturday July 16, 2016
When Steel Talks

 St. Lucia Panorama 2016 Results - Laborie Steel Orchestra are new Champs

St. Lucia, W.I. - With a complement of 73 players Laborie Steel Orchestra dethroned the perennial champs and favorites, heavyweight Pantime Steel Orchestra when the former were judged the 2016 St. Lucia National Panorama champions. Laborie performed an Andrius Edwide-arrangement of Arthur Allain’s “Who I Am.” Andrius Edwide, who is only nineteen, captured the imagination of the audience and judges - two from Trinidad & Tobago, Damion Phillip and Stephanie Powers, and three St. Lucians who included Gordon ‘Gene’ Leon and Gregory Piper. The enthusiastic performance by Laborie Steel Orchestra is indicative of the spirit, hard work and commitment to excellence exhibited by the youths of the organization, according to band leader Ms. Quill Barthelmy. Hailing from the south of St. Lucia, the group is also known as the Laborie Steelpan Project and is celebrating its tenth year in existence. This is their first Panorama title.
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Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Young and moving on

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....Young nationals continue to achieve great things on the global stage; achievements which go unnoticed by most and in which we must be very proud and applaud.

The young musicians of Exocubs Steel Orchestra (youth arm of Republic Bank Exodus) recently returned home after winning standing ovations and critical acclaim for their performances in Argentina.

Their counterparts of Valley Harps Steel Orchestra of Petit Valley are currently winding down a concert tour of France.

The St Margaret’s Youth Steel Orchestra also continues to fly the cultural flag of T&T very high as they show us and the world the great invention that is the steelpan. They will be staging their Ninth Annual Youth Steelband Extravaganza tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, starting at 2 p.m.
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Web Posted - Thursday July 14, 2016
Trinidad Express Newspapers

Brown Bag and Steelpan for lunch

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The National Library in Port of Spain was buzzing with excitement and anticipation as students and members of the public gathered to enjoy steelpan music by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago.

The event aimed at introducing students and the general public in Port of Spain and environs to the G-Pan while enlightening audiences about the various career options available for professional performers in the creative industry.
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Web Posted - Tuesday July 12, 2016
Nation News

Pan Pun De Sand – all Bajan talent

Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - It was pure Mosaic magic as the more than 40-member band closed the show on the last day of the three-day pan extravaganza, Massy Pan Pun De Sand, at Brandons Beach on Sunday.

For over seven hours there was nothing but pan, sweet pan, as local talent took centre stage.

This year the National Cultural Foundation went 100 per cent Bajan, with the exception of the Newton Playboys Steel Orchestra out of Trinidad who did their set as a “gift” to the country for their 50^th anniversary of Independence.
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Web Posted - Tuesday July 12, 2016
7NewsBelize.com

More Thanks To Taiwan

$40,000 for Belize Pan Yaad Steelband Contest and Carnival King and Queen Competition

Belize, C.A. - Earlier on we told you how the Taiwanese had donated a whole new building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - well that was after lunch; after breakfast they also gave $40,000 to the National Celebrations Commission. Today a short handing over ceremony was held at the NICH office on the corner of Regent Street and Rectory Lane. Both the Co-chairperson of the NCC and the Taiwanese Ambassador spoke about the significance of this donation.

As you heard, the funds will be put towards the Pan Yaad Steelband Contest and the Carnival King and Queen Competition.
see video report

Web Posted - Tuesday July 12, 2016
Artslink.co.za News

International Marimba and Steelpan Festival 2016

Gauteng, South Africa - Esteemed adjudicators for the 5^th Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival 2016.

We are less than three weeks away from the largest marimba and steelpan festival in the world with over 1600 performers from all over South Africa as well as a large contingent from Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Botswana.

Schools and institutions from far and wide are preparing to battle it out for the coveted trophies and prizes to be won and will be descending on Benoni on 29 July for a weekend of music, marimbas and merriment!

We are happy to announce our 6 power-house esteemed adjudicators for the festival: Andy Narell, steelpan guru from France, Hallie Blejewski, steelpan specialist from the USA, marimba specialists Gerard van de Geer from Australia and Bongani Sotshononda from South Africa and Dr Andile Khumalo and South African legend, Pops Mohamed from South Africa.
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Web Posted - Monday July 11, 2016
When Steel Talks

St. Lucia Steel Orchestra Panorama 2016 - Bands, Tunes, Arrangers

St. Lucia, W.I. - Reigning St. Lucia National Panorama champ PanTime Steel Orchestra faces off against only four other steel orchestras as they defend their title on July 15.  Last year, they topped seven contenders as they made it three titles in a row. The field has been reduced in 2016, but pan lovers are looking forward to the best from each band. 

Pantastic Muzik Steel Orchestra, Pan Ambassadors, Laborie Steel Orchestra and West Coast Steel Orchestra are the groups determined to end PanTime's steelband supremacy in 2016.
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Web Posted - Sunday July 10, 2016
When Steel Talks

The Anatomy of Panorama 2016 - Quick Chart:
Antigua & Barbuda National Panorama Steel Orchestra Music Competition

St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda - Eight steel orchestras are scheduled to take the stage in the capital of Antigua & Barbuda to vie for the crown of 2016 Panorama champs. Seven of them are attempting to dethrone reigning champions Hells Gate Steel Orchestra, which will be going with the selection Sound of Steel arranged by long-time champion arranger Khan Cordice.
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Web Posted - Friday July 8, 2016
SKNVibes

Department of Culture supports the sweet sound of pan for the second year running

Basseterre, St. Kitts, W.I. - For the second year in a row, the Department of Culture will be hosting “Pan in Splendour,” providing an opportunity for residents to learn the art of playing the Trinidadian-created steel pan instrument.

The steel pan, the only musical instrument crafted in the 20th Century, has been adopted by St. Kitts and Nevis, as one of the cultural means of playing music, initially used for playing the cultural art-form of calypso.

“It (Pan in Splendour) is basically a pan camp for persons that are interested in learning how to play pan,” Stanley Knight, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture said, during the Government programme ‘Working for You.’ “The focus is introducing pan to a broader cross-section of the society to enhance the skills of the art-form, to positively occupy our young people, to promote good discipline again amongst our youth, preserving our musical culture and heritage, providing a path to entrepreneurship and helping to build our tourism.”
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Web Posted - Friday July 8, 2016
St. Lucia News Online

 Laborie Pan Project hosts lecture by Trinidadian Pan Master

St. Lucia, W.I. - Taking advantage of the Carnival Season and of the presence in Saint Lucia of a group of musicians from the PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars steelband from Trinidad and Tobago, Labowi Promotions and the Laborie Pan Project are on Sunday hosting a lecture and workshop that will be conducted by Marcus Ash, Silver Stars’ drill master.

This takes place on Sunday 10 July at 4 p.m. at the Laborie Parish Hall.

....In this workshop, Marcus Ash will present and discuss the history, development and significance of Steelpan.... He will take a look at the impact of Steelpan on the islands of the Caribbean, as Steelpan is shown not just as an invention of Trinidad and Tobago, but rather as a Caribbean merit.

....This workshop will also examine the history and importance of Panorama. Many islands of the Caribbean now have a Panorama competition during their respective Carnival celebrations/festivals. With a look at the history of Panorama; the good, the bad, and the ugly will all be discussed, to dissect the competition and discover the main reason, and goals for such an event which has a high devotion from fans in many places around the world.
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Web Posted - Wednesday July 6, 2016
St. Thomas Source

 WICO’s Jazz on the Dock to Present Victor Provost July 19

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. -  The West Indian Company Ltd. (WICO) will feature Victor Provost at its next Jazz on the Dock scheduled for 5:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 19. Come enjoy the sweet sound of jazz on a steel pan -- thrill the heart, relax the mind and float all cares away. He will be joined by Dion Parsons, Ron Blake, Tabari Lake and Shikima Jones.

.... “Jazz on the Dock was a superb creation of which we are proud, and we remain fully committed to including talent, young and old, from all Virgin Islands,” said Joseph Boschulte WICO’s president and CEO.

.... On the day of the jazz concert, the Norwegian Escape will be in port from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Carnival Magic will arrive at 11 a.m. and remain until 7 p.m. WICO’s Community Concerts are free and open to the public.
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Web Posted - Tuesday July 5, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

 Condolences from Pan Trinbago

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The steel pan fraternity yesterday acknowledged their gratitude to the late former prime minister Patrick Manning for his intervention in naming the Steelpan the National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Although the steelpan fraternity always saw the Steelpan as our national instrument, it was he as Prime Minister on August 30, 1992, who saw it fit to officially declare the Steelpan the national instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Pan Trinbago’s Public Relations Officer Michael Joseph.

“We are eternally grateful for his intervention and contributions in propelling the instrument and the movement forward.”

....Pan Trinbago emphasised that the late Patrick Manning’s distinguished service has been beneficial to the Steelpan movement in many ways. Pan Trinbago added that Patrick Manning also sought to protect its legacy through the G-Pan project where a patent was secured covering a significant number of the instruments made with the 55 gallon drums that they could not patent, because of the length of time it was out in the public domain.

The fraternity said many citizens may not be aware that the late Prime Minister played the steelpan during his student days on the Mona Campus, Jamaica.

It is there he discovered the power of the Steelpan.
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Web Posted - Monday July 4, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Give Pan a Chance for Peace

National instrument unites Jews and Muslims

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - ....Earlier this year, Selwyn “Fruits” John, a key member of First Citizens Supernovas Steel Orchestra, was involved in a significant event which placed pan from Israel, of all places, centre stage at a prestigious American university. John’s participation actually began more than two decades ago through his affiliation with a university lecturer who works in Israel.

John related: “Knowing that I was from Trinidad and involved in pan, Professor Harvey Price befriended me about 25 years ago at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. When we met, he, and another American guy named George Whitmyre, were experimenting on steel drums made from stainless steel material. Two of those drums are in Trinidad right now—Bertram ‘Butch’ Kelman has had one for about 20 years and I brought the other one this year which I intend placing at the grave of the late Jit Samaroo.

“Through my relationship with the professor, I was instrumental in acquiring pan instruments to be sent to Israel, where the professor was forming a steelband comprising some of his students. Three years ago the professor succeeded in forming a multi-denominational steelband of Muslims from Palestine, and Jews and Christians in the Galilee region of Israel. The idea behind this initiative was to get different peoples to communicate with each other.
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Web Posted - Saturday July 2, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

 Friends, panists cheer Williams’ 85^th birthday

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Steelpan innovator and former tuner, leader and arranger Anthony “Tony” Williams celebrated his 85^th birthday last Friday but was “feted” by his friends and family on Saturday at his Nepal Street, St James home.

Williams revolutionised steelpan construction and tuning with the development of the spider web pan. At the age of 20 he was chosen to be a member of the now famous Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) which toured Europe in the 50s.

In 2008 he received the Order of Trinidad and Tobago –an award which he wears proudly.
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Web Posted - Friday July 1, 2016
Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

 Marabella gets ready for Pan In De Countryside

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Following last weekend’s explosion of beautiful pan music in the North, the action goes south this weekend to the Marabella Recreation Grounds, Battoo Avenue, the preferred venue for the July edition of Pan in De Countryside.

The popular steelband activity which is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Community Development, Culture & The Arts and Pan Trinbago Inc takes place tomorrow [Saturday] from 4 p.m.

Six steel orchestras—Arima Golden Symphony, Pan Elders, Fusion Steel, bpTT Renegades, Marsicans and Southern Marines Foundation—have been selected to perform at this event. The Red Hill D’Abadie Parks Foundation Limbo dance troupe and a popular DJ will complete the list of performers.
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Web Posted - Friday July 1, 2016
When Steel Talks

Sion Hill Steel Orchestra and Arranger Seion Gomez Recapture Vincy Panorama Title in 2016

Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines  - For the 2016 St. Vincent and The Grenadines Panorama competition, the number of participating steel orchestras declined another year; only five bands – Starlift, South East, Symphonix, Sion Hill and Elite (in that order) graced the stage for this year’s show. In 2014 there were eight, and last year, seven. Nevertheless there was much great music to be had for the “steelband lover in you” on this Carnival Thursday night as Steel [Panorama] and Glitter [Mas Bands], (as the overall event is called), took place at Carnival City, Victoria Park in Kingstown.

The eventual 2016 champs Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, clad in white—the nattily-attired gentlemen in their suits with hats in some cases, and ladies complementing the presentation in one-piece off-shoulder jumpers—took to the stage in the penultimate position not too long after 10:30 p.m.
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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
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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